2 Guidelines for using media 19
Shipping and storing print media
The performance of HP LaserJet printers depends on the condition of the print media that
is used. This section contains recommendations for shipping and storing media, and
provides information about environmental effects on media.
Shipping media
When you are shipping print media through different environments, use plastic wrap to
wrap all cartons on the shipping pallet. When you are shipping media across bodies of
water, also wrap individual cartons. Packaging must protect the media from physical
damage.
Storing media
Follow these guidelines when stacking and storing print media:
● Do not store cartons or reams directly on the floor. Place cartons on a pallet or on
shelves.
● Do not store individual reams in a manner that will result in curling or warping.
● Rewrap partially used packages of media before storing them.
● Do not stack more than six cartons on top of each other.
● Stack each carton squarely on top of the one underneath.
● Stack each carton upright.
● Do not place anything on top of media, regardless of whether the paper is packaged or
unpackaged.
● Store envelopes in a protective box to avoid damaging the envelope edges.
● Keep stored media away from extremes in temperature and humidity.
● Do not store printed documents in vinyl folders (which can contain plasticizers) and do
not expose the documents to petroleum-based solvents.
Environmental considerations
HP LaserJet printers are designed to operate in a wide range of environmental conditions.
For best performance, store and use media at 20° to 24° C (68° to 75° F), with a relative
humidity of 45 to 55 percent. Follow these guidelines when media is used in an
environment outside those temperature and humidity ranges:
● Do not expose the media to extremes in humidity or temperature. If media is left
unwrapped or in the printer input tray, extreme changes in the environment will cause
the media to assume unwanted characteristics.
● In the case of extreme humidity, keep paper and envelopes tightly wrapped in plastic.
If a significant temperature difference exists between the media storage area and the
printer’s operating environment, allow the media time to adjust to the temperature in the
printer’s operating environment before unwrapping it. The greater the temperature
difference and the greater the amount of media to acclimate, the longer this time period
should be. Allow one day for every 10° C (20° F) difference in temperature between the
storage environment and the printing environment.
