Lexmark X646ef User Manual

							Linking trays
71
Printing
Linking trays
Tray linking enables the automatic linking feature for trays when you load the same size and type of print media in multiple 
sources. The MFP automatically links the trays; when one tray is empty, print media feeds from the next linked tray.
For example, if you have the same size and type of print media loaded in tray 2 and tray 4, the MFP selects print media 
from tray 2 until it becomes empty, and then the MFP automatically feeds print media from the next linked tray–tray 4.
By linking all trays (standard and optional), you effectively create a single source with a capacity of up to 4,100 sheets.
Make sure you load the same size and type of print media in each tray and then, using the Paper menu, set the same paper 
size and type for the trays to link.
Set the paper size and type for each tray. See Setting the Paper Type and Paper Size for more information.
To disable tray linking, set the Paper Type to a unique value for each tray.
If all the trays do not have the same type of print media loaded when linked, you could mistakenly print a job on the wrong 
paper.
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							Understanding paper and specialty media guidelines
72
8
Understanding paper and specialty media 
guidelines
Print media is paper, card stock, transparencies, labels, and envelopes. The MFP provides high-quality printing on a variety 
of print media. You must consider a number of things concerning print media before you print. This chapter provides 
information to help you make print media selections.
For more details about the types of paper and specialty media the MFP 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 MFP 
before purchasing large quantities.
Supported print media
The following tables provide information on standard and optional sources for both input and output trays and bins.
Note:If you use a print media size not listed, select the next larger size. • Supported print media
• Selecting print media
• Storing print media
• Avoiding jams
• Print media sizes
• Print media types
• Print media weights
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							Supported print media
73
Understanding paper and specialty media guidelines
Print media sizes
Legend 
 – indicates support
250-sheet tray500-sheet trayMultipurpose feeder2000-sheet drawer (option)Envelope feeder (option)Duplex unit (option)Output binPrint media sizeDimensions
A4 210 x 297 mm (8.27 x 11.7 in.)



 


A5 148 x 210 mm (5.83 x 8.27 in.)



 


JIS B5 182 x 257 mm (7.17 x 10.1 in.)



 


Letter 215.9 x 279.4 mm (8.5 x 11 in.)



 


Legal 215.9 x 355.6 mm (8.5 x 14 in.)



 


Executive 184.2 x 266.7 mm (7.25 x 10.5 in.)



 


Folio
1216 x 330 mm (8.5 x 13 in.)


 


Statement
1139.7 x 215.9 mm (5.5 x 8.5 in.)


 

Universal
2139.7 x 210 mm to 215.9 x 355.6 mm
(5.5 x 8.27 in. to 8.5 x 14 in.)


 

69.85 x 127 mm to 215.9 x 355.6 mm
(2.75 x 5 in. to 8.5 x 14 in.)


69.85 x 127 mm to 229 x 355.6 mm
(2.75 x 5 in. to 9.01 x 14 in.)


 


148 x 182 mm to 215.9 x 355.6 mm
(5.83 x 7.17 in. to 8.5 x 14 in.)


 


7 ¾ Envelope 98.4 x 190.5 mm (3.875 x 7.5 in.)



9 Envelope 98.4 x 225.4 mm (3.875 x 8.87 in.)



10 Envelope 104.8 x 241.3 mm (4.12 x 9.5 in.)



DL Envelope 110 x 220 mm (4.33 x 8.66 in.)



B5 Envelope 176 x 250 mm (6.93 x 9.84 in.)



C5 Envelope 162 x 229 mm (6.38 x 9.01 in.)



Other Envelope
198.4 x 162 mm to 176 x 250 mm
(3.87 x 6.38 in. to 6.93 x 9.84 in.)



1 This size does not appear in the Paper Size menu until Tray Size Sensing is turned off. See “Printing folio and 
statement sizes” for more information.
2 This size setting formats the page for 215.9 x 355.6 mm (8.5 x 14 in.) unless the size is specified by the software 
application.
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							Supported print media
74
Understanding paper and specialty media guidelines
Print media types
Print media250-sheet drawer500-sheet drawerMultipurpose feeder2000-sheet drawerDuplex unitOutput bin
Paper



 
 

Card stock


 

Transparencies


 

Vinyl labels
*


 

Paper labels
*


 

Polyester label
*


 

Dual-web and integrated labels*


 

