Print Media Guidelines
Print media is paper, transparencies, labels, envelopes, coated paper among others. Your printer provides high-quality
printing on a variety of print media. Selecting the appropriate print media for your printer helps avoid printing troubles. This
section describes how to select print media, how to care for print media, and how to load the print media in the optional 250-
sheet tray module or 500-sheet tray module.
Identifying Print Media Sources and Specifications
Paper
For the best print quality in color, use 75 g/m
2
(20 lb) xerographic, grain long paper. For the best print quality in black and
white, use 90 g/m
2
(24 lb) xerographic, grain long paper. Before buying large quantities of any print media, Dell recommends
trying a sample first.
When loading paper, identify the recommended print side on the paper package, and load the paper accordingly. See
"
Loading Print Media in Optional Trays
" and "
Loading the Multipurpose Feeder
" for detailed loading instructions.
Paper Characteristics
The following paper characteristics affect print quality and reliability. Dell recommends that you follow these guidelines when
evaluating new paper stock.
Weight
The tray automatically feeds paper weights from 60 to 105 g/m
2
(16 to 28 lb bond) grain long. The multipurpose feeder
automatically feeds paper weights from 60 to 216 g/m
2
(16 to 56 lb bond) grain long. Paper lighter than 60 g/m
2
(16 lb)
might not be stiff enough to feed properly, and could cause paper jams. For best performance, use 75 g/m
2
(20 lb bond)
grain long 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 cause feeding problems.
Smoothness
The degree of paper smoothness 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
between 150 and 250 Sheffield points produces the best print quality.
Moisture Content
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