Hp Laserjet Printer Users Manual 7863

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print media guide

hp LaserJet printer family

*5963-7863*

*5963-7863*

5963-7863

Printed on at least

50% Total Recycled Fiber with

at least 10% Post-Consumer Paper

copyright  2000

Hewlett-Packard Company

printed in USA

english

Contents i

Contents

Overview

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

How HP LaserJet printers work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Alternate sources of information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

General Information

Guidelines for purchasing and using print media . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Types of print media to avoid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Testing small amounts of print media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Envelopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Adhesive labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Overhead transparencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Conditioning print media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Opening and loading paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Printing on both sides of the paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Preparing laser-printed mailings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Purchasing HP print media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Guidelines for shipping and storing print media . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Shipping media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Storing media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Environmental considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Troubleshooting

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Troubleshooting checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Basic troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Paper problems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Frequent paper jams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Frequent multiple paper feeds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Reducing post-image curl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

Envelope problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Frequent envelope jams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

Gray areas on envelopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Wrinkling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42

Technical specification tables

U.S. paper grades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

ii Contents

Common paper grades and basis weights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44

Weight equivalence table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Print media specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

What the specifications mean. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Envelopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51

Adhesive labels. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

Overhead tranparencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Standard media sizes used in laser printers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54

Envelopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Card stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Comparisons of paper smoothness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56

Glossary

Index

Chapter – Overview 3

Overview

Introduction

HP LaserJet printers quickly and quietly produce documents with

excellent print quality. A variety of print media, including paper,

envelopes, labels, and overhead transparencies can be used in your

HP LaserJet printer. However, to ensure consistent performance and

long-term reliability, the print media must be designed for use with

laser printers. There are many choices of high-quality print media

available to laser printer users.

This guide provides useful guidelines for selecting and using print

media that will give you the best performance with most HP LaserJet

printers. It also contains information to help troubleshoot HP LaserJet

printer problems that may be caused by poor-quality print media.

Note This document does not support HP LaserJet 2686A, HP LaserJet

Plus, HP LaserJet 500, or HP LaserJet 2000 printers. See the user

guide for each printer for information about print media specifications.

Note When HP LaserJet printers are discussed in this guide, the information

pertains to both HP Monochrome LaserJet printers and HP Color

LaserJet printers unless otherwise noted.

4How HP LaserJet printers work

How HP LaserJet printers work

HP LaserJet printers use laser and electrophotographic technologies.

To print a page in a laser printer, the print media must be picked from

the input tray one sheet at a time and transported through the paper

path. While passing through the paper path, a scanning laser beam

writes an electrostatic image onto a rotating photosensitive drum. As

this image passes the developing station, a dry, powdery toner is

attracted to the imaged areas. In an HP Color LaserJet printer, this

process is repeated for each of the four toner colors.

The developed image then advances to the transfer station where the

drum contacts the paper or other print media and the toner image is

electrostatically transferred onto the paper. After transfer, the print

media passes through the fuser where heat is applied and the toner

fuses (melts) onto the print media. The print media is then delivered

to the output bin, ready for use.

To summarize, to create the printed image the print media must be

transported through the printer, charged electrostatically, and heated.

This is why print media properties such as electrical resistivity,

caliper, finish, moisture content, and stiffness can affect the print

quality and media-handling performance of your HP LaserJet printer.

Alternate sources of information

The media manufacturer and vendor can provide you with information

about the suitability of print media for an HP LaserJet printer.

If you have tried the suggestions outlined in this document and in

your user guide and you still need assistance, call the dealer from

whom you purchased your printer. You can also obtain support

through the worldwide network of HP Sales and Service Offices. (See

the sales and service listings located in any HP LaserJet printer user

guide.)

Visit HP’s website at http://www.hp.com to find out more about your

HP printer and HP print media.

Chapter – General Information 5

General Information

Guidelines for purchasing and using

print media

HP LaserJet printers are designed to be flexible in the types of print

media they can use. However, it is advisable to use good quality

media, and specifically, HP paper that is designed to work with your

HP LaserJet printers (see "Purchasing HP print media"). This section

is designed to help you select media that works best with your HP

LaserJet printer.

Note Properties of print media are subject to change. Hewlett-Packard has

no control over such changes. The customer assumes all responsibility

for the quality and performance of media. Although testing media helps

to characterize its performance, long-term satisfaction requires

process quality control by the manufacturer and proper handling and

storage by the customer.

6Guidelines for purchasing and using print media

Types of print media to avoid

The following characteristics can affect the performance of your HP

LaserJet printer unless the paper or other print media you are using is

specifically designed to work with your HP LaserJet printer.

lPrint media that is very rough, highly textured, or heavily

embossed.

lPrint media with multipart forms.

lPrint media that offsets or discolors.

lPrint media that is damaged, curled, wrinkled, or irregularly

shaped.

lPaper that is extremely shiny or glossy.

lPaper, labels, envelopes, media coatings, dyes, or inks that

produce undesirable emissions or melt when exposed to a fusing

temperature of 205°C (401°F) for 0.1 second (0.2 second for

HP Color LaserJet printers).

lOverhead tranparency material that produces undesirable

emissions or melt when exposed to a fusing temperature of

205°C (401°F) for 0.1 second (0.4 second for HP Color LaserJet

printers).

lEnvelopes that have an open flap with the adhesive exposed so

that closing the flap seals the envelope.

lEnvelopes with clasps, snaps, tie strings, windows, or synthetic

materials. These materials can severely damage the printer.

lEnvelopes that are not square, straight, or constructed correctly

(see "Envelope construction").

lEnvelopes with a basis weight less than 60 g/m2 (16 lb) or greater

than 105 g/m2 (28 lb).

lEnvelopes with baggy construction or folds that are not sharply

creased.

Chapter – General Information 7

Testing small amounts of print media

If you are planning a large purchase of print media, first print a small

quantity in your printing environment. Subject the print media to the

temperature, humidity, and printing applications in which the print

media will be used. Hewlett-Packard recommends that you ask your

print media vendor for a guarantee that its print media will perform

satisfactorily in your HP LaserJet printer and that the vendor will

assume responsibility for the replacement of any print media that

does not print acceptably.

Note HP recommends testing print media before purchasing large

quantities.

8Guidelines for purchasing and using print media

Paper

“Plain paper” is a misnomer. All papers are designed and

manufactured for a specific use. Papers designed for the

electrophotographic process used by laser printer and copy machines

are usually called laser, photocopy, or xerographic grade papers.

High quality laser and photocopy papers are usually made from 100%

chemical wood pulp and are characterized by a smooth surface,

controlled electrical properties, heat stability, and cleanliness. These

characteristics ensure good image transfer, fusing without excessive

curl, and reliable printer operation.

Use conventional white photocopy paper for most printing. The paper

should be high quality and free of the following:

lcuts

ltears

lgrease spots

lloose particles

ldust

lwrinkles voids

lcurled or bent edges

Some print jobs require a paper with a more prestigious look or feel.

Bond papers generally have a watermark and often use cotton fiber.

These papers tend to have a rougher surface, and their properties

might not be controlled like those of photocopier papers. Your

HP LaserJet printer will print black satisfactorily on many of these

bond papers. Using this type of paper with an HP Color LaserJet

printer can degrade color print quality. However, paper manufacturers

are now making laser-grade bond papers, which have properties

optimized for laser printing.

Note Paper can meet the general specifications listed in "Print media

specifications" and still not print satisfactorily because of the printing

environment or other variables over which HP has no control.

This section contains the following two topics:

l"Reading a ream label"

l"Paper types"

Chapter – General Information 9

Reading a ream label

A ream label is placed on the outside of the paper wrapping. The

ream label usually indicates basis weight, size, number of sheets,

grain direction, and grade. The printing surface of the paper might be

indicated by an arrow on the ream label, although some

manufacturers do not specify a print side. Paper should be loaded

into the printer so that the surface indicated by the arrow will be the

printing surface. The printing surface might be facing up or down in

the input tray, depending on the printer model and the paper-feeding

source.

Manufacturer name Paper size

Basis weight Paper type

Quantity

10 Guidelines for purchasing and using print media

Paper types

This section describes the following paper types:

Recycled paper

Recycled paper is a combination of unused fibers and pre- and post-

consumer waste paper. Printed waste paper is usually washed to

remove most of the inks and other contaminants. A recycled sheet of

paper might contain dark specks or appear gray or dirty. Choose

recycled paper that meets the same specifications as standard paper

(see "Print media specifications") and that has an appearance

suitable for your needs. HP recommends that recycled paper contain

no more than 5% groundwood.

Archival paper

Paper used for archiving must meet the same specifications as

standard paper; however, the pH should be no less than 7.0. Some

archival demands are more stringent than others, requiring a specific

degree of alkalinity and chemical stability. Toner is chemically stable

and should last as long as the paper does. Toner can be degraded by

petroleum-based solvents or plasticizers, such as those found in vinyl

folders.

Avoid folding archival documents across printed areas or handling

archival documents roughly. Discuss archival requirements with your

paper supplier.

Colored paper

You can use colored paper in your HP LaserJet printer as long as

the paper meets the same specifications as standard paper

(see "Print media specifications").

The HP Color LaserJet printers are optimal when printing on white

paper. You also can use an HP Color LaserJet printer to print on

colored paper that meets all the specifications listed in this guide.

However, colored paper can change the appearance of the printed

colors. This is because HP Color LaserJet printers create colors by

printing a pattern of dots, overlaying and varying their spacing to

produce various colors. When these colors are printed on colored

media, the shade or color of the media will vary the shades of your

printed colors. Because the printer cannot sense what color paper

lRecycled paper lSpecialty or converted paper

lArchival paper lPreprinted forms and letterhead

lColored paper lEmbossed and debossed paper

lCoated paper

Chapter – General Information 11

you are using, it cannot adjust the output colors for colored paper. To

manually adjust the output colors, see the service manual for your

printer.

Coated paper

Clay or other pigment-coated papers must be specifically designed

for laser printers. The electrical properties must be controlled and the

surface designed not to blister during fusing, and the coating must not

flake or shed particles that can contaminate the printer.

Some chemically coated papers such as carbonless paper can cause

swelling of rollers, damage to the paper path, or buildup on the fuser,

and can produce undesirable emissions. These papers can result in

unsatisfactory performance and poor reliability, and their use is not

recommended.

