Lexmark C500n User Manual

							Media guidelines
19
Media specifications
Weight
The printer can automatically feed paper weights from 60 to 176 g/m
2 (16 to 47 lb bond) grain long. Paper lighter than
60 g/m2 (16 lb) might not be stiff enough to feed properly, causing jams. For best performance, use 90 g/m2 (24 lb bond) 
grain long paper. To use paper narrower than 182 x 257 mm (7.2 x 10.1 in.), it is recommended that the weight be greater 
than or equal to 90 g/m
2 (24 lb bond).
Curl
Curl is the tendency of media to curve at its edges. Excessive curl can cause paper feeding problems. Curl can occur after 
the paper passes through the printer, where it is exposed to high temperatures. Storing paper unwrapped in hot, humid, 
cold and dry conditions, even in the trays, can contribute to paper curling prior to printing and can cause feeding problems.
Smoothness
The degree of smoothness of paper directly affects print quality. If the paper is too rough, the toner does not fuse to the 
paper properly, resulting in poor print quality. If the paper is too smooth, it can cause paper feeding or print quality issues. 
Smoothness needs to be between 100 and 300 Sheffield points; however, smoothness between 150 and 250 Sheffield 
points produces the best print quality.
Moisture content
The amount of moisture in the paper affects both print quality and the ability of the printer to feed the paper properly. Leave 
the paper in its original wrapper until it is time to use it. This limits the exposure of the paper to moisture changes that can 
degrade its performance. 
Condition paper while it is still in the original wrapper. To condition it, store it in the same environment as the printer for 24 
to 48 hours before printing to let the paper stabilize in the new conditions. Extend the time several days if the storage or 
transportation environment is very different from the printer environment. Thick paper may also require a longer 
conditioning period because of the mass of material.
Grain direction
Grain refers to the alignment of the paper fibers in a sheet of paper. Grain is either grain long, running the length of the 
paper, or grain short, running the width of the paper.
For 60 to 90 g/m
2 (16 to 24 lb bond) paper, grain long fibers are recommended.
Fiber content
Most high-quality xerographic paper is made from 100% chemically pulped wood. This content provides the paper with a 
high degree of stability resulting in fewer paper feeding problems and better print quality. Paper containing fibers such as 
cotton possesses characteristics that can result in degraded paper handling.
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							Storing paper
20
Media specifications
Unacceptable paper
The following papers are not recommended for use with the printer:
Chemically treated papers used to make copies without carbon paper, also known as carbonless papers, 
carbonless copy paper (CCP), or no carbon required (NCR) paper
Preprinted papers with chemicals that may contaminate the printer
Preprinted papers that can be affected by the temperature in the printer fuser
Preprinted papers that require a registration (the precise print location on the page) greater than ±0.09 in., such as 
optical character recognition (OCR) forms
In some cases, you can adjust registration with your software application to successfully print on these forms.
Coated papers (erasable bond), synthetic papers, thermal papers
Rough-edged, rough or heavily textured surface papers, or curled papers
Recycled papers containing more than 25% post-consumer waste that do not meet
DIN 19 309
Recycled paper having a weight less than 60 g/m
2 (16 lb)
Multiple-part forms or documents
Selecting paper
Proper paper loading helps prevent jams and ensures trouble-free printing.
To help avoid jams or poor print quality:
Always use new, undamaged paper.
Before loading paper, know the recommended print side of the paper you are using. This information is usually 
indicated on the paper package.
Do not use paper that you have cut or trimmed yourself.
Do not mix media sizes, weights, or types in the same source; mixing results in jams.
Do not use coated papers.
Do not forget to change the Paper Size setting when you use a source that does not support auto size sensing.
Do not remove trays while a job is printing or Busy appears on the operator panel.
Make sure the Media Type settings in the driver are correct. 
Make sure the paper is properly loaded in the source.
Flex paper back and forth. Do not fold or crease the paper. Straighten the edges on a level surface.
Storing paper
Use the following guidelines to avoid paper feeding problems and uneven print quality.
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							Storing paper
21
Media specifications
Store paper in an environment where the temperature is approximately 21°C (70°F) and the relative humidity is 
40%.
Store cartons of paper on a pallet or shelf rather than directly on the floor.
If you store individual packages of paper out of the original carton, make sure they rest on a flat surface so the 
edges do not buckle or curl.
