Properties
- Paper is hygroscopic.
- It can absorb moisture from and release moisture to its surroundings.
- This happens predominately at the sheet edges.
- This inconsistent moisture loss will cause a sheet to distort.
- Exposed to a dry atmosphere will cause edges to shrink resulting in a saucer shaped sheet and the effect known as tight edges. Exposed to a damp atmosphere the sheets will expand whilst the middle remains in its original shape causing baggy edges.
Usage
- The key to successful running in laser and inkjet printers is to ensure that all paper remains protected from the atmosphere to reduce the gain or loss of moisture.
- Always leave paper in its original waterproof wrapping until use.
- Whenever possible allow the unopened paper to acclimatise to its surrounding temperature before opening and using.
- The time taken for paper to acclimatise to its surroundings varies according to the weight of paper involved and the temperature gradient. It can take as long as two days.
- Paper should always be knocked up into square stacks and covered before use.
- When not using, re-wrap or cover paper to assist moisture protection.
Storage
- Do not store paper near sources of heat or near open doors and windows even when wrapped.
- Paper should wherever possible be protected from drastic variations in temperature.
- Paper should always be stored flat and clear of the floor and therefore clear of damage or damp.
- Should reams split open they should be re-wrapped or the packaging repaired and re-sealed.
- Any distortion of the paper by not keeping it flat for example will cause irreversible damage.
- Allowing reams to overhang or be stacked indiscriminately can be a potential source of damage.
- It is recommended that only paper to be immediately used is removed from its wrapper and any opened paper should not be left overnight in copier feeder tray.