Lexmark Optra S 1250 Manual

							125Using Print Materials
Using Print Materials
Using Your Printer
For detailed information, refer to theCard Stock & Labels Guide,
which is available from Lexmark.
MaterialTy p e
Weight for Paper Sources
250-sheet input tray
and 500-sheet trays
Multipurpose
feeder and optional
250-sheet drawer
Envelope
Feeder
Paper Xerographic or
business paper60 to 176 g/m
2
grain long
(16to47lbbond)60 to 135 g/m
2
grain long
(16to36lbbond)
Card Stock -
Upper Limit
(Grain Long)
1
Index Bristol 163 g/m2(90lb) 120g/m2(67 lb)
Ta g 1 6 3 g / m2(100 lb) 120 g/m2(74 lb)
Cover 176 g/m2(65lb) 135g/m2(50 lb)
Card Stock
Upper Limit
(Grain Short)
1
Index Bristol 199 g/m2(110 lb) 163 g/m2(90 lb)
Ta g 2 0 3 g / m2(125 lb) 163 g/m2(100 lb)
Cover 216 g/m2(80lb) 176g/m2(65 lb)
Tr a n s p a r -
enciesLaser printer
transparency138 to 146 g/m2
(37to39lbbond)138 to 146 g/m
2
(37to39lbbond)
Labels Upper
LimitPaper 180 g/m2(48lbbond) 163g/m2(43 lb bond)
Dual-Web Paper 180 g/m2(48lbbond) 163g/m2(43 lb bond)
Vinyl 300 g/m2260 g/m2
Polyester 220 g/m2(59lbbond) 220g/m2(59 lb bond)
Integrated
FormsPressure
Sensitive Area
2140 to 175 g/m2140 to 175 g/m2
Paper Base
(grain long)75 to 135 g/m2
(20to36lbbond)75 to 135 g/m
2
(20to36lbbond)
Envelopes Sulfite, wood-
free, or up to
100% cotton
bond60 to 105 g/m2
(16to28lbbond)3,475 to 90 g/m2
(20to24lb
bond)
Note: The duplex option supports all paper weights and types that the printer supports except for
transparencies and envelopes.
1See “Grain Direction” on page 127 for specific recommendations.2Pressure sensitive area must enter the printer first. For example, the base enters last.3100% cotton content maximum weight is 24 lb bond.428 lb bond envelopes are limited to 25% cotton content. 
						

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Using Your Printer
Print Material Characteristics
The paper characteristics defined below affect printing quality and
reliability. We recommend that you keep these guidelines in mind
when evaluating new paper stock.
Weight
The printer can automatically feed paper weights from 60 to
176g/m2(16to47lbbond).Paperlighterthan60g/m2(16 lb) might
not be stiff enough to feed properly, causing paper jams. For best
performance, use 75g/m
2(20 lb bond) grain long paper. If you
want to print on print materials narrower than 182 x 257 mm (7.2 x
10.1 in.), the basis weight must be greater than or equal to 90g/m
2
(24 lb bond).
Curl
Curl is the tendency of paper to curve at its edges. If curl is
excessive, it can cause paper feeding problems. Curl usually occurs
after the paper passes through the printer, where it is exposed to
high temperatures. Storing paper unwrapped in humid conditions,
even in the paper tray, can contribute to paper curling.
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 problems in the printer. Smoothness
needs to be between 100 and 400 Sheffield points; however,
smoothness between 100 and 250 Sheffield points produces the
best print quality. 
						

