Media and tray

This chapter provides information on how to load print media into your machine.

Selecting print media

You can print on a variety of print media, such as plain paper, envelopes, labels, and transparencies. Always use print media that meet the guidelines for use with your machine.

Guidelines to select the print media

Print media that does not meet the guidelines outlined in this user’s guide may cause the following problems:

  • Poor print quality

  • Increased paper jams

  • Premature wear on the machine.

Properties, such as weight, composition, grain, and moisture content, are important factors that affect the machine’s performance and the output quality. When you choose print materials, consider the following:

  • The type, size and weight of the print media for your machine are described in print media specifications (See Print media specifications).

  • Desired outcome: The print media you choose should be appropriate for your project.

  • Brightness: Some print media are whiter than others and produce sharper, more vibrant images.

  • Surface smoothness: The smoothness of the print media affects how crisp the printing looks on the paper.

[Note]
  • Some print media may meet all of the guidelines in this section and still not produce satisfactory results. This may be the result of improper handling, unacceptable temperature and humidity levels, or other variables over which cannot be controlled.

  • Before purchasing large quantities of print media, ensure that it meets the requirements specified in this user’s guide.

[Caution]

Using print media that does not meet these specifications may cause problems, requiring repairs. Such repairs are not covered by the warranty or service agreements.

The amount of paper put into the tray may differ according to media type used (See Print media specifications).

Media sizes supported in duplex mode

Mode

Size

Type

Source

Duplex printing[a]

Letter, A4, Legal, US Folio, Oficio

Plain, Color, Preprinted, Recycled, Thick[b], Thin[c]

  • tray 1

  • optional tray

  • multi-purpose tray

[a] 60 to 120 g/m2 (16~32 lb bond) only.

For CLP-670N, optional duplex unit needs to be installed to use this option (Some features and optional goods may not be available depending on models or countries).

[b] If media weight is 120 g/m2 (32 lb bond), load a paper into the multi-purpose tray one by one.

[c] If media weight is 60 g/m2 (16 lb bond), select the Thin type.

Changing the tray size

The tray is preset to Letter or A4 size, depending on your country. To change the size, you need to adjust the paper guides.

  1. Tray extend lever

  2. Paper length guide

  3. Paper width guide

  1. Hold the tray with one hand, and with the other hand squeeze and slide the paper length guide to locate them in the correct paper size slot marked at the bottom of the tray.

  2. Flex or fan the edge of the paper stack to separate the pages before loading papers.

  3. After inserting paper into the tray, squeeze the paper width guides and paper length guide. Then slide them to the desired paper size marked at the bottom of the tray.

    1. Paper length guide

    2. Paper width guide

    [Note]
    • Do not push the paper width guide too far causing the media to warp.

    • If you do not adjust the paper width guide, it may cause paper jams.

Loading paper in the tray

Tray 1 / optional tray

Load the print media you use for the majority of your print jobs into tray 1. Tray 1 can hold a maximum of 250 sheets of plain paper.

You can purchase an optional tray and attach it below the standard tray to load an additional 500 sheets of plain paper (See Available supplies).

[Note]

Using photographic paper or coated paper may cause problems, requiring repairs. Such repairs are not covered by the warranty or service agreements.

  1. Pull out tray. Then, adjust the tray size to the media size you are loading (See Changing the tray size).

  2. Flex or fan the edge of the paper stack to separate the pages before loading papers.

  3. Place paper with the side you want to print facing up.

    1. Paper limit mark

    2. Paper level indicator

    [Note]

    Paper quantity indicator shows the amount of paper in the tray.

    1. Full

    2. Empty

  4. Insert the tray back into the machine.

    When you print a document, set the paper type and size for the tray.

    For information about setting the paper type and size on the control panel (See Setting the default tray and paper).

    [Note]
    • If you experience problems with paper feeding, check whether the paper meets the media specification. Then, try placing one sheet at a time in the multi-purpose tray (See Print media specifications).

    • The settings made from the machine driver override the settings on the control panel.

Multi-purpose tray

The multi-purpose tray can hold special sizes and types of print material, such as postcards, note cards, and envelopes. It is useful for single page printing on letterhead or colored paper, please check maximum sheets you can load based on thickness (Print media specifications).

[Note]

Print media should be loaded face down with the top edge going into the multi-purpose tray first and be placed in the center of the tray.

Tips on using the multi-purpose tray

  • Load only one type, size and weight of print media at a time in the multi-purpose tray.

  • To prevent paper jams, do not add paper while printing when there is still paper in the multi-purpose tray. This also applies to other types of print media.

  • Always load the specified print media only to avoid paper jams and print quality problems (See Print media specifications).

  • Flatten any curl on postcards, envelopes, and labels before loading them into the multi-purpose tray.

  1. Hold the handle of multi-purpose tray and pull it down to open.

  2. Flex or fan the edge of the paper stack to separate the pages before loading papers.

  3. Load the paper.

  4. Squeeze the multi-purpose tray paper width guides and adjust them to the width of the paper. Do not force them too much, or the paper will bent resulting in a paper jam or skew.

    [Note]
    • When printing the special media, you must follow the loading guideline (See Printing on special media).

