Lexmark X500n User Manual

							Loading paper and specialty media
This section shows how to load the standard tray (250-sheet tray) and the optional 530-sheet tray which is part of
the optional 530-sheet drawer. It also includes information about the standard exit bin.
Loading trays
The printer has two trays to select from: the standard tray (Tray 1), also known as the 250-sheet tray, and the optional
530-sheet tray (Tray 2), which is part of the 530-sheet drawer and fits into the support unit. Load the paper or specialty
media used for the majority of print jobs in Tray 1. Proper paper loading prevents jams and facilitates trouble-free
printing.
Note: Tray 1 can be used as a letter-size tray or may be extended to a legal-size tray.
Load the standard tray or optional trays in the same way. The width and length guide tabs look different; however,
all of them squeeze and move in the same manner.
1Grasp the handle, and pull the tray out. Remove the tray completely.
Note: Do not remove trays while a job prints or while Please Wait blinks on the display. Doing so may cause
a jam.
2Squeeze the length guide tabs together as shown. Slide the guide to the correct position for the paper size being
loaded.
 
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							Note: Notice the size indicators on the bottom of the tray on both sizes of the guide. Use these indicators for
help positioning the guide.
This second illustration shows the tabs and size indicators for the optional 530-sheet tray.
3Squeeze the width guide tabs together as shown, and slide the width guide to the correct position for the paper
size being loaded.
Note: Notice the size indicators on the bottom left of the tray. Use these indicators for help positioning the guide.
Notice the load line label on the side of the tray which indicates the maximum stack height for your paper.
 
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							This second illustration shows the tabs, the size indicators, and the load line for the optional 530-sheet tray.
4Flex the sheets back and forth to loosen them, and then fan them. Do not fold or crease the paper. Straighten
the edges on a level surface.
5Load the paper stack with the recommended print side faceup. Load the stack toward the back of the tray as
shown.
When loading preprinted letterhead, place the header toward the rear of the tray.
 
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							6Align the tray, and insert it.
Converting the standard tray to a legal-size tray
The standard tray (Tray 1), also known as the 250-sheet tray, can be extended to make the 250-sheet legal-size
tray (Tray 1).
Note: Not all models come with a universal tray. You may need to purchase a legal-size tray separately.
To extend the standard tray:
1Grasp the handle, and pull the tray out. Remove the tray completely.
Note: Do not remove trays while a job prints or while Please Wait blinks on the display. Doing so may cause
a jam.
 
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							2Using a coin or a flat head screwdriver, unlock the tray on each side.
3Fully extend the tray until the locking tabs are in the LGL position.
4Lock the tray on each side.
 
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							5Slide the paper guide to the legal position.
6Attach the dust cover.
7Load the paper stack with the recommended print side faceup, and close the dust cover.
When loading preprinted letterhead, place the header toward the rear of the tray.
 
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							8Align the tray, and insert it.
Setting the Paper Type
1Make sure the printer is on and Ready appears.
2From the control panel, press .
3Press  or  repeatedly until Machine Settings appears, and then press .
4Press  or  repeatedly until Paper Settings appears, and then press .
5Press  or  repeatedly until Paper Type appears, and then press .
6Press  or  repeatedly to select either Tray1 Paper or Tray2 Paper, and then press .
7Press  or  repeatedly until the Paper Type you want appears, and then press .
8Press  to return to the Ready state.
Setting up the standard exit bin
The standard exit bin holds up to 250 sheets of 20 lb paper. It collects print jobs facedown.
The standard exit bin collects every type of paper and specialty media the printer supports.
To set up the standard exit bin:
1Grasp the edges of the paper support at the indentations in the exit bin.
2Lift the paper support.
 
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							3Lower the paper support into place so that it is now at an angle.
The paper support is inclined so the paper now remains in a neater stack in the standard exit bin.
Note: Do not leave the paper support inclined if you are printing transparencies. Doing so may cause creases in the
transparencies.
Linking trays
Tray linking enables the automatic linking feature for trays when the same size and type of paper is loaded in multiple
sources. By linking trays, you can create a larger capacity for output. When Tray 1 is empty, paper automatically
feeds from Tray 2 to finish printing.
To set up tray linking:
Load both Tray 1 and Tray 2 with the same paper size and type.
From Print Properties, change the Paper source to Auto select.
 
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							Paper and specialty media guide
Paper guidelines
When printing on specialty media, use the printer control panel to set the correct Paper Type.
Paper characteristics
The following paper characteristics affect print quality and reliability. Consider these characteristics when evaluating
new paper stock.
Weight
The printer can automatically feed paper weights from 60 to 176 g/m2 (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. For paper smaller than 182 x 257 mm (7.2 x 10.1 in.), we recommend 90 g/m2 or
heavier paper.
Curl
Curl is the tendency for paper to curl 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, or dry conditions, even in the trays, can contribute to paper curling prior to printing and can cause
feeding problems.
Smoothness
Paper smoothness directly affects print quality. If paper is too rough, toner cannot fuse to it properly. If paper is too
smooth, it can cause paper feeding or print quality issues. Always use paper between 100 and 300 Sheffield points;
however, smoothness between 150 and 200 Sheffield points produces the best print quality.
Moisture content
The amount of moisture in paper affects both print quality and the ability of the printer to feed the paper correctly.
Leave paper in its original wrapper until it is time to use it. This limits the exposure of paper to moisture changes that
can degrade its performance.
Condition paper before printing by storing it in its original wrapper in the same environment as the printer for 24 to
48 hours before printing. 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.
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, use grain long fibers.
Fiber content
Most high-quality xerographic paper is made from 100% chemically treated 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 negatively affect paper handling.
 
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							Unacceptable paper
The following paper types 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 ±2.3 mm
(±0.9 in.), such as optical character recognition (OCR) forms
In some cases, registration can be adjusted with a 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
Paper weighing less than 60 g/m2 (16 lb)
Multiple-part forms or documents
Selecting paper
Using appropriate paper prevents jams and helps ensure trouble-free printing.
To help avoid jams and 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 paper sizes, types, or weights in the same source; mixing results in jams.
Do not use coated papers unless they are specifically designed for electrophotographic printing.
Selecting preprinted forms and letterhead
Use these guidelines when selecting preprinted forms and letterhead:
Use grain long papers for best results for 60 to 90 g/m2 weights.
Use only forms and letterhead printed using an offset lithographic or engraved printing process.
Avoid papers with rough or heavily textured surfaces.
User papers printed with heat-resistant inks designed for use in xerographic copiers. The ink must be able to
withstand temperatures up to 180°C (356°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 generally 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 180°C (356°F) without melting
or releasing hazardous emissions
Using letterhead
Check with the manufacturer or vendor to determine whether the chosen preprinted letterhead is acceptable for laser
printers.
 
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