Specialty or converted paper

Paper that undergoes converting processes before being used in

your laser printer must be properly designed and manufactured to

ensure acceptable performance. Converting processes include

preprinting, engraving, die-cutting, perforating, folding, gluing,

embossing, and debossing. These processes use many different

inks, materials, tools, and techniques and it is recommend that you

make sure your converter or supplier knows that the media will be

used in a laser printer. Ask for a guarantee of acceptable

performance.

Media that have perforations or cutouts can be printed successfully

on your HP LaserJet printer. However, these media must be properly

designed and manufactured to avoid feed or contamination problems.

12 Guidelines for purchasing and using print media

Cutout: The area where material has been removed by punching or

die-cutting. Cutouts can interact with paper path sensors or can

result in contamination from toner if printing is too close to a cutout

location.

Perforations: A series of holes or slits made in media to provide a

controlled tear for separating one portion of the sheet from another. It

is recommended that micro-perfs be used, as they provide better

strength and reduce nesting, debris, and dusting.

The following guidelines should be considered when working with a

knowledgeable vendor in developing media that will have perforations

or die-cuts:

lPunch cutouts and perforations from the side to be printed so that

edge trimmings will not scratch the photosensitive drum.

lRound all corners of a cutout to prevent snagging or, in the case

of labels, peeling.

lEnsure that die-cutting of labels does not penetrate the liner

sheet.

lEnsure that cutouts are not made at a position where paper path

sensors are located.

lDo not print closer than 10 mm (0.394 in) to a cutout edge or

perforation to avoid toner contamination.

lAll cuts should be clean (no burrs) with no edge rollover to

prevent nesting, poor feeding, or contamination.

lOrient perforations in the direction of paper feeding to minimize

tenting or feeding problems from reduced stiffness.

lDo not run perforations closer than 2 mm (0.0788 in) from the

paper edge or 25 mm (0.985 in) from the leading edge, or

jamming and feeding problems can result.

Chapter – General Information 13

Preprinted forms and letterhead

To avoid multiple-feed and jamming problems when using preprinted

forms, embossed paper, and letterhead paper, observe the following

guidelines:

lAvoid using low-temperature inks (the kind used with some types

of thermography).

lUse forms and letterhead paper printed by offset lithography or

engraving.

lPrint forms with heat-resistant inks that will not melt, vaporize, or

release undesirable emissions when heated to 205° C (401° F)

for 0.1 second (0.2 second for HP Color LaserJet printers).

Typically, oxidation-set or oil-based inks meet this requirement.

lWhen the form is preprinted, be careful not to change the

moisture content of the paper, and do not use materials that

change the paper’s electrical or handling properties. Seal the

forms in moisture-proof wrap to prevent moisture changes during

storage.

lAvoid processing preprinted forms with a finish or coating.

lAvoid using heavily embossed or raised-letterhead papers.

lAvoid papers with heavily textured surfaces.

lAvoid using offset powders or other materials to prevent printed

forms from sticking together.

Embossed and debossed paper

Avoid heavily embossed or debossed papers because multiple sheet

feeding can occur from nesting. Do not print closer than 15 mm

(0.591 in) from the embossment to prevent poor print quality and

fusing (toner adhesion). The fuser can tend to iron flat the embossed

or debossed images.

14 Guidelines for purchasing and using print media

Envelopes

CAUTION HP Color LaserJet and HP Color LaserJet 5 printers do not support

envelopes. Printing envelopes can damage the printer. See the user

guide that came with your printer for detailed instructions about printing

envelopes.

You can print many sizes and styles of envelopes on most

HP LaserJet printers by using manual feed, a multipurpose (MP) tray,

an optional envelope tray, or an optional envelope feeder. Whichever

input method you use, envelopes should meet all specifications

discussed in this document. Your envelope vendor should provide

you with a satisfactory envelope that complies with the specifications

listed in "Print media specifications". However, folding inconsistencies

or other process control problems can result in some envelopes

feeding well and others jamming. Purchase envelopes that have the

quality and consistency your printer requires.

Note Envelopes can meet the general specifications listed in "Print media

specifications" and still not print satisfactorily because of the printing

environment or other variables over which HP has no control.

CAUTION Envelopes containing windows, clasps, or snaps can cause severe

damage to the printer. See the printer user guide before using

envelopes in your HP LaserJet printer.

This section contains the following two topics:

l"Envelope construction"

l"Results of envelope testing"

Chapter – General Information 15

Envelope construction

Because of their construction, some envelopes will not feed through

the printer dependably. Observe the following guidelines when

purchasing and using envelopes:

lMake sure the envelope’s leading edge, which enters the printer

first, is straight, with a sharp, well-creased fold that has no more

than two thicknesses of paper. Envelopes that exceed 90 g/m2

(24 lb) basis weight can cause jamming.

lAvoid using flimsy envelopes with thick or curved leading edges;

they will not feed reliably.

lEnvelopes should lie flat and should not be wrinkled, nicked, or

otherwise damaged.

lAvoid envelopes with baggy construction; they might wrinkle

while going through the printer’s fuser assembly.

lMake sure that the adhesive labels used on envelopes will not

scorch, melt, offset, or release undesirable emissions when

heated to 205° C (401° F) for 0.1 second (0.2 second for HP

Color LaserJet printers).

lAvoid using envelopes with encapsulated adhesives that do not

require moistening, but rely instead on pressure to seal them.

lDo not use envelopes with clasps, snaps, tie strings, transparent

windows, holes, perforations, or cutouts.

lDo not use envelopes that have any adhesive surfaces exposed

to the printer.

lFinishes such as wove or smooth are recommended to ensure

good toner adhesion on envelopes.

16 Guidelines for purchasing and using print media

Many envelopes will feed through your HP LaserJet printer without

problems. However, some envelope constructions (as shown in the

figure below) will not feed reliably. Problems can occur when the

envelopes are folded more tightly than normal, causing a thick

leading edge near a corner. Folding inconsistencies at the

manufacturer can cause some envelopes to feed well and others to

jam. Purchase envelopes with the quality and consistency that you

require.

Good construction Bad construction

Chapter – General Information 17

Results of envelope testing

HP tests many types of envelopes to determine which ones print

acceptably in an HP LaserJet printer. Some of the test results are

listed below.

lCommercial or Official envelopes (also called Business or

Regular), with diagonal seams and standard gummed flaps,

performed the most reliably.

lEnvelopes with double-sided seam construction, which have

vertical seams at both ends of the envelope instead of diagonal

seams, tend to be more flimsy than diagonal-seam envelopes.

Double-side seam envelopes tend to jam or wrinkle unless the

edges are thin and sharply creased. However, a variety of

double-sided seam envelopes have performed acceptably during

testing.

lEnvelopes with a peel-off adhesive strip, or with more than one

flap that folds over for sealing, must use adhesives compatible

with the heat and pressure of the printer’s fusing process. Many

varieties of this type of envelope performed satisfactorily in HP

testing; however, the extra flaps and strips can result in increased

jamming or wrinkling.

lGenerally, feeding problems increase with envelope size. Larger

envelope sizes (C5, B5) cannot have a basis weight greater than

105 g/m2 (28 lb).

lRougher finishes such as laid, linen, or cockle can result in poor

fusing due to poor contact between the hot fusing roll and the

bumpy surface.

18 Guidelines for purchasing and using print media

Adhesive labels

Labels are multiple-layer media typically consisting of a face sheet

(the printable surface), pressure-sensitive adhesive, and a liner (a

carrier sheet coated with a release agent). Labels used in your HP

LaserJet printer must be specifically designed for laser printers. If

labels other than those compatible with laser printers are used, there

is a significant risk of labels peeling or adhesive contamination that

can severely damage your printer. All materials in laser label stock

must be compatible with the heat and pressure of the fusing process,

and must not melt or release undesirable emissions when heated to

205°C (401°F) for 0.1 second (0.2 second for HP Color LaserJet

printers).

CAUTION Not all HP Color LaserJet printers support printing on labels. Refer to

your user guide to determine if your printer supports labels.

Consider the information in this section when choosing label stock.

Face sheet

The face sheet is the printable surface on a sheet of adhesive labels

and can be made from different materials including paper, polyester,

and vinyl. It is common for a face sheet to be die-cut so that

individual shapes can be removed after printing. Polyester and vinyl

labels require a topcoat to provide the proper electrical and toner

adhesion properties. It is important to purchase labels from a

knowledgeable converter who familiar with these processes and laser

printing.

Adhesives

Different adhesives can provide removable, permanent, or semi-

permanent fixturing of the face sheet onto the item being labeled.

Generally, acrylic-based adhesives are preferred for laser printing

because they can be applied in very thin layers to prevent oozing and

contamination, and can be made compatible with the heat and

pressure of fusing. Improved processes are being developed to

minimize adhesive contamination such as zone coating or stripped

matrix. Zone coating recesses the adhesive around the border of a

die-cut, and stripped matrix prevents adhesive from oozing between

the die-cut labels. The adhesive and liner must provide adequate

release strength so that labels will not peel during printing.

Chapter – General Information 19

Liner

The liner is the carrier sheet for the label material. This must provide

stability for the reliable pick-up and transport of the label stock

through the printer.

Recommendations

lRegularly inspect your labels after printing for any indication of

label edges lifting or adhesive contamination on the print surface.

If either of these problems are observed, it is recommended that

you discontinue use of that box or lot number and discuss the

problem with your label supplier.

lIf many sheets of labels are being continuously run, periodically

run several sheets of paper through the printer to clean any

contamination on label stock that might have deposited.

lRun full sheets of labels. Reprinting unused portions can

increase the risk of label peeling and adhesive contamination.

20 Guidelines for purchasing and using print media

Overhead transparencies

Overhead transparency film must be designed specifically for use

with laser printers. Photocopy transparency film might not be

compatible with laser printers because of higher temperature and

stiffness requirements. Color laser printers also require different film

than monochrome printers for proper color reproduction and fusing

needs.

Overhead transparency film is very smooth and must have a topcoat

to provide the proper electrical and toner adhesion properties. A

transparency that is made of poor materials or that is too thin can

easily melt in the fuser and damage your printer. The thickness

requirement for monochrome overhead transparency film is 0.10 to

0.11 mm (4.1 to 4.3 mils) and for color is 0.12 to 0.13 mm (4.8 to

5.2 mils).

Overhead transparency materials must be compatible with the heat

and pressure of the fusing process. Materials must not discolor,

offset, or release undesirable emissions when heated to 205°C

(401°F) for 0.1 second (0.4 second for HP Color LaserJet printers).

