How to Tell if Paper Is Copier Compatible?
Figuring out if paper is compatible with your copier is a multipart process. That's because each copier is a little bit different in what it will or will not be able to use as copy paper. Although standard copier paper sold in most office supply stores is generally a good bet for paper that is compatible with your copier, figuring out if other kinds of paper are compatible requires a little bit more research on your part.
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Instructions
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Open your copier's manual and look for a Paper Specifications section. If you don't see it, check the appendix or Troubleshooting section. The information you specifically need is the maximum and minimum weight and thickness of paper your copier can handle. You also need to check on the minimum and maximum sizes of paper the copier can handle.
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Look at the packaging of your paper. Specifically, look for the weight specification on the paper. Standard copier paper is 20# weight, for example. Compare this weight rating to the maximum and minimum ratings listed in your manual.
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Look at the packaging of your paper. This time, see if the thickness is listed. Note that this is not always the case; sometimes you need to go based on the weight alone. If the thickness is listed as well, however, compare this to the information in your manual and make sure it falls within the minimum and maximum levels for thickness.
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Measure the size of your paper with your ruler if the packaging doesn't list a size. Compare this size with the maximum and minimum sizes that your manual says your copier can use.
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Tips & Warnings
If you cannot find information in your manual on the paper specifications that your copier can handle, contact the manufacturer directly and ask it. It should be able to give you this information. Keep it in a safe place and refer to it whenever you are in doubt regarding a given type of paper.
Do not just try a piece of paper to "see what happens." Often, doing so can cause damage to your copier and, at the very least, may cause paper jams that could take significant amounts of time to clear.
References
- Photo Credit copy machine image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
