8 Using print media ENWW
Preprinted forms and letterhead
To avoid problems when using preprinted forms, embossed paper, and letterhead paper,
observe the following guidelines:
● Avoid using low-temperature inks (the kind used with some types of thermography).
● Use forms and letterhead paper that have been printed by offset lithography or
engraving.
● Use forms that have been created with heat-resistant inks that will not melt, vaporize,
or release undesirable emissions when heated to 205° C (401° F) for 0.1 second
(0.2 second for HP color LaserJet printers). Typically, oxidation-set or oil-based inks
meet this requirement.
● When the form is preprinted, be careful not to change the moisture content of the
paper, and do not use materials that change the paper’s electrical or handling
properties. Seal the forms in moisture-proof wrap to prevent moisture changes during
storage.
● Avoid processing preprinted forms that have a finish or coating.
● Avoid using heavily embossed or raised-letterhead papers.
● Avoid papers that have heavily textured surfaces.
● Avoid using offset powders or other materials that prevent printed forms from sticking
together.
Recycled paper
Recycled paper is a combination of unused fibers and pre- and post-consumer waste
paper. Printed waste paper is usually washed to remove most of the inks and other
contaminants. A recycled sheet of paper might contain dark specks or appear gray or dirty.
Choose recycled paper that meets the same specifications as standard paper (see
“Guidelines for using paper” on page 9) and that has a suitable appearance for your needs.
Hewlett-Packard recommends that recycled paper contain no more than 5 percent
groundwood. Hewlett-Packard has tested a variety of recycled copier papers on
HP LaserJet printers and has found that they perform similarly to virgin-fiber grades.
Special print media
Paper that undergoes converting processes before it is used in your laser printer must be
properly designed and manufactured to ensure acceptable performance. Converting
processes include preprinting, engraving, die-cutting, perforating, folding, gluing,
embossing, and debossing. Because these processes use many different inks, materials,
tools, and techniques, HP recommends that you make sure your converter or supplier
knows that the media will be used in a laser printer. Ask for a guarantee of acceptable
performance.
Media that has perforations or cutouts can be printed successfully on your HP LaserJet
printer. However, such media must be properly designed and manufactured to avoid feed
or contamination problems and to avoid wear on the printer.
Cutout: The area where material has been removed by punching or die-cutting. Cutouts
can interact with paper-path sensors or can result in contamination from toner if printing is
too close to a cutout location.
Perforations: A series of holes or slits in media that provide a controlled tear for
separating one portion of the sheet from another. Hewlett-Packard recommends that
micro-perfs be used, because they provide better strength and reduce nesting, debris, and
dusting.