See your HP LaserJet printer user guide for detailed instructions on

using overhead transparencies. See "Overhead tranparencies" in the

"Print media specifications" section for more information.

See "HP LaserJet Black & White Transparency" or "HP Color

LaserJet Transparency" for information about ordering

HP transparencies.

Chapter – General Information 21

Conditioning print media

After purchasing print media, you might have to prepare it for usage.

Print media needs some time to stabilize in a new environment. To

prepare print media, keep it in its protective packaging and store it in

the environment in which it will be used. For small quantities, such as

one or two reams, store the print media for one to two days. For

larger quantities or if the change in the environment is large, a week

or more may be needed.

If print media is not properly prepared, the edges in the ream can

become wavy or the sheets can curl soon after opening the package.

Opening and loading paper

Follow this suggested process when opening and loading paper:

1Place the ream of paper on a flat surface with the seam side up.

2Read the ream label located on the outside of the paper wrapping

and note the direction of the arrow that indicates the preferred

print side (if there is one). See "Reading a ream label".

3Open the paper wrapping and inspect for any damage to the

sheets such as bent corners, wrinkles, nicked edges, or glue

contamination. Discard any damaged sheets.

4Handle the stack of paper as little as possible before loading it as

a single stack. (Fanning the paper or separating the paper into

several stacks creates air pockets between sheets that may

cause multi-feeds.)

Printing on both sides of the paper

Two-sided printing, also known as duplex printing can be either an

automatic or a manual process.

Note The print quality for color duplex printing has been optimized for 90 g/

m2 (24 lb) and heavier paper.

Automatic duplexing

Automatic duplexing requires an HP LaserJet printer designed

especially for duplex printing. For example, when duplexing on the

Color LaserJet 8500 printer, 90 g/m2 to 105 g/m2 (24 lb to 28 lb)

media is recommended. Adhesive labels, envelopes, and overhead

tranparencies cannot be duplexed.

22 Guidelines for purchasing and using print media

Manual duplexing

Manual duplex printing, in which sheets that already have been

printed are refed into the printer, requires both operator and software

intervention. (See the software application user guide for more

information.) Hewlett-Packard recommends manually refeeding

sheets only through the manual feed slot, the MultiPurpose (MP)

tray, or tray 1. Do not refeed sheets from the paper cassette trays.

Using the paper cassette trays can cause jams, misfeeds, and print-

quality problems.

Preparing laser-printed mailings

Laser printing technology is being used by more and more postal

customers to prepare their mailings. Laser printers produce

high-quality images; offer advantages in speed, flexibility, and size;

and are the printers of choice for smaller companies and in-home

businesses.

Unlike offset printers, in which the ink is absorbed into the paper,

laser printers use heat to fuse a plastic toner to the surface of the

paper. Because of this difference, Hewlett-Packard recommends that

our customers use the following guidelines to produce quality

laser-printed products for mailings:

1Ensure that the manufacturer’s recommended toner is used for

the laser printer. Many aftermarket toners do not comply with the

manufacturer’s original specifications. Hewlett-Packard cannot

predict or guarantee the performance of non-HP consumables in

HP products.

2Paper selection is critical. Several manufacturers have papers

that are specifically formulated for their printers. Good laser

printer papers have the following properties:

•Basis weight of 24 lb (90 g/m2)

•Thickness from 4 mils to 4.7 mils (0.004 in to 0.0047 in)

•Smoothness from 100 to 150 Sheffield

In our testing and in the United States Postal Service (USPS)

testing, the new HP LaserJet Paper has been found to be one of

the best of the commodity-grade papers available. The only

comparably performing papers we tested were specialty papers

not usually suited to standard business use.

3Avoid preparing laser-printed sheets as folded self-mailers. The

laser-printed sheets should be mailed in envelopes. The

envelopes should have an edge or end seam and a minimum

basis weight of 24 lb (90 g/m2).

Chapter – General Information 23

4Pre-bar code and presort all envelopes. Meter the envelopes or

use precanceled stamps. (In addition to helping in the overall

performance of the laser-printed document, bar coding and

presorting can offer advantageous postal charges. Please

contact your USPS business office to find out more about this.)

5Avoid text-on-text contact. This can be avoided by printing

single-sided, and then folding the document with the fold to the

outside. Text will contact only the inside of the envelope or the

back side of the printed sheets. If text-on-text contact cannot be

avoided, use a thin insert such as onion skin to separate the

printed sheets.

6Ensure that all mailpieces placed in a tray and presented at the

retail window or Bulk Mail Acceptance Unit (BMAU). Avoid

placing laser-printed mail into collection boxes or chutes.

24 Guidelines for purchasing and using print media

Purchasing HP print media

In the United States you can purchase HP Paper and Tranparencies

through HP’s website at http://www.hp.com/ljsupplies/ or contact your

local reseller. To order outside of the U.S., please contact your local

sales office.

This section lists the current HP papers and tranparencies available:

lHP LaserJet Black & White Transparency

lHP Color LaserJet Transparency

lHP LaserJet Soft Gloss Paper

lHP Premium Choice LaserJet Paper

lHP LaserJet Paper

lHP Printing Paper

lHP MultiPurpose Paper

lHP Office Paper

lHP Office Recycled Paper

HP LaserJet Black & White Transparency

Type: 4.3 mm (0.169 in) thickness

Compatible with: HP LaserJet black and white printers

Suggested use: Overhead presentations, and report and manual

covers

HP Color LaserJet Transparency

Type: 5 mm (0.197 in) thickness

Compatible with: HP Color LaserJet printers

Suggested use: Overhead presentations, and report and manual

covers

Size Quantity HP part number

Letter

216 by 279 mm

(8.5 by 11 in)

50 sheets per box 92296T

A4

210 by 297 mm

(8.3 by 11.7 in)

50 sheets per box 92296U

Size Quantity HP part number

Chapter – General Information 25

HP LaserJet Soft Gloss Paper

Type: 32 lb weight, coated paper

Compatible with: HP Color LaserJet printers and HP LaserJet black

and white printers

Suggested use: Documents with photographic images or graphics

and charts, engineering designs, brochures, sales material,

pamphlets, and calendars

HP Premium Choice LaserJet Paper

Type: 32 lb weight / 98 brightness

Compatible with: HP Color LaserJet printers, HP LaserJet black

and white printers, and color copiers

Suggested use: Hardcopy presentations, business plans, reports,

proposals, data sheets, price lists, and newsletters

Letter 50 sheets per box C2934A

A4

210 by 297 mm

(8.3 by 11.7 in)

50 sheets per box C2936A

Size Quantity HP part number

Letter

216 by 279 mm

(8.5 by 11 in)

50 sheets per box C4179A

A4

210 by 297 mm

(8.3 by 11.7 in)

50 sheets per box C4179B

Size Quantity HP part number

Letter

216 by 279 mm

(8.5 by 11 in)

500 sheets per ream

10-ream carton HPU1132

Tabloid

279 by 432 mm

(11 by 17 in)

250 sheets per ream

6-ream carton HPU1732

A4

210 by 297 mm

(8.3 by 11.7 in)

500 sheets per ream

4-ream carton CHP410

26 Guidelines for purchasing and using print media

A4

210 by 297 mm

(8.3 by 11.7 in)

250 sheets per ream

8-ream carton CHP415

A3

297 by 420 mm

(11.7 by 16.5 in)

500 sheets per ream

4-ream carton CHP420

Chapter – General Information 27

HP LaserJet Paper

Type: 24 lb weight / 96 brightness

Compatible with: HP Color LaserJet printers and HP LaserJet black

and white printers

Suggested use: Letterhead, high-value memos, legal documents,

and direct mail or correspondence

Size Quantity HP part number

Letter

216 by 279 mm

(8.5 by 11 in)

500 sheets per ream

10-ream carton HPJ1124

Letter

216 by 279 mm

(8.5 by 11 in)

200 sheets per ream

12-ream carton HPJ200C

Letter, three hole

216 by 279 mm

(8.5 by 11 in)

500 sheets per ream

10-ream carton HPJ113H

Legal

216 by 356 mm

(8.5 by 14 in)

500 sheets per ream

10-ream carton HPJ1424

Tabloid

279 by 432 mm

(11 by 17 in)

500 sheets per ream

5-ream carton HPJ1724

A4

210 by 297 mm

(8.3 by 11.7 in)

500 sheets per ream

5-ream carton CPH310

28 Guidelines for purchasing and using print media

HP Printing Paper

Type: 22 lb weight / 92 brightness

Compatible with: HP Color LaserJet printers, HP LaserJet black

and white printers, and HP InkJet printers

Suggested use: Correspondence, and all documents printed with

HP LaserJet and InkJet technology

Size Quantity HP part number

Letter

216 by 279 mm

(8.5 by 11 in)

500 sheets per ream

10-ream carton HPP1122

Tabloid

279 by 432 mm

(11 by 17 in)

500 sheets per ream

10-ream carton HPP1722

A4

210 by 297 mm

(8.3 by 11.7 in)

500 sheets per ream

5-ream carton CHP210

A3

297 by 420 mm

(11.7 by 16.5 in)

500 sheets per ream

5-ream carton CHP220

Chapter – General Information 29

HP MultiPurpose Paper

Type: 20 lb weight / 90 brightness

Compatible with: HP Color LaserJet printers, HP LaserJet black

and white printers, copiers, and fax machines

Suggested use: Copier and fax needs, correspondence, drafts,

memos, and e-mails

Size Quantity HP part number

Letter

216 by 279 mm

(8.5 by 11 in)

500 sheets per ream

10-ream carton HPM1120

Letter

216 by 279 mm

(8.5 by 11 in)

500 sheets per ream

5-ream carton HPM115R

Letter

216 by 279 mm

(8.5 by 11 in)

250 sheets per ream

12-ream carton HP25011

Letter, three-hole

216 by 279 mm

(8.5 by 11 in)

500 sheets per ream

10-ream cartons HPM113H

Legal

216 by 356 mm

(8.5 by 14 in)

500 sheets per ream

10-ream carton HPM1420

Tabloid

279 by 432 mm

(11 by 17 in)

500 sheets per ream

5-ream carton HPM1720

30 Guidelines for purchasing and using print media

HP Office Paper

Type: 20 lb weight / 84 brightness

Compatible with: All office equipment, such as laser and inkjet

printers, copiers, and fax machines

Suggested use: Copier and fax needs and high volume printing

Size Quantity HP part number

Letter

216 by 279 mm

(8.5 by 11 in)