Do not place anything on top of paper packages.
Store paper in its original wrapper until you load it into the printer.
Selecting preprinted forms and letterhead
Use the following guidelines when selecting preprinted forms and letterhead paper for the printer:
Use grain long papers for best results.
Use only forms and letterhead printed using an offset lithographic or engraved printing process.
Avoid papers with rough or heavily textured surfaces.
Use papers printed with heat-resistant inks designed for use in xerographic copiers. The ink must withstand temperatures 
of 170°C (338°F) without melting or releasing hazardous emissions. Use inks that are not affected by the resin in toner. Inks 
that are oxidation-set or oil-based should meet these requirements; latex inks might not. If you are in doubt, contact your 
paper supplier. 
Preprinted papers such as letterhead must be able to withstand temperatures up to 170°C (338°F) without melting or 
releasing hazardous emissions.
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							Storing paper
22
Media specifications
Printing on letterhead
Check with the manufacturer or vendor to determine whether the preprinted letterhead you have chosen is acceptable for 
laser printers.
Page orientation is important when printing on letterhead. Use the following table for help when loading letterhead in the 
media sources.
Transparencies
You can feed transparencies from the standard tray. Try a sample of any transparencies you are considering using with the 
printer before buying large quantities.
When printing on transparencies:
Be sure to set the Media Type to Transparency from the printer driver to avoid damaging your printer.
Use transparencies designed specifically for laser printers. Transparencies must be able to withstand 
temperatures of 170°C (338°F) without melting, discoloring, offsetting or releasing hazardous emissions.
To prevent print quality problems, avoid getting fingerprints on the transparencies when you handle them.
Before loading transparencies, fan the stack to prevent sheets from sticking together.
Selecting transparencies
The printer can print directly on transparencies designed for use in laser printers. Print quality and durability depend on the 
transparency used. Always print samples on the transparencies you are considering before buying large quantities.
Lexmark recommends Lexmark part number 12A5940 for letter-size transparencies and Lexmark part number 12A5941 for 
A4-size transparencies.
The Media Type setting should be set to Transparency to help prevent jams. Check with the manufacturer or vendor to 
determine whether your transparencies are compatible with laser printers that heat transparencies to 170°C (338°F). Use 
only transparencies that are able to withstand these temperatures without melting, discoloring, offsetting, or releasing 
hazardous emissions. For detailed information, see the Card Stock & Label Guide, which is available on the Lexmark Web 
site at www.lexmark.com/publications.
Envelopes
You can load up to 10 envelopes in the standard tray. Try a sample of any envelopes you are considering using with the 
printer before buying large quantities. See Loading envelopes in the standard tray for instructions on loading envelopes.
When printing on envelopes:
To achieve the best possible print quality, use only high-quality envelopes that are designed for use in laser 
printers.
Set the Paper Source, Media Type, and the correct envelope size from the printer driver.
For best performance, use envelopes made from 90 g/m
2 (24 lb bond) paper. You can use up to 105 g/m2 (28 lb 
bond) weight for the 250-sheet standard tray or 105 g/m2 (28 lb bond) weight for envelopes as long as the cotton 
content is 25% or less. Envelopes with 100% cotton content must not exceed 90 g/m2 (24 lb bond) weight.
Media source or processPrint sideTop of page
Tr a y  1
(Standard tray)Printed letterhead faceup Letterhead goes toward the 
rear of the tray
Tr a y  1
(Optional 250-sheet legal size 
tray)Printed letterhead faceup Letterhead goes toward the 
rear of the tray
Tr a y  2
Optional 530-sheet drawer
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							Storing paper
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Media specifications
Use only new, undamaged envelopes.
For best performance and to minimize jams, do not use envelopes that:
–Have excessive curl or twist
–Are stuck together or damaged in any way
–Contain windows, holes, perforations, cutouts, or embossing
–Use metal clasps, string ties, or metal folding bars
–Have an interlocking design
–Have postage stamps attached
–Have any exposed adhesive when the flap is in the sealed or closed position
–Have nicked edges or bent corners
–Have rough, cockle, or laid finishes
Use envelopes that can withstand temperatures of 170°C (338°F) without sealing, excessive curling, wrinkling, or 
releasing hazardous emissions. If you have any doubts about the envelopes you are considering using, check with 
the envelope supplier.
Adjust the width guide to fit the width of the envelopes.
