[red rocket]

Everybody seems to know what to stick in their inkjets, but I haven't come across any definitive guides on what types of printing material I can use in my LaserWriter.

For example, transparencies. The ones specifically marketed for use in laser printers cost a fortune, can I use the overhead projector ones instead? Iron-on transfer paper? Removable tattoos? Any particular sort of glossy photo paper that'll work?

Anyone know for sure?

[vmarks]

Because the Laser Printer uses very high heat to melt toner to paper, you have to use the paper and transparencies that are meant for laser if you don't want the transparency to mess up the printer.

The paper, less so, but it's still a good idea. I've rebuilt drums for laser printers because people weren't careful about the media they used and over time it effected the drum negatively.

[OreoCookie]

Do not use inkjet transparencies in lasers, they could melt and jam the printer. Same goes for photo paper. But in general, lasers are a lot less demanding as far as paper is concerned.

[tooki]

Note that it's very important to distinguish here between black and white laser printers and color laser printers, which have very different demands from the media.

Whatever printer it is, though, it's manual should have a list of acceptable media types and restrictions on them.


Generally speaking, B&W lasers are the least demanding, and can print fine on most types of uncoated paper, and some coated papers, as well as laser-specific media like laser transparencies and labels.

Color lasers are much pickier, and generally cannot use uncoated paper, nor much of the media designed for B&W lasers. Regular laser labels are usually OK, but you need special transparencies. The wrong media in a color laser can ruin the printer.

Inkjets are the most flexible in many ways, but place high demands on media quality and coating compatibility to achieve top performance, though incompatible media seldom results in any damage -- just a bad print.

tooki

[ghporter]

Here's another vote for RTFM on your printer. My Brother HL-2040 mentions this subject EARLY in the manual on a page (page 1-4) titled "What kind of paper can I use?" It's that simple.

[red rocket]

Thanks for the replies, I appreciate it.

As for RTFM, I did, but it was a bit vague.

Originally Posted by Apple

Smearing, curling, and other paper problems

Many problems such as toner smearing, or paper curling or feeding improperly, can be caused by the paper you are using.

Here is a list of papers to avoid:

- extremely slick or shiny paper
- paper that is highly textured
- coated paper
- paper made with talc
- stapled paper
- multipart forms
- letterhead paper that was printed using low-temperature dyes or thermography, because such materials can peel away from the paper or melt inside the LaserWriter and cause damage

To assure good results, test a few sheets of any paper before you order large quantities.

It was on page 41.

[tooki]

Ok, fine, but what kind of printer is it? As I said before, color lasers have ENTIRELY different paper requirements from B&W lasers.

tooki

[red rocket]

It's a black and white printer, LaserWriter Select 360.

rr

[tooki]

Then you should be safe with pretty much everything marketed for laser printers. Avoid inkjet media, and don't use non-laser transparencies (or any other plastic-based media that aren't specifically for laser use).

tooki

[kolorwell]

The most concerning is not only thermal stress also paper thickness printed on laser printer. This problem is overcome by coating technology. Please refer to these web pages:
Taiwan Laser Plastic Document Paper
Taiwan PP Synthetic Laser Paper

Basically, transparencies are PET material and the paper quality is too hard and thickness is not enough. PP synthetic paper is main stream referring to this article:
Feature Article - The New Look in Plastic -- It's Paper! - February 2000

Of course, the price is less than PET material.