    • When papers overlap when printing using Multi-purpose tray, open tray 1 and remove overlapping papers then try printing again.

    • When paper does not feed well while printing, push the paper in manually until it starts feeding automatically.

  5. When you print a document, set the paper type and size for the multi-purpose tray.

    For information about setting the paper type and size on the control panel (See Setting the paper type and size).

    [Note]

    The settings made from the machine driver override the settings on the control panel.

    1. To print in application, open an application and start the print menu.

    2. Open Printing Preferences (See Opening printing preferences).

    3. Press the Paper tab in Printing Preferences, and select an appropriate paper type.

      For example, if you want to use a label, set the paper type to Label.

    4. Select Manual Feeder in paper source, then press OK.

    5. Start printing in application.

    6. Press OK on the control panel each time you load a sheet of paper.

    7. After printing, close the multi-purpose tray.

Printing on special media

The table below shows the available special media for each tray.

[Note]

When printing on a special media, we recommend you feed one paper at a time. Check the maximum input number of media for each tray (See Print media specifications).

Types

Tray 1

Optional tray

Multi-purpose tray

Plain

Thick

Thicker

Extra Thick

Thin

Cotton

Color

Preprinted

Recycled

Envelope

Transparency

Labels

CardStock

Bond

Archive

Glossy Photo

Matte Photo

( ●: Supported, Blank: Not supported)

The media types are shown in the Printing Preferences. This paper type option allows you to set the type of paper to be loaded in the tray. This setting appears in the list, so that you can select it. This will let you get the best quality printout. If not, the desired print quality may not be achieved.

  • Plain70 to 90 g/m2 (19 to 24 lb.) Normal plain paper.

  • Thick: 90 to 105 g/m2 (24 to 28 lb.) thick paper.

  • Thicker: 106 to 120 g/m2 (28 to 32 lb.) thicker paper.

  • Extra Thick120 to 170 g/m2 (32 to 46 lb.) extra thick.

  • Thin: 60 to 70 g/m2 (16 to 19 lb.) thin paper.

  • Cotton: 75 to 90 g/m2 (20 to 24 lb.) cotton paper.

  • Color75 to 90 g/m2 (20 to 24 lb.) color-backgrounded paper.

  • Preprinted75 to 90 g/m2 (20 to 24 lb.) preprinted/letterhead paper.

  • Recycled70 to 90 g/m2 (19 to 24 lb.) recycled paper.

    [Note]

    When you use recycled paper such as a used paper, printouts might be wrinkled.

  • Envelope75 to 90 g/m2 (20 to 24 lb.) envelope.

  • Transparency138 to 146 g/m2 (37 to 39 lb.) transparency paper.

  • Labels120 to 150 g/m2 (32 to 40 lb.) label.

  • CardStock171 to 220 g/m2 (46 to 59 lb.) cardstock.

  • Bond105 to 120 g/m2 (28 to 32 lb.) bond.

  • Archive70 to 90 g/m2 (19 to 24 lb.). If you need to keep the print-out for a long period time, such as archives, select this option.

  • Glossy Photo111 to 130 g/m2 (30 to 35lb.), 131 to 175 g/m2(35 to 47lb.), 176 to 220 g/m2 (47 to 59lb.) glossy photo paper.

  • Matte Photo111 to 130 g/m2 (30 to 35lb.), 131 to 175 g/m2(35 to 47lb.), 176 to 220 g/m2 (47 to 59lb.) matte photo paper.

Envelope

Successful printing on envelopes depends upon the quality of the envelopes.

To print an envelope, place it flap side up with the stamp area bottom the top right side.

  • When selecting envelopes, consider the following factors:

    • Weight: The weight of the envelope paper should not exceed 90 g/m2 otherwise, jam may occur.

    • Construction: Prior to printing, envelopes should lie flat with less than 6 mm curl, and should not contain air.

    • Condition: Envelopes should not be wrinkled, nicked, nor damaged.

    • Temperature: Use envelopes that are compatible with the heat and pressure of the machine during operation.

  • Use only well-constructed envelopes with sharp-and well-creased folds.

  • Do not use stamped envelopes.

  • Do not use envelopes with clasps, snaps, windows, coated lining, self-adhesive seals, or other synthetic materials.

  • Do not use damaged or poorly made envelopes.

  • Be sure the seam at both ends of the envelope extends all the way to the corner of the envelope.

    1. Acceptable

    2. Unacceptable

  • Envelopes with a peel-off adhesive strip or with more than one flap that folds over to seal must use adhesives compatible with the machine’s fusing temperature about 170°C(338 °F) for 0.1 second. The extra flaps and strips might cause wrinkling, creasing, or jams, and may even damage the fuser.

  • For the best print quality, position margins no closer than 15 mm (0.59 inches) from the edges of the envelope.

  • Avoid printing over the area where the envelope’s seams meet.

Transparency

To avoid damaging the machine, use only transparencies designed for use in laser printers.

  • Transparencies used in the machine must be able to withstand machine’s fusing temperature.

  • Place them on a flat surface after removing them from the machine.