Load only one size of envelope at a time in the tray. Envelopes may only be loaded in the standard tray. Load them 
with the flap down and the flap to the left of the tray.
A combination of high humidity (over 60%) and the high printing temperatures may seal the envelopes.
Use only envelopes with a flap that covers where the seams come together. For examples, see below.
Supported
Unsupported
Envelope flap
Envelope seam
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							Storing paper
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Media specifications
Labels
Your printer can print on many labels designed for use with laser printers, except for vinyl labels. These labels are supplied 
in letter size, A4 size, and legal size sheets. Label adhesives, face sheet (printable stock), and topcoats must be able to 
withstand temperatures of 170°C (338°F) and pressure of 25 pounds per square inch (psi).
Try a sample of any labels you are considering using with the printer before purchasing a large quantity.
For detailed information on label printing, characteristics and design, see the Card Stock & Label Guide available on the 
Lexmark Web site at www.lexmark.com/publications.
When printing on labels:
Set the Media Type to Labels. Set the Media Type from the printer driver.
Do not load labels together with paper or transparencies in the same source; mixing media can cause feeding 
problems.
Do not use label sheets with a slick backing material.
Do not print within 1 mm (0.04 in.) of the die cut.
Use full label sheets. Partial sheets may cause labels to peel off during printing, resulting in a jam. Partial sheets 
also contaminate your printer and your cartridge with adhesive, and could void your printer and cartridge 
warranties.
Use labels that can withstand temperatures of 170°C (338°F) without sealing, excessive curling, wrinkling, or 
releasing hazardous emissions.
Do not print within 1 mm (0.04 in.) of the edge of the label, of the perforations, or between die-cuts of the label.
Do not use label sheets that have adhesive to the edge of the sheet. We recommend zone coating of the adhesive 
at least 1 mm (0.04 in.) away from edges. Adhesive material contaminates your printer and could void your 
warranty.
If zone coating of the adhesive is not possible, a 3 mm (0.125 in.) strip should be removed on the leading and 
driver edge, and a non-oozing adhesive should be used.
Remove a 3 mm (0.125 in.) strip from the leading edge to prevent labels from peeling inside the printer.
Portrait orientation is preferred, especially when printing bar codes.
Do not use labels that have exposed adhesive.
For detailed information on label printing, characteristics, and design, see the Card Stock & Label Guide, available on the 
Lexmark Web site at www.lexmark.com/publications.
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							Storing media
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Media specifications
Card stock
Card stock is single ply, and has a large array of properties, such as the moisture content, thickness, and texture, that can 
significantly affect print quality. See Identifying media sources and specifications for information on the preferred weight 
for the grain direction of media.
Try a sample of any card stock you are considering using with the printer before purchasing a large quantity.
See Media types and weights for information on the preferred weight of media.
When printing on card stock:
Set the Media Type Thick2 from the printer driver. Use Thick2 for card stock weighing more than 163 g/m
2 (90 lb).
Be aware that preprinting, perforation, and creasing can significantly affect the print quality and cause media 
handling or jamming problems.
Avoid using card stock that may release hazardous emissions when heated.
Do not use preprinted card stock manufactured with chemicals that may contaminate the printer. Preprinting 
introduces semi-liquid and volatile components into the printer.
We recommend the use of grain long card stock.
Storing media
Use the following guidelines for proper media storage. These help avoid media feeding problems and uneven print quality:
For best results, store media in an environment where the temperature is approximately 21°C (70°F) and the 
relative humidity is 40%.
Store cartons of media on a pallet or shelf, rather than directly on the floor.
If you store individual packages of media out of the original carton, make sure they rest on a flat surface so the 
edges do not buckle or curl.
Do not place anything on top of the media packages.
Identifying media sources and specifications
The following tables provide information on standard and optional sources, and supported weights.
Note:If you use a media size not listed, select the next larger size.
For detailed information on label printing, characteristics, and design, see the Card Stock & Label Guide, available on the 
Lexmark Web site at www.lexmark.com/publications.
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							Identifying media sources and specifications
26
Media specifications
Media sizes and support
Legend

