HP LaserJet Print Media Guide
HP LaserJet Print Media Guide
Copyright and License © Copyright 2018 HP Development Company, L.P. Reproduction, adaptation, or translation without prior written permission is prohibited, except as allowed under the copyright laws. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty.
Table of contents 1 Overview ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1 How HP LaserJet printers work .............................................................................................................................................. 1 Other resources ...........................................................................................
Frequent multiple-sheet feeds ....................................................................................................................... 29 Reducing post-image curl ................................................................................................................................ 29 Envelope problems ................................................................................................................................................................
1 Overview The HP LaserJet Print Media Guide provides guidelines and troubleshooting information for print media to help optimize use of your HP LaserJet printer. ● How HP LaserJet printers work ● Other resources HP LaserJet printers quickly and quietly produce documents of excellent print quality. Print media such as paper, envelopes, labels, and overhead transparencies can be used in your HP LaserJet printer.
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 and pressure are applied and the toner fuses (melts) onto the print media. The print media is then delivered to the output bin, ready for use.
2 Guidelines for using print media Follow these guidelines for selecting print media that is most suitable for your HP LaserJet printer and any accessories. ● Using print media ● Shipping and storing print media HP LaserJet printers are designed to use many types of print media, but it is advisable to use high-quality print media. HP paper is recommended for use in your HP LaserJet printer. See Ordering HP print media on page 41.
Using print media Understanding print media and following the HP recommendations will help to ensure proper operation of your HP LaserJet printer. ● Preparing print media for use ● Using paper ● Using envelopes ● Using labels ● Using overhead transparencies ● Printing on both sides of the paper Preparing print media for use Print media must be prepared properly before using it with your HP LaserJet printer. Print media needs some time to stabilize in a new environment.
Using paper Understanding the types and quality of paper and following the HP recommendations will help to ensure proper operation of your HP LaserJet printer and any accessories. ● Reading a ream label ● Opening and loading paper ● Setting the correct media type and size ● Paper types ● Guidelines for using paper All papers are designed and manufactured for a specific use.
Figure 2-1 Reading a ream label paper size (bold or underline indicates grain direction) brand name manufacturer name WOODS PAPER COMPANY basis weight quantity orientation of preferred side for printing (if applicable) Woods Multi-Purpose Special ® MP-5757 8 1 2 X 11 (216 x 279 mm) 500 Sheets White 90 Brightness Sub 20/50 (75 g/m2) 10M Long Grain Smooth Finish Multi-Purpose for Office Copiers, Laser Printers and Offset Printing paper type grammage surface finish paper color Print This Side F
● A3 printer: Letter/A4 media is fed long edge first, so grasp the media along the long edge and flex it back and forth. 1 2 NOTE: Do not fan or separate the paper into several stacks. Doing so creates air pockets between the sheets that can cause jams or multiple-sheet feeds. Setting the correct media type and size To ensure optimal performance, it is critical to set the correct media type and size. Not all HP LaserJet printers have media width and length sensors.
Paper types Several types of paper are available. ● Archival paper ● Bond paper or letterhead ● Coated paper ● Colored paper ● Copier paper (plain paper) ● Embossed and debossed paper ● Glossy paper ● Heavy paper, cover paper, and cardstock ● Laser paper ● Preprinted forms and letterhead ● Recycled paper ● Special print media Archival paper Paper that is used for archiving must meet the same specifications as standard paper with a pH greater than 7.0.
Some preprinted media contains a specially prepared starch called press powder to assist the press operator in the printing process. If you are using preprinted media and there is excessive dusting, contact your supplier to determine if the product contains press powder. If so, request a press-powder-free version of the product. Colored paper You can use colored paper in your HP LaserJet printer if the paper meets the same specifications as standard paper. See Guidelines for using paper on page 11.
Heavy paper and cardstock might require higher fuser temperatures to adequately anchor the toner to the surface. Using the printer menu to select the paper type ensures that the appropriate fuser temperature will be used. NOTE: ● Small form factor cardstock (in particular, preprinted, such as postcards) can cause jamming and missed picks. If the feed rotation of 90 degrees does not resolve the problem, then the media might not be compatible with the printer.
recycled copier papers on HP LaserJet printers and has found that they perform similarly to virgin-fiber grades. However, there can be higher jam rates in humid environments. Special print media Paper that undergoes converting processes before it is used in your laser printer must be properly designed and manufactured to ensure acceptable performance. Converting processes include preprinting, engraving, diecutting, perforating, folding, gluing, embossing, and debossing.
