Tips On Choosing The Right Paper
Paper selection depends on the output you’re trying to achieve. If you’re just passing a communication around the office, a standard 20-lb. 92 bright multi-use paper is probably good for most internal office work. If you want to wow a customer, you’re probably going to go to a heavier weight, probably a 24-lb. paper. You might go to a higher brightness, such as a 96 bright sheet, if you’re going to print in color so your colors will pop. A heavier-weight paper gives the presentation a higher-quality feel. In addition, if you have a color printer or a laser printer, you want to buy paper that states it’s designed for color printing or laser printing, or for inkjet printing if you have an inkjet printer. Typically, those papers have been engineered to work best in that application. Further, duplex printing requires heavier paper than simplex.
As a best practice, people should try to match talent to task. Use the right paper for the right job and you can use the technology to your advantage in doing so. To maximize output results on a typical MFP, you should have a main paper tray with your “everyday” use paper, and designate one or two of the other trays for more of a specialty grade, such as 11" x 17" size in a higher grade of paper, or 8 ½" x 11" size that is more presentation-quality paper. Then train the users as to which tray corresponds to their needs.
When you’re buying, look for guarantees under which the manufacturer will replace the paper, no questions asked, if there are any difficulties or if you’re not satisfied in any way. There’s a big difference between what will run on old technology and what will run on newer equipment, but with a guarantee you can’t really go wrong. In addition, you might be able to seek out other customers who have used the kind of paper you are considering to see its effect over time. Specifications will be pretty similar, but what will vary is the consistency aspect. This may lead you to a smaller set of brands for consideration. You can also conduct a trial run before awarding a contract, as environments vary and people operate the equipment with different levels of care.
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