Selecting the right digital papers for your electrophotographic (EP) printing/copying device can have a significant effect on your image quality and hardware performance. Here are some characteristics to consider. Paper should have moisture levels of four to five percent. Paper that is too dry may result in static discharge within the print engine, resulting in paper jams.

With toner fused to paper at temperatures of up to 400 degrees, it is not surprising that paper can become warped or deformed as it moves through the complex paper paths used in full-color EP digital printing devices. With higher volumes, frequent paper jams create a burden on productivity.

Paper buyers should therefore consider various sheet properties such as stiffness, moisture level, edge quality, and dimensional integrity. One consideration is caliper or paper thickness. The electrostatic force that pulls toner towards the sheet surface varies depending upon the thickness of the substrate.

Digital papers must also be able to maintain adequate dimensional stability in toner fusing cycles to enable the accurate registration of images on both sides of the paper. High temperatures can cause expansion, contraction, curl, and in some cases accelerated creep.

These considerations are not as significant when buying paper for cool ink-based technologies such that RISO uses. So consult with your paper vendor and let him/her know what imaging device you are using. Not all paper works well with all devices. For info on RISO's recommended papers for its digital duplicators and inkjet printers, go to us.riso.com and type 'paper' in the search window