							127Using Print Materials
Using Print Materials
Using Your Printer
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 you are ready to use it. This
limits the exposure of the paper to moisture changes that can
degrade its performance.
Grain Direction
Grainreferstothealignmentofthepaperfibersinasheetofpaper.
Grain is eithergrain long, running the length of the paper; orgrain
short, running the width of the paper.
For 60 to 176g/m
2(16 to 47 lb bond) paper, grain long fibers are
recommended. For papers heavier than 176g/m2(47 lb bond),
grain short is preferred. For the multipurpose feeder, 60 to 163g/m2
(16 to 43 lb bond) paper, grain long fibers are recommended. For
the multipurpose feeder, papers heavier than 163g/m2(43 lb bond)
grain short is preferred.
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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Using Your Printer
Paper Guidelines
Always use new, undamaged paper. To avoid paper jams or poor
print quality:
Do not use paper that you have cut or trimmed yourself.
Do not mix paper sizes, weights, or types in the same paper
source since mixing results in paper 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.
Make sure the Paper Type, Paper Texture, and Paper
Weight settings are correct.
Recommended Papers
To ensure the best print quality, use 75g/m2(20 lb) xerographic
paper. Business papers designed for general business use may also
provide acceptable print quality.
It is always recommended to print several samples on the type of
paper you are considering before buying large quantities. When
choosing any papers, consider the weight, fiber content, and color
of the paper.
The laser printing process heats paper to high temperatures of
212
oC (414oF).Useonlypapersthatareabletowithstandthese
temperatures without discoloring, bleeding, or releasing
hazardous emissions. Check with the manufacturer or vendor to
determine whether the paper you’ve chosen is acceptable for laser
printers.
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. 
						

							129Using Print Materials
Using Print Materials
Using Your Printer
Use only forms and letterhead printed using an offset
lithographic or engraved printing process.
Choose papers that absorb ink, but do not bleed.
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 212
oC (414oF) without melting or releasing
hazardous emissions. Use inks that are not affected by the
resin in the toner or the silicone in the fuser. Inks that are
oxidation-set or oil-based should meet these requirements.
Latex inks might not meet these requirements. If you are in
doubt, contact your paper supplier.
Unsatisfactory Papers
Thefollowingpapersarenotrecommendedforusewiththe
printer:
Some chemically treated papers used to make copies
without carbon paper, also known as carbonless papers
Coated papers (erasable bond)
Multiple-part forms or documents
Preprinted papers that require aregistration(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.
Preprinted papers with chemicals that may contaminate the
printer
Preprinted papers that can be affected by the temperature
in the printer fuser
Rough-edgedorcurledpapers
Synthetic papers
Thermal papers
Less than 75 g/m2(20 lb) recycled paper
Recycled papers containing more than 25% post consumer
wastethatdonotmeetDIN19309 
						

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Storing paper
Properly storing the paper you buy helps ensure trouble-free
printing. Use the following guidelines:
For best results, store paper in an environment where the
temperature is approximately 21oC(70oF) 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 the paper packages.
Envelope Guidelines
For optimum printing on envelopes, use only new, undamaged
envelopes. When you print on envelopes, the glue must not be
exposed. The combination of high humidity (over 60%) and the
high printing temperatures may seal the envelopes.
When printing on envelopes, be sure to selectEnv Feederor
MP Feederas the paper source and set the correct envelope size.
The laser printing process heats envelopes to a temperature of
200
oC (392oF). Use only envelopes that are able to withstand these
temperatures 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.
For best performance, use envelopes made from 75 g/m
2(20 lb
bond) paper. You can use up to 105 g/m2(28 lb bond) weight for
the multipurpose feeder or 90 g/m2(24 lb bond) weight for the
envelope 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. 
						

							131Using Print Materials
Using Print Materials
Using Your Printer
To minimize jams, donotuse envelopes that:
Have excessive curl or twist
Are stuck together
Are 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
Label Guidelines
The printer can print on many labels designed for use with laser
printers. These labels are supplied in letter-size and A4-size sheets.
Whenprintingonlabels,besuretoselectLabelsin thePA P E R
TYPEmenu in thePAPER MENU.
Do notload labels together with paper or transparencies in the
same paper tray. Combining print materials can cause feeding
problems.
Do not load partial sheets with areas exposed by missing labels.
This can cause labels to peel off during printing, resulting in a
paper jam. Partial sheets will also contaminate your printer and
your cartridge with adhesive, and could void your printer and
cartridge warranties.
Labels are one of the most difficult print materials for laser
printers. A special fuser cleaner should be used for label
application to optimize feed reliability. See “Ordering a Label
Fuser Cleaner” on page 248 for more information. 
						

