Stock guidelines

Paper stock for laser printing

High-speed laser printers are designed to use laser-compatible bond (80 – 150 gsm). The laser printers can print duplex on most stocks up to 200 gsm and simplex on 250 gsm for small-volume runs on certain stock types. If your requirements differ from bond, please contact us as some stock types, such as gloss art paper and textured, are not suitable for high-speed laser printers. SEMA is happy to test stock samples for high-speed laser compatibility, or can advise on alternative stocks.

Stock size and grain detection

Standard stock sizes are:

• A4 (210 x 297 mm – long grain)
• Long A4 (210 x 356 mm – long grain)
• Wide A4 (290 x 297 mm – long grain)
• A3 (420 x 297 mm – short grain)

The minimum sheet size printable is Short A4 (210 x 260mm – long grain), subject to testing.

The maximum sheet size printable is Super A3 (432 x 364mm – short grain), subject to testing.

Offset inks

To be high-speed laser compatible:

• Laser-compatible offset inks or UV cured inks that can withstand the very high temperatures of a high-speed laser printer must be used
• If possible, avoid solid print areas and bleeds
• Minimise the use of Reflex Blue ink or substitute with PMS 072 Blue

Additional processes not recommended prior to laser printing are:

• Varnished or aqueous coatings, laminated or celloglazed stocks
• Scored, embossed, or diecut stocks
• Foil or verko print

Moisture content

Stock must have a moisture content of less than 5%, otherwise drying time must be allowed before the stock can be printed on. For stock drying times, please allow a minimum of 24 hours for stock acclimatisation.

Extended drying times of up to five days may be required, depending on time from when the stock was offset printed, stock type, amount of ink coverage and inks used.

Perforation

Stock with a perforation must be:

• Flat laser-compatible perforation (stock to feel smooth, no ridges to be felt to touch)
• 10 or 12 TPI (preferably produced on a letterpress machine)
• No tie-off is required, but is acceptable (tie-off on each end to be no greater than 3mm)

SEMA can arrange a press check on the perforation if required.

Laser toner and highlight colour

Toner colours available:

• Black only – 600dpi
• Highlight colour – 600dpi (blue or red)

Using a highlight colour laser printer will allow the use of one highlight colour and black.

Stock control and overs

Allow up to 10% overs for crashes, stock spoilage and proofing. Use this rule as a general guide for standard stock types and size:

• Less than 5,000 – 10%
• 5,001 to 20,000 – 5%
• 20,001 to 50,000 – 4%
• 50,001 to 100,000 – 3%
• Greater than 100,000 – 2%

Envelopes

For information about envelopes, see our page on envelope guidelines.