PC Hardware Annoyances

PAPER ANNOYANCES

AVOID BAD PAPER TYPES

The Annoyance:

My printer supports an amazing variety of paper textures, weights, and finishes. In fact, I find the overabundance of options annoying. Got any tips on which papers to avoid?

The Fix:

There are few hard rules to follow, but here are some tips to help you decide:

• Paper-handling mechanisms can handle a limited number of paper weights-avoid excessively light and heavy paper weights. For example, 50lb card stock frequently misfeeds because it can’t make the tight twists and turns in most paper handing paths. Thin papers also cause misfeeds because the paper-handling rollers can’t grasp the pages securely.

• Ink and toner typically don’t adhere well to oddly coated papers, such as wax or metallic. The coatings can also cause the pages to slip (and contaminate your rollers) and cause misfeeds or jams.

• Textured papers (e.g., canvas finish) may work with certain printers, but not all. For example, an ink-jet printer may use a canvas finish page to produce a professional photo-quality print, but a laser printer may not be able to transfer toner to such a rough paper surface. Make sure you use paper products tested and recommended by the printer manufacturer.

Tip

Some manufacturers (such as HP) sell maintenance kits, which let you replace items such as rollers and fusers without returning the printer for service. Check the printer manufacturer’s web site for replacement assemblies and service options.

SEVERAL SHEETS FEED AT ONCE

The Annoyance:

Sometimes ...