Lexmark X642e User Manual

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Selecting print media
Selecting the appropriate print media for the MFP helps you avoid printing problems. The following 
sections contain guidelines for choosing the correct print media for the MFP.
Paper
For the best print quality, use 75 g/m2 (20 lb) xerographic, grain long paper. Try a sample of any 
paper you are considering using with the MFP before buying large quantities,.
When loading paper, note the recommended print side on the paper package, and load paper 
accordingly. See Loading standard trays and optional trays, Loading the multipurpose feeder, 
or Loading the 2000-sheet drawer for detailed tray-loading instructions.
Paper characteristics
The following paper characteristics affect print quality and reliability. We recommend that you follow 
these guidelines when evaluating new paper stock.
For detailed information, see the Card Stock & Label Guide located on the Lexmark Web site at 
www.lexmark.com.
The laser printing process heats paper to high temperatures of 230°C (446°F). For Magnetic Ink 
Character Recognition (MICR) applications and for non-MICR applications, 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.
Weight
The MFP can automatically feed paper weights from 60 to 176 g/m
2 (16 to 47 lb bond) grain long in 
the integrated and optional 500-sheet trays and paper weights from 60 to 135 g/m2 (16 to 36 lb bond) 
grain long in the multipurpose feeder and optional 250-sheet trays. 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. When using paper narrower than 182 x 257 mm (7.2 x 10.1 in.), make sure 
the weight is greater than or equal to 90 g/m
2 (24 lb bond).
Unacceptable paper
The following papers are not recommended for use with the MFP:PaperCard stockLabels
EnvelopesTransparencies
PaperTransparencies
EnvelopesCard stock
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Some 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 (see 
the Card Stock & Label Guide located on the Lexmark Web site at www.lexmark.com for 
supported chemically treated papers)
Preprinted papers with chemicals that may contaminate the MFP
Preprinted papers that can be affected by the temperature in the MFP 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
Unacceptable paper for the ADF
Your automatic document feeder is designed to handle most paper types. However, if you are unsure 
if your document will cause a jam in the document feeder, we recommend that you scan it using the 
scanner glass (flatbed).
The following cannot be properly fed by the automatic document feeder:
Paper with clip or staple
Paper with ink that is not dry
Paper with inconsistent thickness, such as envelopes
Paper with wrinkles, curls, folds, or tears
Tracing paper, heavyweight matte paper, or carbonless paper
Paper that is too large or too small
Items other than papers, such as cloth, metal, or OHP film
Notched paper
Paper with an odd (non-rectangular) shape
Photographic paper
Paper with perforations on its side
Very thin paper
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Transparencies
The MFP 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. 
The Paper Type setting should be set to Transparency to help prevent jams. In Macintosh, be sure to 
set the Paper Type to Transparency in the Print dialog on the Imaging choice in the Copies & Pages 
pop-up menu. 
Use transparencies designed specifically for laser printers. Check with the manufacturer or vendor to 
determine whether your 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.
Transparencies can be fed automatically from the multipurpose feeder and all standard and optional 
trays, except the 2000-sheet drawer. Before loading transparencies, fan the stack to prevent sheets 
from sticking together.
Be careful when you handle transparencies. Fingerprints on the surface of the transparency cause 
poor print quality.
Envelopes
You can load up to 10 envelopes in the multipurpose feeder and 85 envelopes in the envelope feeder. 
Try a sample of any envelopes you are considering using with the MFP before buying large 
quantities. See Loading the multipurpose feeder and Loading the envelope 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.
Set the Paper Size/Type in the Paper menu to MP Feeder, Manual Env, or Env Feeder 
depending on the source you are using. Set the paper type to Envelope, and select the 
correct envelope size from the control panel, the MFP driver, or from MarkVision™ 
Professional. 
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 105 g/m2 (28 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.
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.
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–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 you have any doubts about the 
envelopes you are considering using, check with the envelope supplier.
Load only one size of envelope at a time in the envelope feeder.
A combination of high humidity (over 60%) and the high printing temperatures may seal the 
envelopes.
Labels
The MFP 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 you are considering using with the MFP 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.
Note:Labels are one of the most difficult print media for laser MFPs. All MFP models 
require a special fuser cleaner for label applications to optimize feed reliability. See 
Ordering supplies for information on obtaining a label fuser cleaner.
For detailed information on label printing, characteristics, and design, contact the place where you 
bought your MFP.
After printing approximately 10,000 pages of labels (or each time you replace the print cartridge), 
complete the following steps to maintain MFP feeding reliability:
1Print five sheets of paper.
2Wait approximately five seconds.
3Print five more sheets of paper.
