Media Selection Specifications and Guidelines
Using Paper D-3
Using Paper
Cast Surfaces
When a very smooth surface is required, a clay and water solution is applied to the paper, and
is then “cast” under high temperatures. Cast surface paper is mainly used for offset color
presses and making original typeset master sheets used in publication printing. This type of
paper is not recommended for D640 printers because clay is very abrasive to components in
the paper path.
Packaging
Packaging is an important step in the paper-making process. Much of the paper used for
computing printing applications is packaged in reams: wrapped bundles containing 500 sheets.
Because paper is hygroscopic, or capable of absorbing or losing moisture from the air, it
should be protected by moisture-proof polylaminated wrapping and moisture barriers. A ream
of finished paper usually contains about 4% moisture. The paper ream remains stable if
properly stored and opened only when ready to be used.
Paper Ream Label
A ream label is placed on the outside of the paper wrapping. The ream label usually indicates
paper: basis weight, size, number of sheets, grain direction and grade. The printing surface of
the paper may be indicated by an arrow on the ream label. Paper should be loaded into the
printer so that surface indicated by the arrow will be the printing surface. The printing surface
may be up or down, depending on the printer model and the paper feeding source.
Figure D-1 Ream Label
Media Selection Specifications and Guidelines
Hewlett-Packard neither warrants nor recommends the use of a particular print media. Media
properties are subject to change by manufacturers and Hewlett-Packard has no control over
such changes. The customer assumes all responsibility for the quality and performance of
media. Although testing media helps to characterize their performance, long-term satisfaction
requires process quality control by the manufacturer and proper handling until use.