 — supported
✘— unsupported
Media size
DimensionsStandard tray
250-sheet letter-size tray
(Tray 1)Optional tray
250-sheet legal-size tray
(Tray 1)Optional 530-sheet tray (Tray 2)
A4210 x 297 mm
(8.27 x 11.7 in.)



A5148 x 210 mm
(5.83 x 8.27 in.)

✘
JIS B5182 x 257 mm
(7.17 x 10.1 in.)

✘
Letter215.9 x 279.4 mm
(8.5 x 11 in.)



Legal215.9 x 355.6 mm
(8.5 x 14 in.)✘
✘
Executive184.2 x 266.7 mm
(7.25 x 10.5 in.)



Folio216 x 330 mm
(8.5 x 13 in.)✘
✘
Statement139.7 x 215.9 mm
(5.5 x 8.5 in.)

✘
* This size setting formats the page or envelope for 215.9 x 297 mm (8.5 x 11.7 in.) for the 
250-sheet letter size tray or 215.9 x 355.6 mm (8.5 x 14 in.) for the optional 250-sheet legal 
size tray based on which tray is installed, unless the size is specified by the software 
application.
** Measurements apply to simplex (single-sided) printing only. For the 250-sheet letter size 
tray (standard tray) and 148 x 210 mm (5.83 x 8.27 in.) for the optional
250-sheet legal size tray.
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							Identifying media sources and specifications
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Media specifications
Universal*250-sheet letter tray**:
104.8 x 210 mm to
215.9 x 297 mm
(4.125 x 8.27 in. to
8.5 x 11.7 in.)
250-sheet legal tray**:
104.8 x 210 mm to
215.9 x 355.6 mm 
(4.125 x 8.27 in. to
8.5 x 14 in.)

✘
9 Envelope98.4 x 225.4 mm
(3.875 x 8.9 in.)

✘
Com 10 Envelope104.8 x 241.3 mm
(4.12 x 9.5 in.)

✘
DL Envelope110 x 220 mm
(4.33 x 8.66 in.)

✘
C5 Envelope162 x 229 mm
(6.38 x 9.01 in.)

✘
B5 Envelope176 x 250 mm
(6.93 x 9.84 in.)

✘
Other Envelope
*104.8 x 210 mm to 215.9 x 
355.6 mm
4.125 x 827 in. to 8.5 x 14 in.)

✘
Media sizes and support (continued)
Legend

 — supported
✘— unsupported
Media size
DimensionsStandard tray
250-sheet letter-size tray
(Tray 1)Optional tray
250-sheet legal-size tray
(Tray 1)Optional 530-sheet tray (Tray 2)
* This size setting formats the page or envelope for 215.9 x 297 mm (8.5 x 11.7 in.) for the 
250-sheet letter size tray or 215.9 x 355.6 mm (8.5 x 14 in.) for the optional 250-sheet legal 
size tray based on which tray is installed, unless the size is specified by the software 
application.
** Measurements apply to simplex (single-sided) printing only. For the 250-sheet letter size 
tray (standard tray) and 148 x 210 mm (5.83 x 8.27 in.) for the optional
250-sheet legal size tray.
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							Identifying media sources and specifications
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Media specifications
Media support for models and sources
Legend

 — supported
✘— unsupported
Media
Standard tray
250-sheet letter size tray
(Tray 1)Optional tray
250-sheet legal size tray
(Tray 1)Optional 530-
sheet drawer
(Tray 2)
Paper



Card stock

✘
Transparencies

✘
Paper labels

✘
Envelopes

✘
Glossy paper

✘
Media types and weights
Legend

 — supported
✘— unsupported
Media
Ty p e
Media weight
Standard tray
250-sheet letter size 
tray
(Tray 1)Optional tray
250-sheet legal size 
tray
(Tray 1)
Optional
530-sheet drawer
(Tray 2)
PaperXerographic or 
business paper60 to 90 g/m
2 grain 
long
(16 to 24 lb bond)60 to 90 g/m2 grain 
long
(16 to 24 lb bond)60 to 90 g/m2 grain 
long
(16 to 24 lb bond)
Card stock—maximum
(grain long)
*Index Bristol 90 to 210 g/m2
(24 to 55 lb)90 to 210 g/m
2
(24 to 55 lb)✘
TransparenciesLaser printer 138 to 146 g/m
2
(37 to 39 lb bond)138 to 146 g/m
2
(37 to 39 lb bond)✘
LabelsPaper 180 g/m
2
(48 lb bond)180 g/m
2
(48 lb bond)✘
Envelopes
100% cotton content 
maximum weight—
20 lbSulfite, wood-
free or up to 
100% cotton 
bonds75 to 90 g/m
2
(20 to 24 lb
bond)**75 to 90 g/m
2
(20 to 24 lb
bond)**✘
* Grain short is preferred for papers over 135 g/m2.** 28 lb bond envelopes are limited to 25% cotton content.
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