When printing on labels:
Set the Paper Size/Type menu item to Labels in the Paper menu. You can set the Paper Size/
Type from the MFP control panel, the MFP driver, or from MarkVision Professional. 
Feed vinyl labels from the standard 250- or 500-sheet trays or the optional 250- or 500-sheet 
drawers. For vinyl labels, set the Paper Type to Labels, the Labels Texture to Smooth, and the 
Label Weight to Heavy, or set the Paper Type to vinyl labels and the texture and weight to 
normal.
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Do not load labels with paper or transparencies in the same source; mixing print media can 
cause feeding problems and print quality problems.
Do not use label sheets with a slick backing material.
Use full label sheets. Partial sheets may cause labels to peel off during printing, resulting in a 
jam. Partial sheets also contaminate the MFP and your cartridge with adhesive, and could 
void the MFP 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. We recommend zone 
coating of the adhesive at least 1 mm (0.04 in.) away from edges. Adhesive material 
contaminates the MFP and could void the warranty.
If zone coating of the adhesive is not possible, a 1.6 mm (0.1 in.) strip should be removed on 
the leading and driver edge, and a non-oozing adhesive should be used.
Remove a 1.6 mm (0.1 in.) strip from the leading edge to prevent labels from peeling inside 
the MFP.
Portrait orientation is preferred, especially when printing bar codes.
Do not use labels that have exposed adhesive.
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 Supported print media for information on 
the preferred weight and for the grain direction of print media.
Try a sample of any card stock you are considering using with the MFP before purchasing a large 
quantity.
After printing approximately 10,000 pages of card stock (or each time you replace the print 
cartridge), complete the following steps to maintain MFP feeding reliability:
1Print five sheets of paper.
2Wait approximately five seconds.
3Print five more sheets of paper.
When printing on card stock:
Set the Paper Type menu item in the Paper menu to Card Stock from the control panel, from 
the MFP driver, or from MarkVision Professional.
Be aware that preprinting, perforation, and creasing can significantly affect the print quality 
and cause print media handling or jamming problems.
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Avoid using card stock that may release hazardous emissions when heated.
Do not use preprinted card stock manufactured with chemicals that may contaminate the 
MFP. Preprinting introduces semi-liquid and volatile components into the MFP.
We recommend the use of grain short card stock.
Storing print media
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.
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 MFP.
Avoiding jams
Use appropriate print media (paper, transparencies, labels, and card stock) to help ensure trouble-
free printing. See Supported print media for more information.
Note:Try a limited sample of any print media you are considering using with the MFP 
before purchasing large quantities.
By selecting the appropriate print media and loading it properly, you can avoid most jams. See 
Loading standard trays and optional trays, Loading the multipurpose feeder, or Loading the 
2000-sheet drawer for detailed tray-loading instructions.
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 multipurpose 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.
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Keep print media stored in an acceptable environment. See Storing print media.
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.
If a jam occurs, clear the entire media path. See  for more information.
Note:If you have a recurring paper jam, see Paper frequently jams.
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9
Installing and removing options
Installing input options
After installing the drivers, verify the computer recognizes your installed options by:
1Opening the Printers folder.
2Right-clicking on the new MFP/printer and select Properties.
3Selecting the tab that contains installable options.
This may be: Install Options, Device Settings, Device, or Options depending on your 
system.
4Adding the installed options.
Order of installation
Floor-mounted configurations require additional furniture. You must use either a printer stand or 
printer base if using a 2000-sheet drawer, a duplex unit and an input option, or more than one input 
option. If you purchased an MFP that scans, copies, and faxes, you may need additional furniture. 
More information is available on our Lexmark Web site at www.lexmark.com/
multifunctionprinters.
Install the MFP and any options you have purchased in the following order:
MFP stand or MFP base
2000-sheet drawer
250-sheet or 500-sheet drawer
Duplex unitCAUTION:If installing options after setting up the MFP, turn the MFP off, 
and unplug the power cord from the wall outlet before 
continuing.
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MFP
For information on installing an MFP stand, MFP base, or 2000-sheet drawer, see the instructions 
included with the option.CAUTION:The MFP requires three people to lift it safely.
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Installing a 250-sheet or 500-sheet drawer
Optional drawers attach under the MFP and optional duplex unit. The MFP automatically recognizes 
any drawer that is installed.
A drawer consists of a tray and a support unit. The 250-sheet drawer and the 500-sheet drawer are 
installed the same way.
1Remove the tray from the support unit. Remove all packing material and tape from both the 
support unit and the tray.
2Place the support unit on top of any previously installed drawers or the table or MFP cabinet 
where you plan to use the MFP. 
The tab, round peg, and square holes on top of any drawer help you position the support unit 
so the edges are aligned properly. Make sure the support unit is securely in place.
Decals
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