● Grease spots ● Loose particles ● Dust ● Wrinkles and voids ● Curled or bent edges CAUTION: Avoid using extremely heavy or light paper. Use paper that is within your printer’s specified basisweight range, as indicated in the support documentation that came with the printer. To troubleshoot paper problems, see Paper problems on page 28. The paper properties and specifications provided in this table generally apply to all HP LaserJet printers.
Table 2-1 Paper properties and specifications (continued) ENWW Property Specifications Packaging Moisture-proof ream wrap with no exposed adhesive. Adhesive should remain firmly attached to packaging after opening. Ash content Ash content should be less than 20% when determined by combustion process at 525°C for uncoated media.
Using envelopes Understanding the types and quality of envelopes and following the HP recommendations will help to ensure proper operation of your HP LaserJet printer. ● Envelope construction ● Summary of HP envelope testing ● Guidelines for using envelopes CAUTION: Due to product designs, not all products support envelopes from all trays. Printing on envelopes can damage the printer. See the user guide that came with your printer for detailed instructions about printing on envelopes.
● Do not use envelopes that have clasps, snaps, tie strings, transparent windows, holes, perforations, or cutouts. ● Do not use envelopes that have any adhesive surfaces exposed to the printer. ● Envelopes with woven or smooth finishes ensure good toner adhesion. ● Protect envelopes in humid environments. High moisture content can cause some envelopes to seal shut due to elevated temperatures when steam is released during fusing.
● Commercial or Official envelopes (also called Business or Regular), which have diagonal seams and standard gummed flaps, performed the most reliably. ● Envelopes that have double-sided seam construction, which creates vertical seams at both ends of the envelope instead of diagonal seams, tend to be more flimsy than diagonal-seam envelopes. Double-sided seam envelopes tend to jam or wrinkle unless the edges are thin and sharply creased.
Table 2-2 Envelope properties and specifications (continued) Property Specifications Fusing compatibility All inks, adhesives, and other materials that are 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).
Using labels Understanding the types and quality of labels and following the HP recommendations will help to ensure proper operation of your HP LaserJet printer. ● Guidelines for using labels ● Recommendations for using labels Labels are a type of multiple-layer media that typically consists of a face sheet (the printable surface), pressuresensitive adhesive, and a liner (a carrier sheet coated with a release agent).
Table 2-3 Label properties and specifications (continued) Property Specifications 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.
Using overhead transparencies Understanding the types and quality of overhead transparencies and following the HP recommendations will help to ensure proper operation of your HP LaserJet printer. ● Guidelines for using overhead transparencies NOTE: Digital multimedia projectors are now the preferred technology for projecting images, resulting in a decline in use of overhead transparency (OHT) projectors.
Table 2-4 Overhead transparency properties and specifications (continued) Property Specifications Electrical surface resistivity 1010 to 1013 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).
Shipping and storing print media The performance of HP LaserJet printers depends on the condition of the print media that is used. Follow the HP recommendations for shipping and storing media and understand the environmental effects on media. ● Environmental considerations Shipping media When you are shipping print media through different environments, use plastic wrap to wrap all cartons on the shipping pallet. When you are shipping media across bodies of water, also wrap individual cartons.
If a significant temperature difference exists 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 the storage environment and the printing environment.
24 Chapter 2 Guidelines for using print media ENWW
3 Troubleshooting print media problems Problems with print quality and media handling typically result from print media that does not meet the specifications, that has been stored improperly, or that is not in good condition. This chapter explains the possible causes of and solutions to print media problems.
● Inspect the print media for obvious defects, such as torn sheets, contamination from glue, or ragged cut edges. ● Use print media from another lot or from a different manufacturer. NOTE: If a print problem develops when using certain print media, switch to a known good print media, preferably HP branded. ● Turn the paper stack over in the input tray and/or turn it 180° in the tray. Alternatively, try using another tray.