500 sheets per ream

10-ream carton HPC8511

Letter, three hole

216 by 279 mm

(8.5 by 11 in)

500 sheets per ream

10-ream carton HPC3HP

Letter

216 by 279 mm

(8.5 by 11 in)

Quick Pack

2,500 sheets per carton HP2500S

Legal

216 by 356 mm

(8.5 by 14 in)

500 sheets per ream

10-ream carton HPC8514

Tabloid

279 by 432 mm

(11 by 17 in)

500 sheets per ream

5-ream carton HPC1117

A4

210 by 297 mm

(8.3 by 11.7 in)

500 sheets per ream

5-ream carton CHP110

A3

297 by 420 mm

(11.7 by 16.5 in)

500 sheets per ream

5-ream carton CHP120

Chapter – General Information 31

HP Office Recycled Paper

Type: 20 lb weight / 84 brightness

Compatible with: All office equipment, such as Laser and inkjet

printers, copiers, and fax machines

Suggested use: Copier and fax needs and high volume printing

Size Quantity HP part number

Letter

216 by 279 mm

(8.5 by 11 in)

500 sheets per ream

10-ream carton HPE1120

Letter, three hole

216 by 279 mm

(8.5 by 11 in)

500 sheets per ream

10-ream carton HPE113H

Legal

216 by 356 mm

(8.5 by 14 in)

500 sheets per ream

10-ream carton HPE1420

32 Guidelines for shipping and storing print media

Guidelines for shipping and storing print media

The performance of HP LaserJet printers depends on the condition of

the print media used. This section contains recommendations for

shipping and storing media, and provides information about

environmental effects on media.

Shipping media

When shipping print media through different environments, use

plastic wrap to wrap all cartons on the shipping pallet. When shipping

media across bodies of water, also wrap individual cartons.

Packaging must protect the media from physical damage.

Storing media

Follow these guidelines when stacking and storing print media:

lDO NOT store cartons or reams directly on the floor; place

cartons on a pallet or on shelves.

lDO NOT store individual reams in a manner that will result in

curling or warping.

lRewrap partially used packages of media before storing.

lDO NOT stack more than six cartons on top of each other.

lStack each carton squarely on top of the one underneath.

lStack each carton upright.

lDO NOT place anything on top of media, regardless of whether

the paper is packaged or unpackaged.

lStore envelopes in a protective box to avoid damaging the

envelope edges.

lKeep stored media away from extremes in temperature and

humidity.

lDO NOT store printed documents in vinyl folders (which can

contain plasticizers) and do not expose the documents to

petroleum-based solvents.

Chapter – General Information 33

Environmental considerations

HP LaserJet printers are designed to operate in a wide range of

environmental conditions. For best performance, store and use media

at 20° to 24° C (68° to 75° F), with a relative humidity of 45 to 55

percent. Follow these guidelines when media is used in an

environment outside those temperature and humidity ranges:

lDO NOT expose the media to extremes in humidity or

temperature. If media is left unwrapped or in the printer input tray,

extreme changes in the environment will cause the media

assume unwanted characteristics.

lIn the case of extreme humidity, keep paper and envelopes

tightly wrapped in plastic.

If a significant temperature difference occurs between the media

storage area and the printer’s operating environment, allow the media

time to adjust to the temperature in the printer’s operating

environment before unwrapping it. The greater the temperature

difference and the greater the amount of media to acclimate, the

longer this time period should be. Allow one day for every 10° C

(20°F) difference in temperature between storage environment and

printing environment.

34 Guidelines for shipping and storing print media

Chapter – Troubleshooting 35

Troubleshooting

Introduction

Print-quality and media-handling problems usually result from print

media that does not meet the specifications described in this guide,

has been stored improperly, or is not in good condition.

The following sections further explain the possible causes of and

solutions to print media problems.

36 Troubleshooting checklist

Troubleshooting checklist

Ask the following questions to determine if the print media is causing

print-quality problems:

lDoes your media meet the specifications outlined in this

document? (See "Types of print media to avoid" and "Print media

specifications".)

lIs the media in good condition? Is the media bent or wrinkled?

lAre you using the printing procedures outlined in the printer user

guide?

lAre you observing correct practices when handling media? (See

the guidelines in your printer user guide for loading media.)

lAre your print-quality problems isolated to a specific type of

media?

lDid you check the following aspects of the environment in which

the printer operates? See "Environmental considerations".

•temperature

•humidity

•exposure to sunlight

•cleanliness

Chapter – Troubleshooting 37

Basic troubleshooting

If you cannot determine the cause of your print defects by using

information from the previous section, try the following procedures:

1Try print media from another lot or from a different manufacturer.

2Flip the paper over in the input tray, or turn it from front to rear

(both, if necessary).

3If you have an envelope print-quality problem, print a sheet of

paper to determine if the problem is caused by the variable

thickness of your envelope.

•If the paper’s print quality is good, re-examine your envelope

and see "Envelope construction" for more information.

•If the paper’s print quality is poor, you might have a printer

problem. See the documentation that came with your printer

for further troubleshooting.

4Read the rest of this Troubleshooting section for further

troubleshooting information, perform the maintenance

procedures recommended in your printer user guide, or see the

troubleshooting section in your printer user guide.

38 Paper problems

Paper problems

This section provides information about conditions that can indicate

paper problems. These conditions include high occurrences of jams,

high numbers of multiple feeds, and post-image curl.

CAUTION Do not reuse jammed paper. Doing so can damage the printer.

Frequent paper jams

The following table lists possible causes of frequent paper jams and

suggested actions.

Note To recover from a paper jam, follow the directions listed in your

HP LaserJet printer user guide.

Cause Action(s)

Paper is too stiff or heavy. Heavy

or stiff paper might not be able to

negotiate the paper path or be

picked up from the input tray.

lMake sure the paper does not

exceed the basis weight listed for

your printer as specified in the user

documentation for your printer.

lManually feed the paper into the

printer.

lUse the correct output bin, as shown

in your printer user guide.

lUse a lighter-weight paper.

Paper is too smooth or too rough. lChange the paper type or manually

feed the paper into the printer. See

your printer user guide for the correct

output tray selection.

Paper is not cut to specification.

This can cause poor print

alignment, misstacking, improper

fit in the input tray, or difficulties

for the paper sensors.

lChange the paper type or try another

ream of paper.

Paper is too light or too flimsy. lMake sure the paper meets the

specifications listed for basis weight

in "Print media specifications".

Paper adjustments are set

incorrectly in the printer.

lMake sure all paper adjustments

have been set correctly. See the user

documentation for your printer for

more information.

Chapter – Troubleshooting 39

Frequent multiple paper feeds

The following table lists possible causes of frequent multiple paper

feeds and suggested actions.

Cause Action(s)

Paper is added in small amounts

to the input tray.

lAdd only large amounts of paper to

the input tray, and avoid mixing paper

types in the input tray.

Paper is too dry, not moist

enough. (Insufficient moisture

makes paper less conductive

and creates static buildup.

lTry another ream of paper.

lChange the paper type.

lMake sure that the paper is properly

acclimated (see "Conditioning print

media").

Paper is too light or too thin. lChange the paper type.

Paper is too smooth or too rough.

Surfaces tend to interlock or stick

together.

lChange the paper type.

Paper is embossed or has raised

letterhead.

lChange the paper type.

Paper adjustments are set

incorrectly.

lMake sure all paper adjustments

have been set correctly. See the user

documentation for your printer for

more information.

Paper sticks together at the

edges (edgeweld). Edgeweld is

caused by the use of dull cutting

blades during the manufacturing

process.

lBend the paper in an upside-down “u”

shape to break the weld.

lTry a different ream of paper.

lTry a different paper manufacturer.

40 Paper problems

Reducing post-image curl

When an HP LaserJet printer prints a sheet of paper, the sheet

develops a curvature called post-image curl. Generally, the higher the

moisture content of the paper, the greater the curl.

Both the paper and the printer affect the amount of post-image curl. In

the papermaking process, stresses that can cause curl are

manufactured into the paper, so different papers will have differing

amounts of post-image curl. In the printing process, the paper is

subjected to the heat and pressure of the fusing assembly as well as

to the contours of the paper path.

Cause Action(s)

Paper is too moist, resulting in

waviness or curl.

lPrint to the face-up output bin. (This

option is not available with some

printers.)

lTurn the paper stack over or turn it

around in the input tray to reverse the

direction of the paper.

lChange to a different type or brand of

paper.

lYou may need to acclimate the paper

to your environment to diminish

differences in heat and moisture. See

"Conditioning print media".

lFollow the storage and handling

specifications in this document. (See

"Guidelines for shipping and storing

print media".)

lOn HP Color LaserJet printers,

reduce toner coverage by using

dither patterns rather than solid fill.

lThe grain of the paper can affect the

curl of the paper. Therefore, if you are

feeding the paper in landscape mode

(horizontally) and are experiencing

curl, try feeding the paper in portrait

mode (vertically).

Chapter – Troubleshooting 41

Envelope problems

High rates of jams, gray areas printing on envelopes, or wrinkling can

indicate problems with envelopes.

Frequent envelope jams

Overfilling the envelope tray and misadjusting its guides are the most

common causes of jams. However, if the envelope tray is properly

loaded, the envelopes might be causing the problems.

To recover from an envelope jam, follow the directions listed in your

HP LaserJet printer user guide.

CAUTION Do not reuse jammed envelopes. Doing so can damage the printer.

Cause Action(s)

Envelopes are poorly

manufactured.

lMake sure the leading edge is

straight, with a sharp, well-creased

fold. The envelope must not have

more than two thicknesses of paper

along any leading edge. The folded

layers of paper should form a point at

the leading-edge corners (see the

figure in "Envelope construction").

lPurchase envelopes that are

manufactured correctly, or run the

side of a pen or pencil over the

envelope edges to flatten them.

Envelopes are not creased

sufficiently to have sharp edges.

lCrease the leading edge of the

envelope with the side of a pen or

pencil, or change to a different type or

brand.

Envelopes are wrinkled, bent, or

curled.

lUse envelopes with edges that are

thin and sharply creased.

Envelopes are too stiff or heavy.

Stiff or heavy envelopes cannot

negotiate the paper path or be

picked up from the envelope tray.

lUse a lighter-weight envelope. Do not

exceed 105 g/m2 (28 lb).

