Lexmark E450dn User Manual

							Understanding the control panel
11
Learning about the printer
5 and 6 Navigation 
buttonsThe Up and Down buttons are used to move up or down lists.
When navigating through a list using the Up or Down button, the cursor moves 
one line at a time. Pressing the Down button at the bottom of the screen changes 
the screen to the next whole page.
The Left or Right buttons are used to move within a screen such as moving from 
one menu index item to another. They are also used to scroll through text that will 
not fit on the screen.
The Select button is used to initiate action on a selection. Press Select when the 
cursor appears next to the selection you want such as following a link, submitting 
a configuration item, or when you want to start or cancel a job.
7 DisplayThe display shows messages and graphics describing the current state of the printer and 
indicating possible printer problems you must resolve.
The top line of the display is the header line. If applicable, it will contain the graphic 
indicating the Back button can be used. It will also display the current status and the 
Supplies (Warnings) status. If multiple warnings are present, each warning will be 
separated by a comma.
The other three lines of the display are the body of the screen. This is where you view 
printer status, supplies messages, show-me screens, and make selections.
Button or control panel 
item
Function
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							Understanding print media guidelines
12
2Understanding print media guidelines
Print media is paper, card stock, transparencies, labels, and envelopes. The last four are sometimes referred to as specialty 
media. The printer provides high-quality printing on a variety of media. A number of things must be considered concerning 
media before printing. This chapter provides information on making media selections and caring for media.
 What types of print media can be loaded?
 Tips on choosing the right print media
 Storing print media
 Avoiding jams
For more details about the types of paper and specialty media your printer supports, see the Card Stock & Label Guide 
available on our Lexmark Web site at www.lexmark.com.
We recommend that you try a limited sample of any paper or specialty media you are considering using with the printer 
before purchasing large quantities.
What types of print media can be loaded?
Get the most from your printer by properly loading the trays. Never mix media types within a tray.
SourceSizesTy p e sWeightCapacity* (sheets)
250-sheet tray A4, A5, A6 (grain long 
only), JIS B5, letter, 
legal, executive, folio, 
statementPlain paper, bond, 
letterhead, 
transparencies, 
paper labels (single-
sided only)60–90 g/m
2
(16–24 lb)250 paper
50 labels
50 transparencies
550-sheet drawer 
(optional)A4, A5, JIS B5, letter, 
legal, executive, folio, 
statementPlain paper, bond, 
letterhead, 
transparencies, 
paper labels (single-
sided only)60–90 g/m
2
(16–24 lb)550 paper
50 labels
50 transparencies
Manual feeder A4, A5, A6 (grain long 
only), JIS B5, letter, 
legal, executive, folio, 
statement, Universal
‡
Plain paper, 
transparencies, 
paper labels (single-
sided only)60–163 g/m2
(16–43 lb)1
Card stock
†120–163 g/m2
(66–90 lb) Index Bristol
75–163 g/m2
(46–100 lb) Tag
7¾, 9, 10, DL, C5, B5 Envelopes 75 g/m
2 (20 lb)
* Capacity for 20 lb print media, unless otherwise noted.
† Grain short is recommended. Use rear exit for best results.‡ Universal size ranges:
– Manual feeder: 76–216 x 127–356 mm (3.0–8.5 x 5.0–14.0 in.) (includes 3 x 5 in. cards)
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							Tips on choosing the right print media
13
Understanding print media guidelines
Tips on choosing the right print media
Selecting the right paper or other print media reduces printing problems. For best print quality, try a sample of the paper or 
other print media you are considering before buying large quantities.
Note:Certain paper types will not print at maximum speed.
See the Card Stock & Label Guide available on our Lexmark Web site at www.lexmark.com/publications for more 
information about which print media provides optimum results for your printing environment.
Paper
For the best print quality, use 20 lb (75 g/m2) xerographic, grain long paper.
The printer can automatically feed paper weights from 60 to 90 g/m
2 (16 to 24 lb bond) grain long. Paper lighter 
than 60 g/m2 (16 lb) might not be stiff enough to feed properly, causing jams. Paper heavier than 90 g/m2 (24 lb) 
should be fed through the manual feeder.
The laser printing process heats paper to high temperatures of 210°C (410°F). Use only paper able to withstand 
these temperatures without discoloring, bleeding, or releasing hazardous emissions. Check with the manufacturer 
or vendor to determine whether the paper you have chosen is acceptable for laser printers.
The duplex unit only supports certain sizes and types of print media. Only A4, letter, legal and folio size paper can 
be used for duplex printing. The printer does not support duplex printing on any other type of print media.
Paper characteristics
The following paper characteristics affect print quality and reliability. It is recommended that these guidelines are followed 
when evaluating new paper stock.
For detailed information, see the Card Stock & Label Guide available on the Lexmark Web site at www.lexmark.com/
publications.
Weight
The printer can automatically feed paper weights from 60 to 90 g/m2 (16 to 24 lb bond) grain long in the integrated and 
optional trays and paper weights from 60 to 163 g/m2 (16 to 43 lb bond) grain long in the manual feeder. Paper lighter than 
60 g/m2 (16 lb) might not be stiff enough to feed properly, causing jams. For best performance, use 75 g/m2 (20 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 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. 
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							Tips on choosing the right print media
14
Understanding print media guidelines
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.
Recycled paper
Lexmark supports US executive order 13101 which strongly encourages the use of recycled papers in government 
agencies. Ask for warranty information and performance claims from your paper supplier, and/or test small quantities before 
buying large amounts. A list of suppliers and approved papers used by the US Government Printing Office can be found at 
http://www.gpo.gov/qualitycontrol/cpypaper.htm.
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. 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 remove trays while a job is printing or Busy appears on the control panel.