ENWW ● Envelopes that are not square, straight, or constructed correctly. (See Envelope construction on page 14.) ● Envelopes of a basis weight less than 60 g/m2 (16 lb) or greater than 105 g/m2 (28 lb). ● Envelopes that have baggy construction or folds that are not sharply creased.
Paper problems Common symptoms of paper-quality issues include a high occurrence of jams, multiple-sheet feeds, and paper curl. ● Frequent paper jams ● Frequent multiple-sheet feeds ● Reducing post-image curl CAUTION: Do not reuse jammed paper. Doing so can damage the printer. Frequent paper jams Frequent paper jams can have several possible causes and can be corrected by following the suggested actions.
Frequent multiple-sheet feeds Frequent multiple-sheet feeds can have several possible causes and can be corrected by following the suggested actions. Table 3-2 Frequent multiple-sheet feeds: causes and corrective actions Cause Actions Paper is added in small amounts to the input tray. Add only full reams of paper to the input tray, and avoid mixing paper types in the input tray. Paper is too dry or is not moist enough. (Insufficient moisture makes paper less conductive and creates static buildup.
Table 3-3 Post-image curl: causes and corrective actions Cause Actions Paper is too moist, resulting in waviness or curl. ● Print to the another output bin, for example, the face-up output bin. (This option is not available with some printers.) ● Change to a different type or brand of paper. ● If possible, set the paper type to a lighter-weight paper. For more information, see the support documentation that came with your printer.
Envelope problems Certain conditions can indicate envelope problems, such as high rates of jams, gray areas printing on envelopes, and wrinkling. ● Frequent envelope jams ● Gray areas on envelopes ● Wrinkles on envelopes Frequent envelope jams Frequent envelope jams can have several possible causes and can be corrected by following the suggested actions. Overfilling the envelope tray and misadjusting its guides are the most common causes of jams.
Table 3-5 Gray areas on envelopes: causes and corrective actions Cause Actions Envelope has seams or multiple layers. Avoid printing over seams or other multiple-layer areas. The toner density setting is too light. Reduce background (gray shading in non-imaged areas) by adjusting the toner density setting to a darker setting. See the documentation that came with your printer.
sheets of paper from the paper tray or use paper from a different source (such as another ream), or try a different brand of paper. ● The paper lot is bad. The manufacturing processes can cause some areas to reject toner. Try a different kind or brand of paper. Improperly formed or wavy characters If characters are improperly formed or if the printer is producing hollow images, the paper stock might be too smooth. Try a different paper if characters are improperly formed.
34 Chapter 3 Troubleshooting print media problems ENWW
4 Specifications This appendix provides paper specifications. ● U.S. paper grades ● Common paper grades and basis weights ● Weight equivalence table ● Standard media sizes used in laser printers ● Comparisons of paper smoothness U.S. paper grades The U.S. paper-grading system defines the sizes and weights of different grades of paper. The U.S. paper-grading system has evolved through custom and usage, resulting in similar papers having differently stated weights.
Paper grade Basic size Basic area Factor Equivalent basis weights (example) Index 25.5 by 30.5 inches (648 by 775 mm) 777.75 sq. inches (.502 m2) 2.08 50-lb index Tag 24 by 36 inches (610 by 910 mm) 864.0 sq. inches (.557 m2) 2.31 55-lb tag Metric weight 39.37 by 39.37 inches (1000 by 1000 mm) 1550.0 sq. inches (1.0 m2) 3.76 90 g/m2 Weight equivalence table This table identifies equivalent weights for different grades of paper.
ENWW Bond wt. (17 by 22 inches) Text/Book wt. (25 by 38 inches) Cover wt. (20 by 26 inches) Bristol wt. (22.5 by 28.5 inches) Index wt. (25.5 by 30.5 inches) Tag wt. (24 by 36 inches) Metric wt.
Standard media sizes used in laser printers The tables in this section provide the English and metric dimensions of the most commonly used paper, envelopes, and cardstock. ● Paper sizes and dimensions ● Envelope sizes and dimensions ● Cardstock sizes and dimensions NOTE: See the support documentation that came with your HP LaserJet printer for details about the media that the printer supports. Use only media that is supported.