Envelopes are too smooth (not

enough friction for transport) or

too rough

lChange to a different type of

envelope.

Envelope is inserted too far into

the manual feed slot.

lInsert the envelope only until you feel

a slight resistance.

42 Envelope problems

Gray areas on envelopes

Wrinkling

Wrinkles that form in envelopes after printing usually are caused by

the following envelope conditions:

Cause Action(s)

Envelope has seams or multiple

layers.

lAvoid printing over seams or other

multiple layer areas.

The toner density setting in the

printing software might be too

light.

lReduce background (gray shading in

non-imaged areas) by adjusting the

toner density setting of the print to a

darker setting. See the

documentation that came with your

printer.

Cause Action(s)

Loose envelope construction. lTry different envelopes that are better

constructed. See "Envelope

construction" for characteristics of

good envelope construction.

Folds are not sharply creased. lTry different envelopes that are better

constructed. See "Envelope

construction" for characteristics of

good envelope construction.

Low weight/low strength paper

used in envelope construction.

lTry different envelopes that are better

constructed. See "Envelope

construction" for characteristics of

good envelope construction.

High moisture content. lYou may need to acclimate the

envelope to your environment to

diminish differences in heat and

moisture. See "Conditioning print

media".

– Technical specification tables 43

Technical specification

tables

U.S. paper grades

The U.S. paper grading system has evolved from custom and usage,

resulting in similar papers having differently stated weights. For

example, a 24-lb bond paper is exactly the same weight as a 60-lb

book paper, or a 60-lb text, or a 33-lb cover. This is because basis

weight is defined as the weight of 500 sheets of paper cut to basic

size. The basic size for bond, book/text, cover, index, bristol, and tag

are all different, so the given weights for these paper grades can be

different although the physical weight is virtually identical. The tables

in this section help clarify these differences. Note the difference in

basic size for each grade, which affects the weight of 500 sheets of

that grade.

44 U.S. paper grades

Common paper grades and basis weights

The following table helps clarify differences in weights among paper

grades. Note the difference in basic size for each grade, which affects

the weight of 500 sheets of that grade.

Note The specifications in the following table are general and may not be

optimal for your HP LaserJet printer. Refer to the documentation that

came with your HP LaserJet printer.

Paper grade Basic size Basic area Factor Equivalent basis

weights (example)

Bond 432 by 559 mm

(17 by 22 in)

.241 m2

(374.0 sq. in)

1.00 24# bond

Text 635 by 965 mm

(25 by 38 in)

.613 m2

(950.0 sq. in)

2.54 61# text

Book (coated or

uncoated) 635 by 965 mm

(25 by 38 in)

.613 m2

(950.0 sq. in)

2.54 61# book

Cover 508 by 660 mm

(20 by 26 in)

.335 m2

(520.0 sq. in)

1.39 33# cover

Bristol 571 by 724 mm

(22.5 by 28.5 in)

.414 m2

(641.25 sq. in)

1.71 41# bristol

Index 648 by 775 mm

(25.5 by 30.5 in)

.502 m2

(777.75 sq. in)

2.08 50# index

Tag 610 by 910 mm

(24 by 36 in)

.557 m2

(864.0 sq. in)

2.31 55# tag

Metric weight none none 3.76 90 g/m2

– Technical specification tables 45

Weight equivalence table

The following table shows equivalent weights for different grades of

paper. A bolded value indicates a commonly available standard

weight for that grade.

Note Text and book grades marked with an asterisk (*) actually calculate to

51, 61, 71, and 81 but are rounded to standard book/text weights of

50, 60, 70 and, 80.

Bond wt.

(17 x 22 in) Text/Book wt.

(25 x 38 in) Cover wt.

(20 x 26 in)

Bristol wt.

(22.5 x

28.5 in)

Index wt.

(25.5 x

30.5 in)

Tag wt.

(24 x 36 in) Metric

wt.

16# 41# 22# 27# 33# 37# 60 g/m2

17# 43# 24# 29# 35# 39# 64 g/m2

20# 50# * 28# 34# 42# 46# 75 g/m2

21# 54# 30# 36# 44# 49# 80 g/m2

24# 60# * 33# 41# 50# 55# 90 g/m2

27# 68# 37# 45# 55# 61# 100 g/m2

28# 70# * 39# 49# 58# 65# 105 g/m2

29# 74# 41# 50# 61# 68# 110 g/m2

32# 80# * 44# 55# 67# 74# 120 g/m2

36# 90# 50# 62# 75# 83# 135 g/m2

39# 100# 55# 67# 82# 91# 148 g/m2

40# 101# 55# 68# 83# 92# 150 g/m2

43# 110# 60# 74# 90# 100# 163 g/m2

45# 115# 63# 77# 94# 104# 170 g/m2

47# 119# 65# 80# 97# 108# 176 g/m2

51# 128# 70# 86# 105# 117# 190 g/m2

53# 134# 74# 90# 110# 122# 199 g/m2

54# 137# 75# 93# 113# 125# 203 g/m2

58# 146# 80# 98# 120# 133# 216 g/m2

65# 165# 90# 111# 135# 150# 244 g/m2

66# 169# 92# 114# 138# 154# 250 g/m2

67# 171# 94# 115# 140# 155# 253 g/m2

70# 178# 98# 120# 146# 162# 264 g/m2

72# 183# 100# 123# 150# 166# 271 g/m2

46 Print media specifications

Print media specifications

This section contains specifications for the following types of print

media:

lPaper

lEnvelopes

lAdhesive labels

lOverhead tranparencies

Some of the specifications are explained in the "What the

specifications mean" section.

What the specifications mean

The following specifications are defined in this section:

Paper weight

Paper weight is the weight of paper for a given area. Grammage is

the weight in grams of one square meter of a paper. Basis weight is

typically used in the U.S. and can sometimes be confusing because

the measurement for areas change depending on the paper grade.

Heavy paper becomes stiffer and harder to pick up and transport

through the paper path and can also increase wear of rollers and

guides and degrade print quality and toner adhesion. Very light paper

can bend too easily and tend to feed multiple sheets or jam inside the

paper path. See the "Paper" specifications section.

CAUTION Avoid using extremely heavy or light paper. Use paper that falls within

your printer’s specified basis weight, as shown in the user

documentation that came with your printer.

Electrical properties

The electrical resistivity of the paper is one of the most important

properties for photocopy and laser papers. If resistance is too high,

problems caused by static buildup can occur with paper handling and

lPaper weight lSurface roughness

lElectrical properties lComposition (furnish)

lMoisture content lCurl

lCaliper lFinish (smoothness)

lGrain lFelt side vs. wire side

lStiffness

– Technical specification tables 47

print quality. If electrical resistivity is too low, poor image transfer and

low density can result. Generally, paper has very high resistance, so

paper manufacturers add salts or other materials to lower the

resistivity.

Moisture content

Paper is hygroscopic; that is, it will absorb or give up moisture

depending on the humidity in the air around it. The moisture content

of paper has a great effect on its resistivity. Paper will absorb

moisture in a high-humidity environment and lose moisture in a low

humidity environment. Small increases in moisture content greatly

reduce resistivity while small decreases in moisture content greatly

increase resistivity.

Moisture content can also affect other paper properties such as curl,

stiffness, and dimensional size. Higher moisture content can make

paper prone to curl and wrinkling during printing, make a sheet limp,

and increase the dimensions of a cut sheet. Paper performance can

change significantly with seasonal or weather changes, which affect

the humidity in the printing environment.

Caliper

Caliper is the thickness of a sheet of paper or other print media. It is

typically specified in mils (one-thousandth of an inch) or millimeters. It

is closely associated with paper weight but not directly, because

some papers have more bulk (less density) than others.

Grain

Grain is the orientation of paper fibers in paper. Fibers tend to align

themselves in the process direction of the paper machine. Papers are

stiffer in the grain direction. Most cut sheet papers are cut long grain,

that is, with the grain direction parallel with the long edge of the sheet.

For heavier weight papers (>135 gsm) Hewlett-Packard

recommends using short-grain paper, if available, to improve feeding

and reduce wear to the paper path.

Stiffness

A minimum stiffness is required for paper to separate from the

transfer and fuser rollers. Most long-grain papers greater than 60 gsm

will have adequate stiffness to transport through the printer.

Generally, stiffness increases with paper weight.

48 Print media specifications

Surface roughness

Surface roughness of papers can affect print quality, feeding, and

fusing (toner adhesion). If paper is very smooth, background particles

are more easily seen and sheets tend to stick together and create

multiple feeds. Very rough papers can degrade transfer of toner onto

the page, causing jagged edges or toner scatter. Fusing (toner

adhesion) can also be drastically reduced on very rough papers.

Roughness is usually measured using an air leak method such as the

Sheffield method. Typical Sheffield values for different paper surfaces

are:

laround 120 to 150 for xerographic grades (wove or regular

finishes)

laround 40 to 60 for very smooth laser or coated grades

laround 250 to 300 for cockle finishes

lgreater than 350 for traditional linen and laid finishes

Composition (furnish)

Composition (furnish) is the mixture of various materials, such as

fiber, filler, sizing materials, and other additives, used to make the

paper stock. Fillers such as calcium carbonate, clay, or talc are

added to paper to fill in the spaces between fibers.

For optimum performance of your HP LaserJet printer, use paper

made from 100% chemical wood pulp and/or cotton fiber. Recycled

paper, made with no more than 5% groundwood, is also acceptable.

To ensure that paper of a special fiber composition will work correctly

in your printer, test it before purchasing large quantities.

Note Avoid using print media containing materials that melt, vaporize, offset,

discolor, or release undesirable emissions when exposed to 205° C

(401° F) for 0.1 second (0.2 second for HP Color LaserJet printers).

Curl

Curl is curvature or wave in a sheet of paper before or after printing.

Sheets might curl before printing if they are exposed to humid

conditions or very dry conditions. Residual stresses in the sheet or

high moisture content can also affect the level of curl after printing.

Good process control by the paper manufacturer and proper paper

storage and handling will minimize curl problems.

– Technical specification tables 49

Curl is typically measured by laying the sheet of paper on a flat

surface and measuring the height of the corners. There are two types

of curl:

lIn-ream curl is the amount of curl in a sheet of paper before

printing. In-ream curl results from the paper-manufacturing

process or from exposure to the environment. Paper with

excessive in-ream curl might lead to feeding and print-quality

problems.

lPost-image curl is the amount of curl in a sheet of paper after

printing. Post-image curl results from exposure to the fusing

process and the paper path in the printer. Paper with excessive

post-image curl can be difficult to handle or to use in

automatic-feed photocopiers.

