Printing on Cardstock w/Dismal Results

[lizzzi]

Any tips on how to get the M277 dw to print clearly on 80# cardstock?  Printer a real disapointment in this area.  Prints great on 24# paper, but not the heavier cardstock.

[Dragon-Fur · Accepted solution]

@lizzzi

The 80lb cardstock is likely too heavy for the printer.

I understand that answer is not precise.

I hope the following helps you decide if the paper can be used.

Commentary

GSM / paper weight and the Media type (Bond, Cover, Index, Text, etc) is (usually) provided (shown) on the outside of the package in which the paper is purchased.

The Printer's Specifications show the allowed weights.

HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M277n and M277dw printers

Tray	Type	Weight	Capacity
ADF	Paper	60 to 90 g/m2 (16 to 20 lb bond)	Up to 25 sheets of plain paper
Single-sheet priority slot	Paper	75 to 90 g/m2 (16 to 72 lb bond)	1 sheet of plain paper
Envelopes	Up to 90 g/m2 (24 lb bond envelope)	1 envelope
Input tray	Paper	60 to 90 g/m2 (16 to 24 lb bond)	Up to 150 sheets of plain paper
Labels	n/a	Up to 50 sheets
Envelopes	Up to 90 g/m2 (24 lb bond envelope)	Up to 10 envelopes
Cards	Up to 175 g/m2	Up to 50 cards
Transparencies	n/a	Up to 40 sheets
Output tray	Paper	60 to 90 g/m2 (16 to 24 lb bond)	Up to 100 sheets

Paper weight, when converted to "lbs" is a variable -- the conversion depends on the type of Media.  For example, Bond paper is different from "cover" paper, etc. 

In general, looking at a simple conversion chart for "card stock", the maximum weight the printer can handle in "card" is 65lb paper.

A different  conversion chart that does not list "card stock" indicates the paper may -- or may not -- be allowed depending on the listed paper types.

The Datasheet expresses the allowed Media as follows:

Paper handling
Input 150-sheet input tray, multipurpose tray
Output 100-sheet output tray

Media type Paper (brochure, inkjet, plain), photo paper (borderless, HP premium, panoramic, plus tab), envelopes, labels, cards (greeting, index), transparencies

Media weight 52 to 163 g/m2 (Uncoated/Matte, recommended), up to 175 g/m2 Postcards, 200 g/m2 HP Matte; 60 to 163 g/m2 (Coated/Glossy, recommended), up to 175 g/m2 Postcards, 220 g/m2 HP Glossy

"Post cards" are allowed up to 220 gsm.  (Card Stock conversion 220 gsm = 81 lb)

Try changing the Media type in Printing Preferences to Card or (better) Post Card

NOTES

IF you can set the Media type for the paper,

If you cannot set the Paper Size to match the desired Media type,

AND

IF your printer supports  Creating Custom Paper Sizes 

Then

Create a Custom Form for your heavier paper using a "starting" template of a type in the list of standards (available Media types supported by your printer).  For example, start with a Card, Index Card, or Post Card of any available size to create a Custom form of the needed size in that Media type.

If available, the Custom Form setup is found:

Control Panel > icon view > Devices and Printers >

Left-Click on your Printer one time to highlight >

Left-Click Print Server properties

References

 Print Driver Settings Guide (Windows)

Printer Homepage – “Things that are your printer”

Drivers and Software, Videos, How-to, Troubleshooting, Manuals, Product Information, and more

HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M277dw

Dragon Document - Help, suggestions, and examples:

Printing Preferences

 Topics / Sections, various – including:

• Full Feature Software > Printing Preferences – Setups and Examples
• Custom Paper Sizes

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