Lexmark C920n User Manual

							Media guidelines
71
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 possess characteristics that can result in degraded paper handling.
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							Storing paper
72
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, registration can be adjusted with the 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. This information is usually indicated on the 
paper package.
Do not use paper that has been cut or trimmed by hand.
Do not mix media sizes, weights, or types in the same source; mixing results in jams.
Do not use coated papers unless they are specifically designed for electrophotographic printing.
Do not forget to change the Paper Size setting when using 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 Paper Type and Paper Weight settings are correct. (See “Paper Menu” in the Menus and Messages 
Guide on the publications CD for detailed information about these settings.)
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.
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.
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							Storing paper
73
Media specifications
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 for 60 to 90 g/m
2 weights.
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 230°C (446°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. When in doubt, contact the paper 
supplier. 
Preprinted papers such as letterhead must be able to withstand temperatures up to 230°C (446°F) without melting or 
releasing hazardous emissions.
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							Storing paper
74
Media specifications
Printing on letterhead
Check with the manufacturer or vendor to determine whether the chosen preprinted letterhead 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
Feed transparencies from the standard tray or the multipurpose feeder. Try a sample of any transparencies being 
considered for use with the printer before buying large quantities.
When printing on transparencies:
Be sure to set the Paper Type to Transparency from the printer driver or from MarkVision™ Professional to avoid 
damaging the printer.
Use transparencies designed specifically for laser printers. Transparencies must be able to withstand 
temperatures of 230°C (446°F) without melting, discoloring, offsetting or releasing hazardous emissions.
To prevent print quality problems, avoid getting fingerprints on the transparencies.
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 being considered for use before buying large quantities.
Lexmark recommends Lexmark Part Number 12A8240 letter size transparency and Lexmark Part Number 12A8241 for A4 
size transparency.
The Paper Type setting should be set to Transparency to help prevent jams. (See “Paper Type” in the Menus and Messages 
Guide on the publications CD for detailed information about this setting.) Check with the manufacturer or vendor to 
determine whether the transparencies are compatible with laser printers that heat transparencies to 230°C (446°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
Try a sample of any envelopes in consideration for use with the printer before buying large quantities. See Loading the 
multipurpose feeder 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.
Media source or processPrint sideTop of page
Trays Printed letterhead face down Letterhead goes toward the rear of the tray.
Duplex (two-sided) printing from 
traysPrinted letterhead face up Letterhead goes toward the front of the tray.
Multipurpose feeder Printed letterhead face up Icons on the multipurpose feeder show the 
correct orientation for each paper size.
Duplex (two-sided) printing from 
multipurpose feederPrinted letterhead face down Icons on the multipurpose feeder show the 
correct orientation for each paper size.
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							Storing paper
75
Media specifications
Set the Paper Source in the Paper Menu based on the source in use, set the Paper Type to Envelope, and select 
the correct envelope size from the operator panel, the printer driver, or from MarkVision Professional.
For best performance, use envelopes made from 90 g/m
2 (24 lb bond) paper. 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.
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 230°C (446°F) without sealing, excessive curling, wrinkling, or 
releasing hazardous emissions. If any doubts exist about the envelopes considered for use, check with the 
envelope supplier.
A combination of high humidity (over 60%) and the high printing temperatures may seal the envelopes.
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							Storing paper
76
Media specifications
Labels
The printer can print on many labels designed for use with laser printers. 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 230°C (446°F) and pressure of 25 pounds per square inch (psi).
Try a sample of any labels considered for use 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 Paper Type menu item to Labels in the Paper Menu. Set the Paper Type from the printer operator panel, 
the printer driver, or from MarkVision Professional.
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 the printer and the cartridge with adhesive, and could void the printer and cartridge warranties.
Use labels that can withstand temperatures of 230°C (446°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. Zone coating of the adhesive at least 1 mm 
(0.04 in.) away from edges is recommended. Adhesive material contaminates the printer and could void the 
warranty.
If zone coating of the adhesive is not possible, remove a 3 mm (0.125 in.) strip on the leading and driver edge, and 
use a non-oozing adhesive.
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 considered for use 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 Paper Type menu item in the Paper Menu to Card Stock from the operator panel, from the printer driver, or 
from MarkVision Professional. Set the Paper Weight to CardStock Weight, and select the CardStock Weight as 
Normal or Heavy for the value. Set this from the operator panel, the printer driver, or from MarkVision Professional. 
Use Heavy for card stock weighing more than or heavier 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.
The use of grain long card stock is recommended.
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%. Most label manufacturers recommend printing in a temperature range of 18 to 24°C (65 
to 75°F) with a relative humidity of 40 to 60%.
Store cartons of media on a pallet or shelf, rather than directly on the floor.
When storing 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.
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							Identifying media sources and specifications
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Media specifications
Identifying media sources and specifications
The following tables provide information on standard and optional sources, including the media sizes available from the 
Paper Size menu, and supported weights.
Note:If a media size not listed needs to be used, select the next larger size.
For information on card stock and labels, see the Card Stock & Label Guide.
Media sizes and support
Legend

 — supported
✘— unsupported
Media size
Dimensions
550-sheet 
traysMultipurpose 
feeder
Optional high 
capacity 
feederOptional 
duplex 
unit
Optional 
finisher****
A3297 x 420 mm
(11.7 x 16.5 in.)