  • Do not leave unused transparencies in the paper tray for long periods of time. Dust and dirt may accumulate on them, resulting in spotty printing.

  • To avoid smudging caused by fingerprints, handle them carefully.

  • To avoid fading, do not expose printed transparencies to prolonged sunlight.

  • Ensure that transparencies are not wrinkled, curled, or have any torn edges.

  • Do not use transparencies that separates from the backing sheet.

  • To prevent transparencies from sticking to each other, do not let the printed sheets stack up as they are begin printed out.

  • Base type transparency (ex. Xerox 3R3117) results in better image and paper handling quality than paper backed (ex. Xerox 3R3028) or removable stripe (3R3108) ones.

    [Caution]

    Depending on the selection or storage conditions of the transparency, jam or image scratch might occur.

Labels

To avoid damaging the machine, use only labels designed for use in laser machines.

  • When selecting labels, consider the following factors:

    • Adhesives: The adhesive material should be stable at your machine’s fusing temperature. Check your machine’s specification to view the fusing temperature (about 170°C(338 °F).

    • Arrangement: Only use labels with no exposed backing between them. Labels can peel off sheets that have spaces between the labels, causing serious jams.

    • Curl: Prior to printing, labels must lie flat with no more than 13 mm of curl in any direction.

    • Condition: Do not use labels with wrinkles, bubbles, or other indications of separation.

  • Make sure that there is no exposed adhesive material between labels. Exposed areas can cause labels to peel off during printing, which can cause paper jams. Exposed adhesive can also cause damage to machine components.

  • Do not run a sheet of labels through the machine more than once. The adhesive backing is designed for only a single pass through the machine.

  • Do not use labels that are separating from the backing sheet or are wrinkled, bubbled, or otherwise damaged.

Card stock/Custom-sized paper

  • Do not print on media smaller than 98 mm (3.9 inches) wide or 148 mm (5.8 inches) long.

  • In the software application, set margins at least 6.4 mm (0.25 inches) away from the edges of the material.

Letterhead /Preprinted paper

Single-sided

double-sided

Tray1

Optional tray

Face up

Face down

Multi-purpose tray

Face down

Face up

  • Letterhead/ Preprinted paper must be printed with heat-resistant ink that will not melt, vaporize, or release hazardous emissions when subjected to the machine’s fusing temperature for 0.1 second. Check your machine’s specification to view the fusing temperature (about 170°C(338 °F).

  • Letterhead/ Preprinted paper ink must be non-flammable and should not adversely affect machine rollers.

  • Forms and letterhead should be sealed in a moisture-proof wrapping to prevent changes during storage.

  • Before you load letterhead/preprinted paper, verify that the ink on the paper is dry. During the fusing process, wet ink can come off preprinted paper, reducing print quality.

Used paper

When loading used paper, printed side should be facing up with an uncurled edge at the front. If you experience problems with paper feed, turn the paper around. Note that print quality is not guaranteed.

  • Used paper must be printed with heat-resistant ink that will not melt, vaporize, or release hazardous emissions when subjected to the machine’s fusing temperature for 0.1 second. Check your machine’s specification to view the fusing temperature (about 170°C(338 °F).

  • Used paper ink must be non-flammable and should not adversely affect machine rollers.

  • Before you load used paper, verify that the ink on the paper is dry. During the fusing process, wet ink can come off used paper, reducing print quality.

Photo

  • Make sure not to use the inkjet photo paper with this machine. It could cause damage to the machine.

Glossy Photo

[Note]

Load one paper to the multi-purpose tray at a time, glossy side facing down.

  • Recommended media: Glossy paper (Letter) for this machine by HP Brochure Paper (Product: Q6611A) only.

  • Recommended media: Glossy paper (A4) for this machine by HP Superior Paper 160 glossy (Product: Q6616A).

Matte Photo

[Note]

Load one paper to the multi-purpose tray at a time, side to be printed facing down.

Setting the paper type and size

After loading paper in the paper tray, set the paper size and type using the control panel. For computer printing, select the paper size and type in the application program, select the Paper tab in the Printing Preferences (See Opening printing preferences).

[Note]

The settings made from the machine driver override the settings on the control panel.

  1. Press on the control panel.

  2. Press left/right arrow until Paper appears and press OK.

  3. Press left/right arrow to select the paper tray you want press OK.

  4. Press left/right arrow until Paper Size appears and press OK.

  5. Press left/right arrow to select the paper size you want.

  6. Press OK to save the selection.

  7. Press left/right arrow until Paper Type appears and press OK.

  8. Press left/right arrow to select the paper type you want.

  9. Press OK to save the selection.

  10. Press .

  11. Press left/right arrow until Paper Source appears and press OK.

  12. Press left/right arrow to select the paper tray you want.

  13. press OK to save the selection.

  14. Press to return to ready mode.

[Note]

If you want to use special-sized paper-such as a billing paper, select Edit... in the Paper tab in the Printing Preferences (See Opening printing preferences).

Using the output support

[Note]

The surface of the output tray may become hot if you print a large number of pages at once. Make sure that you do not touch the surface, and do not allow children near it.

The printed pages stack on the output support, and the output support will help the printed pages to align. Unfold the output support.