ABOUT PAPER
48
DocuColor 40 MATERIALS USAGE GUIDE
Grain
The grain of a paper is the direction in which most of the fibers lie.
During the paper-making process, the majority of the paper fibers
align parallel with one another. Depending on how the paper is cut
to its finished size, it will be either grain-long (the grain is parallel to
the longer dimension of the paper), or grain-short (the grain is
parallel to the shorter dimension of the paper).
One method used to determine the grain is to fold a sheet of paper
lengthwise, then make a crosswise fold. Compare the two folds.
Paper folds smoothly with the grain. Cross-grain folds tend to be
rough and cracked.
Another method you can use to determine the grain direction of a
sheet of paper is to tear the sheet widthwise. Paper always tears
straighter with the grain.
Stiffness
Stiffness refers to the rigidity, or bending resistance, of paper.
Thicker papers are usually stiffer. Papers are normally stiffer in the
grain-short direction.
In general, paper that is less than 16 lb / 60 g/m
2
is more likely to
bunch up or wrinkle in the copier/printer, causing jams and
misfeeds.
Tray 1 performance is more dependent on stiffness as opposed to
Tray 2 and 3. This is due to the “S” bend in the paper path. If you
experience paper feed jams from Tray 1, try running the paper from
Tray 2 or Tray 3 for improved reliability.
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Summary of Contents for DocuColor 40
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