Finish (smoothness)

Paper for laser printers should not have a heavy texture or a glossy

smoothness unless the paper is specifically designed to work with

your HP LaserJet printer. Printed output on textured paper might

have broken character edges and show poor toner adhesion. On the

HP Color LaserJet printers, textured paper will cause inconsistent or

blotchy colors and can wrinkle in the fuser. Glossy-smooth paper

tends to highlight defects such as stray toner particles, and might not

hold toner. If a glossy paper is desired for the HP Color LaserJet

printer, try HP’s Soft Gloss paper (see "Purchasing HP print media").

For sharp resolution or detail, use a smooth paper.

Paper finish is typically measured using air-leak methods. We

recommend a range for smoothness using the Sheffield method.

Equivalent values for other methods can be found in "Comparisons of

paper smoothness".

Avoid using paper with embossed or raised surfaces, because spotty

printing and misfeeding can occur. It is possible to print satisfactorily

on paper that has embossed areas in the leading edge, trailing edge,

or areas where print will not appear on the paper; however,

misfeeding or jamming can occur.

Felt side vs. wire side

Some methods of manufacturing paper result in two-sided paper

properties. Along with other process variations, these properties can

make one side of the paper the preferred side on which to print. The

“top” side of the paper sheet, as it is formed, is known as the felt side.

The “bottom” side is known as the wire side. Most manufacturers

indicate the preferred printing side on the package. See "Reading a

ream label".

50 Print media specifications

Paper

The table below summarizes the paper specifications that provide the

best performance.

Note The specifications listed in this section generally apply to all HP

LaserJet printers but check the user documentation that came with your

printer for product specific information.

Property Specifications

Basis weight 64 gsm to 105 gsm (17 lb to 28 lb) typical.

See the user documentation that came with your printer for

specific printer and input limits.

Caliper 0.09 mm to 0.17 mm (3.5 mil to 6.5 mil) typical.

See the user documentation that came with your printer for

specific printer and input limits.

Minimum stiffness 1.2 minimum (Taber) machine direction;

0.8 minimum (Taber) cross direction.

Grain portrait feeding: long grain up to 36#;

short grain >36# landscape feeding: long grain.

Electrical surface resistivity 109 to 1013 ohms/square.

Electrical volume resistivity 109 to 1014 ohms - cm.

Surface roughness 100 to 190 Sheffield optimal;

30 to 350 Sheffield extended (fusing or feeding performance can

be degraded at outer ranges).

Fusing compatibility Must not scorch, melt, ignite, offset materials, or release

undesirable emissions when heated to 205°C (401°F) for

0.1 second (0.2 second for HP Color LaserJet printers).

Furnish (composition) 100% chemical pulp and/or cotton content;

recycled paper with up to 5% groundwood can be used.

Dimensional accuracy Cut sheet within ±0.80 mm (±0.03 in) of nominal.

Cut edge quality Cuts must be smooth and clean with no fray or edge roll.

Curl Must lie flat within 5 mm (0.2 in).

Moisture content 4% to 6% by weight.

Packaging Moisture-proof ream wrap.

Wax pick 12 minimum (Dennison).

– Technical specification tables 51

Envelopes

The table below summarizes the envelope specifications that provide

the best performance.

Note The specifications listed in this section generally apply to all HP

LaserJet printers but check the user documentation that came with your

printer for product specific information.

Property Specifications

Basis weight 64 gsm to 105 gsm (17 lb to 28 lb) typical.

See the user documentation that came with your printer for

specific printer and input limits.

Caliper 0.09 mm to 0.14 mm (3.6 mil to 5.5 mil) typical single-layer

thickness.

Surface roughness 100 to 200 Sheffield.

Fusing compatibility All inks, adhesives, and other materials used in the envelope

construction must be compatible with the heat and pressure of

the fusing process. Materials must not scorch, melt, ignite, offset

materials, or release undesirable emissions when heated to

205°C (401° F) for 0.1 second (0.2 second for HP Color

LaserJet printers).

Dimensional accuracy and

construction quality Envelopes must be folded within ±1.01 mm (±0.04 in) of nominal

size with no more than two thickness of paper anywhere along

the leading edge;

all folds must be sharply creased and construction must be tight

(not baggy) to avoid wrinkling;

envelopes must not be stuck together from excess seam

adhesive (blocking);

flap must be flat within 1.5 mm (0.059 in) over the width where

adhesive is applied.

Curl Envelopes must lie flat, with no more than 6 mm (0.25 in) curl

across the entire surface.

Adhesive flap curl Envelope flap should be flat, with 1.5 mm (0.059 in) over width

where adhesive is applied.

Moisture content 4% to 6% by weight.

Grain Different envelope constructions might require different grain

orientations for best performance, which is left to the discretion

of the converter.

Packaging Protective box to prevent edge damage and maintain flatness.

52 Print media specifications

Adhesive labels

The table below summarizes the adhesive label specifications that

provide the best performance.

Note The specifications listed in this section generally apply to all HP

LaserJet printers but check the user documentation that came with your

printer for product specific information.

CAUTION Not all HP Color LaserJet printer support printing on labels. Please

refer to your user guide to determine if your printer supports labels.

Property Specifications

Adhesive Must not be on any external surfaces of the label before, during,

or after printing. Label construction, adhesive release strength,

and die-cutting must not allow labels to peel of during printing.

Caliper Must not exceed 0.23 mm (9.0 mils).

Fusing compatibility All inks, adhesives, and other materials used in the label

construction must be compatible with the heat and pressure of

the fusing process. Materials must not scorch, melt, ignite, offset

materials, or release undesirable emissions when heated to

205°C (401°F) for 0.1 second (0.2 second for HP Color LaserJet

printers).

Packaging Moisture-proof wrap to preserve properties.

Shelf life One year minimum, stored at 23°C (73°F) and 50% RH.

– Technical specification tables 53

Overhead tranparencies

The table below summarizes the overhead tranparency specifications

that provide the best performance.

Note The specifications listed in this section generally apply to all HP

LaserJet printers but check the user documentation that came with your

printer for product specific information.

Property Specifications

Caliper 0.12 mm to 0.13 mm (4.8 mils to 5.2 mils) for HP Color LaserJet

printers.

0.10 mm to 0.11 mm (4.0 mils to 4.4 mils) for HP black and white

printers.

Electrical surface resistivity 2.0 to 15 by 1010 ohms/square.

Fusing compatibility Overhead transparency materials must be compatible with the

heat and pressure of the fusing process. Materials must not

discolor, melt, offset, or release undesirable emissions when

heated to 205°C (401° F) for 0.1 second (0.4 second for

HP Color LaserJet printers).

54 Standard media sizes used in laser printers

Standard media sizes used in laser printers

This section lists the English and Metric dimensions of the most

commonly used paper, envelope, and card stock sizes. See the user

documentation that came with your printer for specific information

about the media supported by your HP LaserJet printer. Use only

media that is supported by your printer.

Paper

Size English dimension Metric dimension

Letter 8.5 by 11.0 in 216 by 279 mm

Legal 8.5 by 14.0 in 215.9 by 355.6 mm

Executive 7.25 by 10.50 in 184 by 267 mm

Tabloid/ledger 11 by 17 in 279.4 by 431.8 mm

Ledger full bleed 12.00 by 18.00 in 304.8 by 469.9 mm

A3 11.69 by 16.54 in 297 by 420 mm

A3 full bleed 12.28 by 17.32 in 312 by 440 mm

A4 8.27 by 11.70 in 210 by 297 mm

A5 5.83 by 8.27 in 148 by 210 mm

B3 (JIS) 14.33 by 20.24 in 364 by 514 mm

B3 (ISO) 3.90 by 19.69 in 353 by 500 mm

B4 (JIS) 10.12 by 14.33 in 257 by 364 mm

B4 (ISO) 9.84 by 13.90 in 250 by 353 mm

B5 (JIS) 7.17 by 10.12 in 182 by 257 mm

B5 (ISO) 6.93 by 9.84 in 176 by 250 mm

Folio JIS exec 8.50 by 13.00 in 216 by 330 mm

8K (JIS) 10.63 by 15.35 in 270 by 390 mm

16K (JIS) 7.68 by 10.63 in 195 by 270 mm

– Technical specification tables 55

Envelopes

Card stock

Size English dimension Metric dimension

US #6 3/4 envelope 3.63 by 6.50 in 92.1 by 465.1 mm

US #9 envelope 3.88 by 8.88 by in 98.4 by 225 mm

US #11 envelope 4.50 by 10.38 in 114.3 by 263.5 mm

Commercial #10 4.13 by 9.50 in 104.9 by 241.3 mm

#5 1/2 baronial envelope 4.38 by 5.75 in 111 by 146 mm

#6 baronial envelope 4.75 by 6.50 in 121 by 165 mm

#7 3/4 (Monarch) 3.88 by 7.50 in 98.4 by 190.5 mm

A2 announcement

envelope 4.38 by 5.75 111 by 146 mm

A6 announcement

envelope 4.75 by 6.50 in 121 by 165 mm

B5 6.93 by 9.84 in 176 by 250 mm

C5 6.38 by 9.02 in 162 by 229 mm

DL 4.33 by 8.66 in 110 by 220 mm

ISO C5/6 envelope 4.49 by 9.02 in 114 mm by 229 mm

ISO C6 envelope 4.49 by 6.38 in 114 by 162 mm

Size English dimensions Metric dimensions

Index card (3x5) 3.00 by 5.00in 76.2 by 127 mm

Index card (4x6) 4.00 by 6.00 in 101.6 by 152.4 mm

Index card (5x8) 5.00 by 8.00 in 127 by 203.2 mm

US postcard 3.50 by 5.50 in 88.9 by 139.7 mm

European postcard 4.13 by 5.83 in 105 by 148 mm

J postcard (hagaki) 3.94 by 5.83 in 100 by 148 mm

J double postcard

(oufuku hagaki) 5.83 by 7.87 in 148 by 200 mm

56 Comparisons of paper smoothness

Comparisons of paper smoothness

Smoothness typically is expressed in terms of Sheffield, Gurley,

Bekk, or Bendtsen units. HP LaserJet printers generally require a

smoothness of between 100 and 200 Sheffield.