Size English dimension Metric dimension U.S. #6 3/4 (personal) 3.63 by 6.50 inches 92.1 by 465.1 mm U.S. #8 5/8 (check) 3.63 by 8.63 inches 92.1 by 219.1 mm U.S. #9 3.88 by 8.88 inches 98.4 by 225.4 mm U.S. #10 (com10) 4.13 by 9.50 inches 104.9 by 241.3 mm U.S. #11 4.50 by 10.38 inches 114.3 by 263.5 mm U.S. #5 1/2 baronial 4.38 by 5.75 inches 111.1 by 146.1 mm U.S. #6 baronial 4.75 by 6.50 inches 120.7 by 165.1 mm U.S. #7 3/4 (Monarch) 3.88 by 7.50 inches 98.4 by 190.5 mm U.S.
Figure 4-1 Comparisons of paper smoothness Gurley S-P-S (S PSI) (SEC/100 CC) 60 Bekk (SEC/10 CC) 300 70 100 80 90 80 70 60 100 50 100 200 200 100 90 80 70 60 60 70 80 90 100 70 150 30 200 30 30 80 90 100 100 20 300 50 300 400 60 40 200 40 250 Bendtsen (1 KG/CM2) (CC/MIN) 400 10 9 8 7 500 250 600 300 6 700 800 900 400 5 Sheffield (CC by 10 -2/MIN) 40 Chapter 4 Specifications ENWW
5 Ordering HP print media You can order HP print media from HP or from a local reseller. If you are interested in purchasing HP print media, go to the website https://hppaper.com/. NOTE: When ordering media, reference GSM or grams/square meter. There can be confusion about the meaning of "lb" (for example, 75 GSM is 20lb Bond, 28lb Cover, and 42lb Index). If you are unsure, refer to the GSM specifications when ordering media.
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Glossary A-series of paper sizes The ISO A-series of paper sizes is based on the Lichtenberg Ratio, which is an aspect ratio of 1 to the square root of 2. A0 size paper is 841 by 1,189 mm in size, which is 1 square meter in area and has a 1.414:1 aspect ratio. Each subsequent size is half the area (determined by halving the long dimension). If the value is an odd number (for example, 1,189 mm), then the subsequent value after halving is truncated (for example, 594 mm). The aspect ratio of 1:1.
curl after printing. Good process control by the paper manufacturer and proper paper storage and handling will minimize curl problems. 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: ● In-ream curl is the amount of curl in a sheet of paper before printing. In-ream curl results from the papermanufacturing process or from exposure to the environment.
Avoid using paper that has 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. 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.
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.
● 120 to 150 for photocopy grades (wove or regular finishes) ● 40 to 60 for very smooth laser or coated grades ● 250 to 300 for cockle finishes ● greater than 350 for traditional linen and laid finishes waste paper A generic term used for post-consumer waste and some pre-consumer waste. 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.
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Index A acclimating media 4, 22 accuracy specifications, dimensional 11 acylic-based adhesives 18 adhesive labels.
cardstock sizes 39 envelope sizes 38 paper sizes 38 paper smoothness 39 Sheffield method 39 F face sheets labels 18 fanning paper 6 feeding problems duplexing 21 envelopes 31 paper 29 preprinted paper 8 fillers 5, 28 film, transparency.
oxidation-set inks 8 P packaging ream labels 5 specifications 11 storing paper in 22 pallets, shipping 22 paper basic size 35 basis weights 35 common grades 35 guidelines for using 11 jammed 28 problems 28 specifications 35 paper grades, U.S.
checklist 25 dropouts 32 edgeweld 29 envelopes 25, 31 flimsy paper 28 gray areas on envelopes 31 heavy paper 28 hollow images 32 light paper 28 malformed or wavy characters 32 misalignment 28 multiple-sheet feeds 29 paper jams 28 post-image curl 29 print defects 25 print media 25, 26 print-quality problems 32 smeared toner 32 stiffness 28 tasks, basic 25 thin paper 28 toner smear 32 toner specks (background scatter) 32 wrinkled envelopes 32 two-sided printing 21 types of paper 8 windows, avoiding envelopes
