Lexmark MC2640 Paper and Specialty Media Guide PDF - Page 25

Guidelines for selecting and using paper 25 Note: Failure to follow maintenance procedures for your printer could cause jams, poor print quality, feeding problems, and fuser problems. Duplexing labels Labels are not typically duplexed because of their special construction. However, printing on both sides of the label sheet may be possible if certain design, construction, and usage guidelines are followed. When developing a paper label for duplexing, the converter should make sure that the label is designed to protect against contamination or buildup. Contamination results in paper feed problems and jams. We recommend the use of label sheets that have a non‑adhesive border around the label area. Make sure that the release strength is enough to withstand temperatures of 225°C (437°F) and pressure up to 25 psi. Use label ties as needed. These small uncut areas (approximately 1.6 mm or 0.06 in.) help stabilize the label sheet and prevent tearing at perforations and die-cuts during printing. Label ties also prevent labels from predispensing in the printer. The slits and cuts in the labels expose the adhesives to the printer. For best results, position the label sheet so the slits and cuts are not aligned with the ribs in the duplex or redrive areas of the printer. Doing so eliminates any contact points between the label adhesive and the printer and prevents any adhesive contamination in the printer. For more information, see "Primary rib pattern design guidelines for reference edge alignment" on page 25. Load label sheets with the label end first. Use grain long paper instead of grain short paper, which tends to curl easily. If a converter develops a grain short label sheet for duplexing, then test the sheet first to make sure that it works satisfactorily. Note: We recommend testing any material with your application and printer before purchasing large quantities. To use the duplex label application, you may be required to install a fuser wiper. The wiper allows the printer to print on both sides of paper labels. To determine whether your printer requires a wiper, see "Printer-specific paper support" on page 30. Primary rib pattern design guidelines for reference edge alignment • The function of the primary rib pattern is to provide the best support to the media during transport. If the media touches a certain surface, then that surface must contain the primary rib pattern. • The feed path should guide the leading edge of the media into the primary guide surface and not the secondary surface. This alignment provides a determinate location for the leading edge of the media on the guide surface that provides the best support. • The incidence angle of the leading edge of the media as it touches the primary guide surface should be no more than 30°. This angle eliminates media stubbing on the guides and reduces the amount of energy input into the media by the guide. • The primary rib pattern is to have the rib support extending out to between 3 and 10 mm (0.12 and 0.40 in.) from the edge of the paper. For envelopes, the rib support should extend out between 2 and 10 mm (0.08 and 0.40 in.) from the edge of the envelopes. This rib support keeps the corners of the media stiff so that it cannot fold and catch other surfaces in the printer. It also prevents the corners of the media from catching the inside surface of a paper path rib.