Martin's Office Supply, Inc.
Paper Guide
Important Facts on Storing and Handling Paper
Paper is sensitive and responds to changes in its environment, such as moisture and temperature fluctuations. All paper will release or absorb moisture as it attempts to reach moisture equilibrium with the environment in which it is placed. Temperature affects the rate and amount of moisture change in each sheet of paper. As the moisture content changes, the electrostatic properties of the sheet also change.
Here are some guidelines for storing and handling paper:
1. Store paper in a place that replicates the environment of the copy room - not in a damp or unheated location. Ideal conditions: 75 degrees, 45% relative humidity.
2. Temperature acclamation is a good idea. Bring the paper into the room where the copier or press is located 24 hours before opening cartons or reams. Avoid storing paper near heating pipes and overhead water pipes. Never store paper in direct sunlight or near windows and outside doorways. Leave Air Conditioning or heat on during weekends or holidays. Don't store paper on concrete floors - use pallets or cabinets. Keep paper in ream wraps, which have barrier properties that help keep moisture inside the ream. Reseal opened reams and repack them in cartons to keep out humidity and dirt.
3. Fan the paper before loading into the copier or printer.
4. Use the oldest stock first. Over 99% of all paper jams are caused by poor storage or a machine in need of service.
These guidelines are important to follow to insure that paper jams do not occur!!!
Troubleshooting
| Problem |
Cause |
Solution |
| Curling |
High Humidity |
Open a new ream |
| Static |
Low Humidity |
Open a new ream |
| Double Feed |
Low Humidity |
Open a new ream |
| Dust |
Sheeter |
Replace paper |
| Wrinkles |
Manufacturing |
Replace paper |
Paper Basics
Basis Weight
The actual weight (in pounds) of 500 sheets in it's uncut size (basic size). 20 lb. Paper is the standard for multi-purpose use. 24 lb. Paper is a medium weight and ideal for presentations, and will perform better in laser and ink jet printers.
Brightness
The measure of light reflecting off of a sheet of paper. The higher the brightness, the whiter the sheet appears. 84 bright is considered "standard". 87-90 bright are "high bright". 90 plus bright is considered "premium". Images printed on higher brightness sheets have better clarity and contrast.
Opacity
The measure of a sheets ability to prevent show-through of images. Papers with more fibers or fIllers have greater opacity. Heavier weight papers are more opaque. Opaque papers are better for duplex (two-sided) printing. Caliper
The thickness of a sheet of paper as measured in thousands of an inch. Recycled Paper Contains recovered paper materials.
Recycled
Recycled content is measured as a percentage of the paper weight. Current federal guideline is 30% post-consumer waste.