* Printing label applications on the printer requires a special label fuser cleaner. The label fuser cleaner is included with a 
special label cartridge for label applications. See Ordering supplies for more information on obtaining a label fuser 
cleaner.
Print media weights
Print mediaTy p e
Print media weight
Integrated tray and 
optional
500-sheet drawerMultipurpose feeder 
and optional
250-sheet drawer
Envelope feeder
Paper Xerographic or 
business paper60 to 176 g/m
2 
grain long
(16 to 47 lb bond)60 to 135 g/m2 
grain long
(16 to 36 lb bond)n/a
Card stock–
maximum (grain long)
1Index Bristol 163 g/m2 (90 lb) 120 g/m2 (67 lb)
Tag 163 g/m
2 (100 lb) 120 g/m2 (74 lb)
Cover 176 g/m
2 (65 lb) 135 g/m2 (50 lb)
1 Grain short is preferred for papers over 135 g/m2.2 Includes envelopes fed from the multipurpose feeder only.3 28 lb bond envelopes are limited to 25% cotton content.4 Printing label applications on the MFP requires a special label fuser cleaner. See Ordering supplies for more 
information on obtaining a fuser cleaner.
5 Information on whether your vinyl label converter has passed Lexmark criteria is available at the Lexmark Web site 
(www.lexmark.com); search for “converter list.” You can also check the Lexmark Automated Fax system (LEXFAXSM).
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							Supported print media
75
Understanding paper and specialty media guidelines
Card stock–
maximum (grain short)1Index Bristol 199 g/m2 (110 lb) 163 g/m2 (90 lb) n/a
Tag 203 g/m
2 (125 lb) 163 g/m2 (100 lb)
Cover 216 g/m
2 (80 lb) 176 g/m2 (65 lb)
Transparencies Laser printer 138 to 146 g/m
2
(37 to 39 lb bond)138 to 146 g/m
2
(37 to 39 lb bond)
Labels–maximum
4Paper 180 g/m2
(48 lb bond)163 g/m
2
(43 lb bond)
Note:Not supported in 
the multipurpose 
feeder.n/a
Dual-web paper 180 g/m
2
(48 lb bond)163 g/m
2
(43 lb bond)
Note:Not supported in 
the multipurpose 
feeder.
Polyester 220 g/m
2
(59 lb bond)220 g/m
2
(59 lb bond)
Note:Not supported in 
the multipurpose 
feeder.
Vinyl
5300 g/m2
(92 lb liner)260 g/m
2
(78 lb liner)
Note:Not supported in 
the multipurpose 
feeder.
Integrated forms Pressure- 
sensitive area
(must enter the 
MFP first)140 to 175 g/m
2140 to 175 g/m2
Paper base (grain 
long)75 to 135 g/m2
(20 to 36 lb bond)75 to 135 g/m
2
(20 to 36 lb bond)
Envelopes
100% cotton content 
maximum 
weight–24 lbSulfite, wood-free, 
or up to 100% 
cotton bondsNot recommended 60 to 105 g/m
2
(16 to 28 lb bond)2, 360 to 105 g/m2
(16 to 28 lb bond)3
Note:28 lb envelopes are limited to 25% cotton 
content.
Print media weights (continued)
Print mediaTy p e
Print media weight
Integrated tray and 
optional
500-sheet drawerMultipurpose feeder 
and optional
250-sheet drawer
Envelope feeder
1 Grain short is preferred for papers over 135 g/m2.2 Includes envelopes fed from the multipurpose feeder only.3 28 lb bond envelopes are limited to 25% cotton content.4 Printing label applications on the MFP requires a special label fuser cleaner. See Ordering supplies for more 
information on obtaining a fuser cleaner.
5 Information on whether your vinyl label converter has passed Lexmark criteria is available at the Lexmark Web site 
(www.lexmark.com); search for “converter list.” You can also check the Lexmark Automated Fax system (LEXFAXSM).
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							Selecting print media
76
Understanding paper and specialty media guidelines
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/m2 (24 lb bond).
Unacceptable paper
The following papers are not recommended for use with the MFP:
•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• Paper • Card stock • Labels
• Envelopes • Transparencies
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							Selecting print media
77
Understanding paper and specialty media guidelines
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™.
•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/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 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.
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							Selecting print media
78
Understanding paper and specialty media guidelines
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.
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.
•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.
•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.
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							Storing print media
79
Understanding paper and specialty media guidelines
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.
•Be aware that preprinting, perforation, and creasing can significantly affect the print quality and cause print 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 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.
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							Avoiding jams
80
Understanding paper and specialty media guidelines
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.
•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 Clearing jams for more information.
Note:If you have a recurring paper jam, see Paper frequently jams.
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