Not All Copier Paper Is Created Equal
When you hear the word “paper,” what comes to mind? Do you think of copiers in Phoenix, AZ and the hundreds of sheets that zoom through these machines each day? Or do you think of newspaper? Perhaps your mind turns to the roll in the restroom. From tissue paper to butcher paper and beyond, we know that paper quality, style and use varies greatly.
But did you know that not all copier paper is the same, either? Even within this category, significant differences exist. To enjoy the best performance from your machine, it’s important to select the right paper for the job. Use the following guide to get top results from your copier.
Weight
When it comes to paper weight, we’re not talking about that ceramic frog that holds down the documents on your desk. The weight of paper refers to how much 500 sheets of a specific type of paper weigh. Higher numbers indicate thicker sheets. Weights of 20-lb and 24-lb are common for multipurpose paper. If you are printing formal documents or ones that will be handled frequently, you may want to choose a higher weight. Examples include resumes and professional reports.
Brightness
White is white… right? Actually, some papers are much brighter than others. Paper brightness is measured on a scale of 0 to 100. If you’ll be printing high-quality images, brighter paper can help the images appear more vibrant. However, lower-quality images can get washed out on the brightest papers. For general text documents, brightness levels between 80 and 93 are typically sufficient.
Materials
Paper is made in varying ratios of materials. How the fibers are combined results in different textures, weights and qualities. For example, paper made of 75 percent wood pulp and 25 percent cotton offers a luxurious feel and is likely to last. As you select your paper for your next project, keep its composition in mind. If you are seeking higher quality, look for high wood pulp content.
Environment
How you store your paper can also affect its quality. Humidity causes paper to bloat. The fibers grow and can make the paper heavier as it absorbs moisture. Edges may also curl. Low humidity can also cause problems with static electricity and paper wrinkling.
To achieve the best printing results, store your paper in a controlled environment. Try to maintain the same temperature for your paper and your copier. If you do not have the space to store your paper in a controlled space or near the copier, place the next ream of paper to be used near the copier for a while before you add it to the machine. This will help prevent issues due to high or low humidity and temperatures.
Use the Best
Of course, the machine you are using has a great impact on the quality of your printing and copying as well. To learn more about the best paper products to use and the best methods for maintaining your machine, contact the professionals at Arizona Copier Outlet. We offer the best in new, near-new and refurbished commercial printers and copiers in Phoenix, AZ at the lowest prices in the Valley. We are family owned and operated and have been helping clients save money since 1986. Reach out to us today with any questions!
Categorised in: Printers and Copiers