The figure below compares the different types of smoothness.

– Glossary 57

Glossary

brightness Refers to the reflectance and whiteness of a sheet of

paper. Higher brightness papers are more expensive to produce and

are usually associated with higher quality.

caliper The thickness of a sheet of paper or other print media.

carrier sheet The sheet to which labels are temporarily attached.

Usually this sheet has a “slick” feeling or appears shiny.

curl The level of curvature or wave that a sheet has before or after

printing.

cut-edge condition Condition of the edges of paper, which can

affect paper’s ability to feed properly.

cutouts Any portion of the media that has been removed, including

binder holes, notches, square cuts.

density Relative darkness of print.

die-cuts Cuts between individual labels. Die-cuts are made by a

machine in a predefined pattern.

duplex Printing on both the front and back sides of a sheet of paper.

electrical properties The electrical resistivity of the print media.

face sheet The face sheet is the printable surface on a sheet of

adhesive labels and can be made from different materials, including

paper, polyester, and vinyl. It is common for a face sheet to be die-

cut so that individual shapes can be removed after printing. Polyester

and vinyl labels require a topcoat to provide the proper electrical and

58 – Glossary

toner adhesion properties. It is important to purchase labels from a

knowledgeable converter who is familiar with these processes and

with laser printing.

finish/smoothness Characterizes a paper’s finish. Textured paper

causes inconsistent or blotchy print and can wrinkle. Glossy-smooth

paper tends to highlight defects and might not hold toner. For best

results, use smooth paper.

finishing precision Dimensions (length and width) of a piece of

media, how closely it is cut to the stated size, and how square it is.

Use media that is accurately cut, so that it can be handled properly.

furnish (composition) Composition (furnish) is the mixture of

various materials, such as fiber, filler, sizing materials, and other

additives, used to make the paper stock.

fusing compatibility Compatibility of print media used in the printer

and how it reacts when exposed to the fuser's temperature of:

•205°C (401°F) for 0.1 second (0.2 second for HP Color

LaserJet printers) for paper, labels, and envelopes; and

•205°C (401°F) for 0.1 second (0.4 second for HP Color

LaserJet printers) for overhead transparency materials

Print media should not discolor, melt, offset, release undesirable

emissions, or break down in any way.

grain The orientation of paper fibers in paper.

gray background Paper looks gray or appears dirty because small

toner particles are transferred to non-printed areas (white space).

This condition is a symptom of a print-quality problem.

groundwood Wood fibers that are extracted using a mechanical

rather than a chemical process. Groundwood papers are generally

weaker than chemical wood papers.

mils One mil = 0.001 in.

moisture content How much moisture print media will absorb or

give up depending on the humidity in the air around it.

offset A printing process in which ink or toner is transferred from a

preprinted form or a printed page onto rollers in the printer.

opacity Determines degree to which printed matter shows through a

sheet of paper (either from the backside of a duplexed page or from

an adjacent sheet).

packaging Packaging is an important consideration when using

paper in an HP LaserJet printer, because adequate packaging

maintains the correct level of moisture and protects paper from

damage during transport and storage.

– Glossary 59

paper weight Paper weight is measured on a metric scale (called

basis weight or grammage) as the weight in grams of one square

meter of paper. Basis weight is an important characteristic of paper.

Paper that is too light or too heavy can cause misfeeds, misstacking,

jams, poor print quality, or excessive mechanical wear to the printer.

perforations A hole or series of holes punched through the paper

to aid in the separation of one piece of paper from another.

pH Refers to the acidity/alkalinity of paper as determined by the

TAPPI (Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry)

cold-extraction method.

photocopy paper A grade of paper suitable for printing by the

electrophotographic process. This paper is characterized by a

smooth finish, heat stability, non-curling qualities, and good aesthetic

properties (such as color, brightness, and cleanliness).

pre-consumer waste Paper that never reaches the customer after it

has been manufactured. Pre-consumer waste can be unused paper

stock, bindery trimmings, envelope cuttings, business forms, or

unsold books or magazines.

print media Paper, envelopes, overhead transparencies, and labels

used with printers. Print media used in HP LaserJet printers must

meet the guidelines and specifications listed in this guide.

post-consumer waste Paper that the customer has used.

Post-consumer waste can be office paper, mail, used boxes, old

newspapers, or magazines.

simplex Printing one side of a sheet of paper.

smoothness Surface smoothness is determined by measuring the

rate of air flow between the sheet surface and a flat reference

surface. Smoothness usually is expressed in Sheffield or Bekk units.

stiffness How resistant print media is to bending or flexing.

watermark An impression made in a wet sheet of paper as it is

being manufactured. Watermarks are visible when the sheet is held

up to light. They appear as a word, symbol, or other impression.

waste paper A generic term used for post-consumer waste and

some pre-consumer waste.

wax pick Characterizes the resistance of the surface layer of a sheet

to the breakaway of surface fragments. Expressed in Dennison units.

