HP LaserJet 1100 HP LaserJet Printer Family - Print Media Specification Guide - Page 13

CAUTION Copier paper (plain paper) Although copier paper is often referred to as "plain," the paper is optimized to work well with the electrophotographic process that is used in photocopiers and laser printers. Copier-grade paper commands the largest volume for printing and copying, and can be relatively inexpensive. However, keep in mind that the quality and consistency of paper can vary depending on the materials, processes, and controls that the manufacturer uses. These variations can significantly affect the quality of the printed output. A very inexpensive paper might not save you money if it frequently causes multiple-sheet feeds or jams, or if it causes print-quality problems. If you are having these types of problems, you might want to consider using a different paper type or brand. Embossed and debossed paper Avoid heavily embossed or debossed papers to prevent multiple-sheet feeding that results from nesting. In addition, do not print closer than 15 mm (0.59 inch) from the embossment to prevent poor print quality and fusing (toner adhesion). The heat of the fuser can tend to flatten the embossed or debossed images. Glossy paper Glossy paper is a coated paper that is manufactured with a very smooth finish so that light is reflected off of the surface of the paper, rather than diffused. Heavy paper, cover paper, and cardstock Heavy paper generally refers to paper that is greater than 105 g/m2 in weight (heavier than 28-lb bond) and cardstock generally refers to paper that is greater than 163 g/m2 in weight (heavier than 60-lb cover, or 90-lb index). The heavier weight of these papers gives them more stiffness, which can degrade feeding reliability (typically as a result of poor pickup from the input tray). Using short-grain heavy paper in printers that feed in the portrait direction might help to avoid feed problems, because the paper is less stiff in the short-grain direction. Also, using the straightest paper path in your printer might also improve feeding reliability and print quality. Heavy paper and cardstock might also require higher fuser temperatures to adequately anchor the toner onto the surface. Different HP LaserJet printer models and their input trays support various ranges of paper weights. Some models provide optimized settings that are available in the printer driver or at the control panel. Please see the support documentation that came with your HP LaserJet printer for specific information about its capabilities and settings. Laser paper Laser paper is another premium-quality paper grade that is typically characterized by very smooth and uniform surfaces, excellent formation, heavier bond weights of 24 lb or 32 lb, and very high brightness and whiteness. These optimized properties can enhance color and monochrome halftone reproductions by providing a very uniform substrate for image transfer and fusing. However, no standards exist for "laser paper," so evaluate a specific brand to make sure that it has the qualities and performance you want. 2 Guidelines for using media 7