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After continuously printing approximately 10,000 page sides of
labels (or each time you replace the print cartridge), complete the
following steps to maintain printer feeding reliability:
1Print 5 sheets of paper.
2Wait approximately 5 seconds.
3Print 5 more sheets of paper.
For detailed information on label printing, characteristics, and
design, refer to theCard Stock & Labels Guide,which is available
from Lexmark.
Liner
Theliner, also known as thecarrierorbacking, is the material the
label is attached to. The liner carries the label through the printer.
Tissue or plain bond, porous, lay-flat liners are preferred. Toner
contamination is reduced and feed performance improves with
these liners. Slick non-porous liners are harder to feed and increase
toner buildup in the fuser and on the backup roll. Rough liners can
increase paper path friction, which leads to skew and paper jams.
Excessive paper dust or chaff may affect print quality. Contact
your forms supplier for additional information on liners.
Adhesives
There are two major types of label adhesives: removable and
permanent. Each type, with proper design, has been used
successfully with your printer. Acrylic based adhesives are
generally preferred for cut-sheet label printers.
The major adhesive problem is printer and cartridge
contamination. Adhesive must be kept out of contact with paper
path guides, drive rollers, charge roller, cartridge photoconductor
drum, transfer roller, and detack fingers. This is accomplished
through proper label design and the use of full label sheets (sheets
that do not have areas exposed by missing labels). The adhesive
can melt if the sheet stops in the fuser during a paper jam. The 
						

							133Using Print Materials
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adhesives are semi-liquid and may contain volatile components
that can cause printer contamination or fumes when the adhesive
is heated or placed under pressure.
Zone coating(orzone printing) of the adhesive involves placing the
adhesive only where needed. Zone coating is generally used with
paper labels and integrated forms. A no-adhesive border of 1 mm
(0.04 in.) around the outside edge of the label sheet generally gives
good results. Check with your forms supplier to determine
whether selected labels are appropriate for your printer.
A stripped edge matrixof 3 mm (0.125 in.) along the outer border of
the label sheet, combined with a tight adhering adhesive that does
not ooze, may prevent glue contamination. This design requires a
stiffer backing material to prevent crushing when the sheet is
aligned on the reference edge. Generally, vinyl and polyester labels
lend themselves to this design with few problems. Paper and dual-
web designs require some testing to determine which backing
produces good results.
Finally, make sure that the adhesive haspull strengthadequate to
prevent label peeling during printing. Adhesives must be able to
withstand pressure of 25 psi and fuser temperatures of 212°C
(414°F) without creating hazardous fumes or oozing from edges of
labels or die-cuts. Contact your forms supplier for additional
information.
Face Sheet (Printable Stock)
Paper, vinyl, and polyester are the major printable stocks used for
labels. When using alternate face sheets, your forms supplier can
provide information on whether the stock face can withstand
temperatures of 212°C (414°F) and pressure of 25 psi. You should
test the stock to ensure it works satisfactorily with your printer. 
						

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Paper Labels
Generally, cut-sheet paper labels work well with your printer.
Labels with coating or sizing used to make the paper liquid-
resistant should be avoided. They decrease toner adhesion and
increase fuser contamination from toner. Paper labels, at a
minimum, should be equivalent in weight and rigidity to 20 lb
xerographic bond paper.
Dual-Web Paper Labels
Dual-web paper labels are paper labels combined with a sheet of
paper stock to form a cut-sheet design. The liner must be rigid
enough to withstand the pick force of the printer.
The overlay of the two print materials must be thin enough to
allow the label sheet to remain flat in the tray. The sheet should
have no adhesive exposed in the overlay area or anywhere along
the front or back of the two materials. A 1 mm (0.04 in.) non-glue
strip is recommended along the edge of the overlay.
The label portion is usually a paper label. The same guidelines
applicable to paper labels are applicable to these labels. Testing is
recommended before purchasing large quantities of dual-web
paper labels.
Vinyl Labels
Some vinyl labels work well with your printer. It is always
recommended to print several samples of the labels you are
considering before buying large quantities.
Since vinyls are heat sensitive, the liners need to be thick enough to
absorb excess heat and prevent melting. Thin liners or low peel
strength adhesive may lead to peeling of vinyl labels, which will
require printer servicing. Vinyls are non-absorbing, which leads to
toner build-up in the fuser and may require special printer
maintenance. Vinyls must have a topcoat to provide good toner
adhesion.