60 – Glossary

61

Index

A

acclimating media 22, 34

accuracy specifications, dimensional 51

acidity specifications 12

acrylic-based adhesives 20

adding paper. See loading paper

additives, specifications 48

adhesive labels. See labels, adhesive

adhesives

clearing deposits of 21

envelopes, specifications 17

temperature specifications 54

types of 20

adjusting output colors 13

air leak methods 48

alignment, troubleshooting 37

alkalinity specifications 12

archival paper 12

automatic duplexing 23

avoiding media types 8

B

bar coding 24

basis weight

definition 61

envelopes 53

equivalence tables 43

specifications 51

Bekk units 58

Bendtsen units 58

bent edges, avoiding papers with 10

black and white transparencies,

purchasing 26

bond grade 43, 45

bond papers, using 10

book grade 43, 45

both sides, printing on 23

bottom side of paper 50

breaking paper 38

brightness, definition 59

bristol grade 43, 45

brochures, papers for 27

bulk mailings, preparing 24

bulk, paper. See caliper; weight

buying HP print media 26

C

calendars, papers for 27

caliper

definition 47, 59

envelope specifications 53

paper specifications 51

transparency specifications 55

carbonless papers, avoiding 13

card stock, standard sizes 57

carrier sheets, label

definition 59

function 21

cartons, storing 33

characteristics, laser paper 10

characters, broken 49

checklist, troubleshooting 35, 36

chemical stability specifications 12

chemical wood pulp 10, 48

choosing media. See selecting media

clasps, avoiding envelopes with 17

clay coated papers, using 13

coated papers, using 13

coatings, temperature specifications 8

cockle finishes, avoiding 19

Color LaserJet printers. See HP Color

LaserJet printers

colored paper 12

composition

definition 60

specifications 48, 51

conditioning media 22, 34

construction, envelope 17, 18, 53

content, moisture. See moisture

converted paper, using 13

copiers, papers for

HP MultiPurpose 30

HP Office 31

HP Office Recycled 32

HP Premium Choice 27

correspondence, papers for 28, 29, 30

cotton fiber, using papers with 10, 48

cover grade 43, 45

covers, papers for 26

creases, envelopes 17, 18, 53

62

curl

definition 49, 59

in-ream 49

maximum, specifications 51, 53

post image, troubleshooting 38

post-image, definition 49

preventing 34

curvature. See curl

customer support 6

cut edge condition, definition 59

cut problems, troubleshooting 37, 38

cutouts

avoiding envelopes with 17

definition 59

using papers with 13, 14

D

damaged paper

discarding 23

identifying 10

preventing 33

darkness, settings for 41

debossed paper, using 15

definitions, terms 46, 59

Dennison scale 51

density

adjusting 41

definition 59

die-cuts

avoiding envelopes with 17

definition 59

using papers with 13, 14

dimensional accuracy, specifications 51

dimensions

metric equivalents 56, 57

standard 56, 57

direction for loading paper 10

disclaimer 7

discolored media, avoiding 8

dither patterns, using 39

double-sided printing 23

double-sided seams, avoiding envelopes

with 18

drafts, papers for 30

duplexing

definition 59

procedures for 23

dyes, temperature specifications 8

E

edges, curled

avoiding papers with 10

edges, leading

envelopes 17

perforated papers 14

edgeweld, troubleshooting 38

electrical surface resistivity

definition 59

paper specifications 51

properties 46

transparency specifications 55

electrostatic transfer, operations of 5

embossed paper, using 15

emissions, avoiding 8

encapsulated adhesives, avoiding 17

engraved papers, using 13

envelopes

adhesive specifications 17, 53

construction 17, 18, 53

gray areas, troubleshooting 41

heavy 40

inserting into manual feed slot 40

jams, frequent 40

large 19

loading 40

mailings, preparing 24

printing 16

selecting 17

specifications 52

standard sizes 57

stiff 40

storing 33, 34

testing 18

text-on-text contact, avoiding 24

troubleshooting 36, 40

wrinkling, troubleshooting 41

environments

acclimating media 22, 34

storage 34

equivalence tables

basis weights 43

paper size 56, 57

smoothness 58

weight 45

F

face sheets, label

definition 59

properties 20

face-up output bin, printing to 39

fanning paper, avoiding 23

fax machines, papers for 30, 31, 32

feeding problems

See also jams

duplexing 23

envelopes 40

paper 38

perforated papers 14

preprinted papers 15

felt sides 50

63

fibers

composition 48

grain orientation 47

fillers, specifications 48

film, transparency. See transparencies

finish

definition 60

specifications 49

finishing precision, definition 60

flaps, specifications for 18, 53

flattening, embossed images 15

flimsy paper

properties of 46

troubleshooting 37

folders, vinyl

avoiding 33

forms

multipart, avoiding 8

preprinted, using 15

frequent jams

envelopes 40

paper 37

furnish

definition 60

specifications 48, 51

fuser

buildup on 13

operations of 6

temperature specifications 8

fusing compatibility

definition 60

temperature specifications 8

G

glossary 59

glossy paper

HP Soft Gloss 27

printing on 49

grades, paper 43

grain

curling, affects on 39

definition 47, 60

envelopes 53

identifying 10

specifications, paper 51

grammage 46, 61

graphics, papers for 27

gray background

definition 60

troubleshooting 41

groundwood

definition 60

specifications 12

guarantee, media 7, 8

guides, misadjusted 40

gummed flaps, envelopes 18

Gurley units 58

H

Hagaki postcards 57

handling paper 23

heat, fuser

operations of 6

temperature specifications 8

heavy paper

properties of 46

short-grain, using 48

troubleshooting 37

high quality paper, characteristics of 10

high-volume printing

papers for 31, 32

holes, avoiding envelopes with 17

how HP LaserJet printers work 5

HP Color LaserJet printers

bond paper, using 10

colored paper, using 12

envelopes, avoiding 16

fuser temperature 8

glossy paper problems 49

information for 5

labels, printing 20

operations of 5

reducing toner coverage 39

transparencies for 26

HP Color LaserJet Transparency 26

HP LaserJet 2000 5

HP LaserJet 2686A 5

HP LaserJet 500 5

HP LaserJet Black & White Transparency

26

HP LaserJet Paper

preparing mailings with 24

purchasing 28

uses for 28

HP LaserJet Plus 5

HP LaserJet printers

media designed for 5

theory of operations 5

HP LaserJet Soft Gloss Paper 27

HP Monochrome LaserJet printers 5

HP MultiPurpose Paper 30

HP Office Paper 31

HP Office Recycled Paper 32

HP Paper, purchasing 26

HP Premium Choice LaserJet Paper 27

HP Printing Paper 29

HP Sales and Service Offices 6

HP Transparencies, purchasing 26

HP website 6

humidity

affects of 47

storing media 34

64

I

index cards, sizes of 57

index grade 43, 45

InkJet papers 29, 32

inks, heat-resistant 15

input tray, loading 10, 38

in-ream curl 49

inserting paper. See loading paper

irregular media, avoiding 8

J

jams

See also feeding problems

duplexing 23

envelopes 40

paper 37

preprinted papers 15

L

labels, adhesive

die-cut 14

peeling 21

printing 21

selecting 20

shelf-life 54

specifications 54

labels, ream 10

laid finishes, avoiding 19

landscape orientation 39

laser paper, using 10

LaserJet 2000 5

LaserJet 2686A 5

LaserJet 500 5

LaserJet Black & White Transparency, HP

26

LaserJet Color printers. See HP Color

LaserJet printers

LaserJet Monochrome printers 5

LaserJet Paper, HP

preparing mailings with 24

purchasing 28

uses for 28

LaserJet Plus 5

LaserJet Premium Choice Paper, HP 27

LaserJet printers

media designed for 5

theory of operations 5

LaserJet Soft Gloss Paper, HP 27

LaserJet Transparency, HP Color 26

lasers, operations of 5

leading edges

envelopes 17

perforated papers 14

legal paper sizes 56

letterhead, using 15

letters, papers for 28, 29, 30

light paper

properties of 46

troubleshooting 37

linen, avoiding 19

liner, labels 14, 21

loading envelopes 40

loading paper 10, 23, 38

long grain, definition of 47

low-temperature inks, avoiding 15

M

mailings, preparing 24

manual duplexing 23

manual feed slot

duplexing 23

inserting envelopes 16, 40

margins

die-cut papers 14

embossed images 15

melting, fuser temperature 8

memos, papers for 30

metered envelopes 24

methods of paper grading 43

metric system

envelope sizes 57

paper sizes 56

weight equivalence table 43, 45

micro-perfs 13, 14

mils, definition of 60

misalignment, troubleshooting 37

moisture

content, affects of 47

content, definition 60

envelope specifications 53

excessive 39

insufficient 38

paper specifications 51

post-image curl 38

multi-feeds

See also feeding problems; jams

causes of 23

troubleshooting 38

multipart forms, avoiding 8

MultiPurpose Paper, HP 30

multipurpose tray

duplexing 23

loading envelopes 16

N

nesting, avoiding 14, 15

newsletters, papers for 27

65

O

Office Paper, HP 31

Office Recycled Paper, HP 32

offset media, avoiding 8

offset powders, avoiding 15

offset, definition 61

oil-based inks 15

onion skin inserts, using 24

opacity, definition 61

opening paper reams 23

operations, HP LaserJet printers 5

optional envelope feeder 16

ordering HP print media 26

orientation

grain 47

landscape 39

loading paper 10

perforated papers 14

output bin, face-up 39

output colors, adjusting 13

overhead transparencies. See

transparencies

oxidation-set inks 15

P

packaging

definition 61

envelopes, specifications 53

paper, specifications 51

ream label on 10

storing paper in 33

pallets 33

pamphlets, papers for 27

paper grades 43

paper jams, frequent 37

paper path sensors 14

part numbers, paper 26

peeling labels, preventing 21

peel-off adhesive strips 19

perforations

avoiding envelopes with 17

definition 61

using papers with 13, 14

petroleum-based solvents, avoiding 12

pH

definition 61

specifications 12

photocopy paper

See also copiers, papers for

definition 61

using 10

photocopy transparency film 22

photographs, paper for 27

photosensitive drum, operations of 5

pigment-coated papers, using 13

plain paper 10

plastic wrapping media 33, 34

plasticizers, avoiding 12

polyester face sheets 20

portrait orientation 39

post office, preparing mailings for 24

postcards, sizes of 57

post-consumer waste, definition 61

post-image curl

definition 49

troubleshooting 38

powders, avoiding 15

precanceled stamps 24

pre-consumer waste, definition 61

Premium Choice LaserJet Paper 27

preparing media 22, 34

preprinted papers, using 13, 15

presorting envelopes 24

pressure-sensitive adhesives, avoiding

17

print media, definition 61

See also selecting media

print quality

embossed papers 15

heavy paper, affects on 46

troubleshooting 36

Printing Paper, HP 29

properties, laser paper 10

proposals, papers for 27

protecting media 33

punched papers, using 13, 14

purchasing HP print media 26

Q

quality. See print quality

quantities, printing

papers for 31, 32

testing media 8

R

ream labels, reading 10

reams

acclimating 22, 34

opening 23

storing 33

recycled paper

HP Office Recycled Paper 32

specifications 12

report covers, papers for 26

reports, papers for 27

resistivity, electrical

definition 59

moisture content 47

paper specifications 51

properties 46

transparency specifications 55

resolution, improving 49

66

rollers, swelling of 13

roughness

definition 62

paper specifications 48, 51

S

Sales and Service Offices, HP 6

scanning laser beam, operations of 5

scattered toner, causes of 48

sealers, envelopes 17

seasonal changes, affects of 47

selecting media

archival 12

avoiding types of 8

characteristics of 10

coated 13

colored 12

converted 13

die-cut 13, 14

disclaimer 7

embossed 15

envelopes 17

forms, preprinted 15

labels 20

letterhead 15

perforated 13, 14

preprinted 15

purchasing 26

recycled 12

specialty 13

temperature specifications 8

testing 8

transparencies 22

types of 10, 12

self-mailers, avoiding 24

sensors, paper path 14

separating paper 23

shaded papers, using 12

sharpness, increasing 49

sheets of paper, fanning 23

Sheffield method

equivalence tables 58

specifications 48

shelf life, labels 54

shiny paper. See glossy paper

shipping media, guidelines for 33

short-grain paper, using 48

sides of paper

felt 50

printing on 10

printing on both 23

wire 50

simplex, definition 61

sizes

accuracy specifications 51

card stock 57

envelopes 19, 57

paper, standard 56

sizing materials, specifications 48

smoothness

definition 60, 61

equivalence tables 58

specifications 48, 49

snagging, die-cut papers 14

snaps, avoiding envelopes with 17

Soft Gloss Paper, HP 27

solid fill patterns, using 39

sorting mailings 24

specialty paper, using 13

specifications

adhesive labels 54

definitions of terms 46

envelopes 52

paper 50

transparencies 55

stacking paper cartons 33

stamps, precanceled 24

standard sizes

card stock 57

envelopes 57

paper 56

static buildup

definition 46

troubleshooting 38

static, during transfer 5

sticking together 15, 38

stiffness

definition 62

heavy paper 46

specifications 51

troubleshooting 37

storing media

acclimating 22, 34

environments for 34

guidelines for 33

strings, avoiding envelopes with 17

supplies, purchasing 26

support, customer 6

surface resistivity, electrical

definition 59

paper specifications 51

properties 46

transparency specifications 55

surface roughness

definition 62

paper specifications 48, 51

67

T

tabloid size papers

HP LaserJet 28

HP MultiPurpose Paper 30

HP Office Paper 31

HP Premium Choice 27

HP Printing Paper 29

tag grade 43, 45

tears, avoiding papers with 10

temperature specifications

printing 8

storing media 34

tenting, preventing 14

terms, definitions 46, 59

testing media

disclaimer 7

envelopes 18

recommendations for 8

text grade 43, 45

text-on-text contact, avoiding 24

theory of operations 5

thick paper. See heavy paper

thickness. See caliper; weight

thin paper

properties of 46

troubleshooting 37

tie strings, avoiding envelopes with 17

toner

chemical stability of 12

contamination, avoiding 14

density settings 41

operations of 5, 6

recommended types 24

reducing coverage 39

scatter, causes of 48

top side of paper 50

transfer, electrostatic 5

transparencies

purchasing 26

selecting 22

specifications for 55

transparent windows, avoiding envelopes

with 17

troubleshooting

characters, broken 49

checklist 35, 36

density settings 41

envelopes 36, 40

gray areas 41

moisture, excessive 39

moisture, insufficient 38

poorly cut paper 37

post-image curl 38

print quality 36

static buildup 38

sticking together, paper 38

wrinkled envelopes 41

types of paper 10, 12

U

U.S. paper grades 43

United States Postal Service (USPS),

guidelines for mailing 24

V

vinyl face sheets 20

vinyl folders, avoiding 12, 33

volume printing

papers for 31, 32

volume resistivity, specifications for 51

W

warping, preventing 34

waste paper, definition 62

See also recycled paper

watermarks, definition 62

wave. See curl

waviness, troubleshooting 39

wax pick

definition 62

specifications 51

weather, affects of 47

websites

HP 6

purchasing supplies 26

weight

basis, equivalence tables 43

definition 46, 61

envelope specifications 53

equivalence tables 45

methods of grading 43

on ream label 10

paper specifications 51

windows, avoiding envelopes with 17

wire sides 50

wood pulp, chemical 10

wrapping

envelopes, specifications 53

paper, specifications 51

ream label on 10

storing media 33

wrinkling envelopes, troubleshooting 41

X

xerographic papers, using 10

Z

zone coating, adhesives 20

68

print media guide

hp LaserJet printer family

*5963-7863*

*5963-7863*

5963-7863

copyright  2000

Hewlett-Packard Company

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