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							Tips on choosing the right print media
15
Understanding print media guidelines
Make sure the Paper Type, Paper Texture, and Paper Weight settings are correct. (See “Paper Menu” in the Menus 
and Messages Guide located on the Software and Documentation CD for detailed information about these 
settings.)
Make sure the paper is properly loaded in the source.
Flex paper back and forth, and then fan. Do not fold or crease the paper. Straighten the edges on a level surface.
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 210°C (410°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 210°C (410°F) without melting or 
releasing hazardous emissions.
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 250-sheet tray or the manual feeder. Try a sample of any transparencies being considered 
for use with the printer before buying large quantities.
When printing on transparencies:
Media source or processPrint sideTop of page
250-sheet tray and
550-sheet drawerPrinted letterhead facedown The top edge of the sheet with the logo is 
placed at the front of the tray.
Duplex (two-sided) printing from 
traysPrinted letterhead face up The top edge of the sheet with the logo is 
placed at the front of the tray.
Manual feeder Printed letterhead faceup The top edge of the sheet with the logo enters 
the printer first.
Duplex (two-sided) printing from 
Manual feederPrinted letterhead face down The top edge of the sheet with the logo enters 
the printer first.
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							Tips on choosing the right print media
16
Understanding print media guidelines
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 175°C (350°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.
We recommend Lexmark part number 70X7240 letter size transparency and Lexmark part number 12A5010 for A4 size 
transparency.
The Paper Type setting should be set to Transparency to help prevent jams. (See “Paper Type” 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 175°C (350°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.
Transparencies can be fed automatically from the paper trays or manually from the manual feeder. See What types of 
print media can be loaded? on page 12 for information about transparency compatibility with input bins.
Be careful when you handle transparencies. Fingerprints on the surface of the transparency cause poor print quality.
Envelopes
Try a sample of any envelope you are considering using with the printer before buying large quantities. See Loading the 
manual feeder on page 23 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 in the Paper menu to manual, set the Paper Type to Envelope, and select the correct 
envelope size from the control 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 manual feeder as long as the cotton content is 25% or less. Envelopes with 100% cotton content 
must not exceed 90 g/m
2 (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 175°C (350°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 envelope.
Load only one envelope at a time.
A combination of high humidity (over 60%) and the high printing temperatures may seal the envelopes.
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							Tips on choosing the right print media
17
Understanding print media guidelines
Labels
The 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 210°C (410°F) and pressure of 25 pounds per square inch (psi).
Try a sample of any label 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 Paper Type menu item to Labels in the Paper menu. Set the Paper Type from the printer control 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 use vinyl labels.
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 210°C (410°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.
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. For information on the preferred weight and for the grain direction of print media, see What 
types of print media can be loaded? on page 12.
Try a sample of any card stock you are considering using with the printer before purchasing a large quantity.
When printing on card stock:
Cardstock can only be printed from the Manual Feeder.
Set the Paper Type menu item in the Paper Menu to Card Stock from the control 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 control 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.
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							Storing print media
18
Understanding print media guidelines
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 short card stock is recommended.
Storing print media
Use the following guidelines to avoid paper 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.
Store paper in its original wrapper until you load it into the printer.
Avoiding jams
Use appropriate print media (paper, transparencies, labels, and card stock) to help ensure trouble-free printing. See What 
types of print media can be loaded? on page 12 for more information.
Note:Try a limited sample of any print media you are considering using with the printer before purchasing 
large quantities.
By selecting the appropriate print media and loading it properly, you can avoid most jams. For detailed tray loading 
instructions, see the following:
 Loading the 250-sheet tray on page 19
 Loading the manual feeder on page 23
The following hints can help you avoid jams:
Use only recommended print media.
Do not overload the print media sources. Make sure the stack height does not exceed the maximum height 
indicated by the stack line on the labels in the sources.
Do not load wrinkled, creased, damp, or curled print media.
Flex, fan, and straighten print media before you load it. If jams do occur with print media, try feeding one sheet at 
a time through the manual feeder.
Do not use print media that you have cut or trimmed yourself.
Do not mix print media sizes, weights, or types in the same print media source.
Make sure the recommended print side is loaded in the source according to your simplex or duplex needs.
Keep print media stored in an acceptable environment. See Storing print media on page 18.
Do not remove trays during a print job.
Push all trays in firmly after loading them.
Make sure the guides in the trays are properly positioned for the size of print media you have loaded. Make sure 
the guides are not placed too tightly against the stack of print media.
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							Printing
19
3Printing
This chapter covers information about loading print media, sending a job to print, canceling a print job, printing a menu 
settings page, and printing a font list. For tips on paper jam prevention and print media storage, see Avoiding jams on 
page 18 or Storing print media on page 18.
Loading the 250-sheet tray
Your printer has a 250-sheet tray. You may have also purchased an optional 550-sheet drawer. Print media is loaded into 
both components the same way.
To load print media:
Note:Do not remove a tray when a job is printing or when the control panel indicator light is blinking. Doing 
so may cause a jam.
1Remove the tray.
Note:To load legal or folio size paper, extend the length of the paper tray. See Extending the tray for legal 
or folio size paper on page 22 for instructions.
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							Loading the 250-sheet tray
20
Printing
2Squeeze the side guide tab, and slide the guide to the outside of the tray.
3Squeeze the rear guide tab, and slide the guide to the correct position for the size media you are loading.
4Flex the sheets back and forth to loosen them, then fan them. Do not fold or crease the print media. Straighten the 
edges on a level surface.
5Load print media in the tray.
Note:Load letterhead paper with the design side facing down. The top edge of the sheet with the logo 
should be placed at the front of the tray.
Make sure the print media is below the paper fill indicator on the side guides. Overloading may cause jams.
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