Dell 5330dn Workgroup User's Guide - Page 70

Paper Handling Print Media Guidelines Storing Print Media Identifying Print Media Sources and Specifications Selecting an Output Location Loading Print Media in the Paper Tray Using the Multi-purpose Feeder Using the High Capacity Feeder For Standard, Optional 500 Sheet Tray and HCF Setting Paper Size Setting the Paper Type Tray Behavior Print Media Guidelines Print media is paper, card stock, transparencies, labels, and envelopes. Your printer provides high quality printing on a variety of print media. Selecting the appropriate print media for your printer helps avoid printing problems. This chapter provides information on how to make print media selections, how to care for the print media, and how to load them in the Standard Tray, Optional Trays or Multi-purpose Feeder and High Capacity Feeder. Paper For the best print quality, use 75 g/m2 (20 lb) xerographic, long grain paper. Try a sample of any paper you are considering using with the printer before buying large quantities. When loading paper, note the recommended print side on the paper package, and load paper accordingly. See "Loading Print Media in the Paper Tray" and "Using the Multi-purpose Feeder" for detailed loading instructions. Paper Characteristics The following paper characteristics affect print quality and reliability. We recommend that you follow these guidelines when evaluating new paper stock: Weight The printer can automatically feed paper weights from 60 to 120 g/m2 (16 to 32 lb bond) long grain in the paper tray. Paper lighter than 60 g/m2 (16 lb) may not be substantial enough to feed properly, causing jams. For best performance, use 75 g/m2 (20 lb bond) long grain paper. For duplex printing, use 60 to 120 g/m2 (16 to 32 lb bond) paper. Curl Curl is the tendency of print media to curve at its edges. Excessive curl can cause paper feeding problems. Curl usually occurs after the paper passes through the printer, where it is exposed to high temperatures. Storing paper unwrapped in humid conditions, even in the paper tray, can contribute to paper curling prior to printing and can cause feeding problems. Smoothness The degree of smoothness of paper directly affects print quality. If the paper is too rough, the toner does not fuse to the paper properly, resulting in poor print quality. If the paper is too smooth, it can cause paper feeding problems. Smoothness should be between 100 and 300 Sheffield points; however, smoothness between 150 and 250 Sheffield points produces the best print quality. Moisture Content The amount of moisture in the paper affects both print quality and the ability of the printer to feed the paper properly. Leave the paper in its original wrapper until you are ready to use it. This limits the exposure of the paper to moisture changes that can degrade its performance. Grain Direction