 ✘ 


A4210 x 297 mm
(8.27 x 11.7 in.)





A5148 x 210 mm
(5.83 x 8.27 in.)✘
 ✘ 


JIS B4257 x 364 mm
(10.1 x 14.3 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.)✘
 ✘ ✘✘
Ta b l o i d279 x 432 mm
(11 x 17 in.)

 ✘ 


* This size setting formats the page or envelope for 297.0 x 1219.2 mm 
(11.7 x 48 in.) unless the size is specified by the software application.
** Measurements apply to simplex (single-sided) printing only. For 
duplex (two-sided) printing, the minimum size is 139.7 x 210 mm (5.50 
x 8.27 in.).
*** This size setting formats the page or envelope for 216.0 x 355.6 mm 
(8.5 x 14 in.) unless the size is specified by the software application.
**** Finisher bin 1. Only A4 and Letter sizes may be fed to finisher bin 2.
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							Identifying media sources and specifications
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Media specifications
Universal*69.85 x 127 mm to 
297 x 1219.2 mm
(2.75 x 3.5 in. to
11.69 x 48 in.)***✘
 ✘ ✘✘
Banner297 x 914 mm 
(11.69 x 36 in.)✘
 ✘ ✘✘
Banner297 x 1219.2 mm 
(11.69 x 48 in.)✘
 ✘ ✘✘
7 3/4 Envelope
(Monarch)98.4 x 190.5 mm
(3.875 x 7.5 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 mm x 210 mm 
to 215.9 mm x 355.6 
mm
4.125 in. x 8.27 in. 
to 8.5 in. x 14 in.)✘
 ✘ ✘✘
Media sizes and support (continued)
Legend

 — supported
✘— unsupported
Media size
Dimensions
550-sheet 
traysMultipurpose 
feeder
Optional high 
capacity 
feederOptional 
duplex 
unit
Optional 
finisher****
* This size setting formats the page or envelope for 297.0 x 1219.2 mm 
(11.7 x 48 in.) unless the size is specified by the software application.
** Measurements apply to simplex (single-sided) printing only. For 
duplex (two-sided) printing, the minimum size is 139.7 x 210 mm (5.50 
x 8.27 in.).
*** This size setting formats the page or envelope for 216.0 x 355.6 mm 
(8.5 x 14 in.) unless the size is specified by the software application.
**** Finisher bin 1. Only A4 and Letter sizes may be fed to finisher bin 2.
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							Identifying media sources and specifications
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Media specifications
Media support by type for optional features
Legend

 — supported
✘— unsupported
Media
550-sheet 
traysMultipurpose 
feederOptional 
duplex
Optional high 
capacity 
feeder
Optional 
finisher
Paper





Card stock

✘✘

Transparencies

✘✘

Banner✘
✘✘

1
Paper labels

✘✘

Envelopes✘
✘✘

Glossy paper

 ✘ 
 

1Output Banner size paper to Finisher Bin 1 only.
Media types and weights
Legend

 — supported
✘— unsupported
Media
Ty p e
Media weight
550-sheet traysMultipurpose feeder
PaperXerographic or business 
paper
(Used for simplex 
printing)
1
60 to 74.9 g/m2 grain long
(16 to 19.9 lb bond)260 to 74.9 g/m2 grain long
(16 to 19.9 lb bond)2
Xerographic or business 
paper
(Used for duplex printing)75 to 176 g/m2
grain long
(20 to 47 lb bond)75 to 176 g/m2
grain long
(20 to 47 lb bond)
Glossy papersBook 88 to 176 g/m2
grain long
(60 to 120 lb book)88 to 176 g/m2
grain long
(60 to 120 lb book)
Cover 162 to 176 g/m2
grain long
(60 to 65 lb cover)162 to 176 g/m2
grain long
(60 to 65 lb cover)
1 Paper weighing less than 75 g/m2 (20 lb bond) is limited to simplex printing only at less than 60% relative 
humidity.
2 This paper weight in any source is not supported for duplex (two-sided) printing.3 For 60 to 176 g/m2(16 to 47 lb bond) paper, grain long fibers are recommended. For papers heavier than 176 g/
m2 (47 lb bond), grain short is recommended.4 Pressure sensitive area must enter the printer first.5 100% cotton content maximum weight is 90.2g/m2 (24 lb) bond.6 105 g/m2 (28 lb bond) envelopes are limited to 25% cotton content.
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