MFC-9970CDW

FAQs & Troubleshooting

FAQs & Troubleshooting

What is the recommended paper?

You can use the following types of print media: thin paper, plain paper, thick paper, bond paper, recycled paper, glossy paper, labels or envelopes.

Print quality may vary according to the type of paper you are using. For best results, follow the instructions below:
  • DO NOT put different types of paper in the paper tray at the same time because it may cause paper jams or misfeeds.
  • Choose the same paper size from your software application as the paper in the tray.
  • Avoid touching the printed surface of the paper immediately after printing.
  • Before you buy a lot of paper, test a small quantity to make sure that the paper is suitable.
  • Store paper in its original packaging and keep it sealed.
  • Keep the paper flat and away from moisture, direct sunlight and heat.


Recommended paper and print media

  Europe USA/ Canada/ Latin America
Plain paper Xerox Premier TCF 80 g/m2
Xerox Business 80 g/m2
Xerox 4200 20 lb
Hammermill Laser Print 24 lb (90 g/m2)
Recycled paper Xerox Recycled Supreme 80 g/m2 (No specific brand recommended)
Labels Avery laser label L7163 Avery laser labels white #5160
Envelope Antalis River series (DL) (No specific brand recommended)
Glossy paper International Paper Rey ColorLaser Gloss 140/m2 A4 Office Depot Brand Glossy Laser Presentation Paper 65 lb


Paper capacity of the paper trays and Media type

  Paper Size Paper type No. of sheets
Standard paper tray
(Tray 1)
A4,
Letter,
Legal *1,
B5 (ISO/JIS),
Executive,
A5,
A5 (Long Edge),
A6,
B6 (ISO),
Folio *1, *2
Plain paper,
Thin paper,
Recycled paper
up to 250
[80 g/m2 (20 lb)]
Multi-purpose tray
(MP Tray)
Width:
69.8 to 216 mm
(2.75 to 8.5 in.)

Length:
116 to 406.4 mm
(4.57 to 16 in.)
Plain paper,
Thin paper,
Thick paper,
Thicker paper,
Bond paper,
Recycled paper,
Envelopes,
Labels,
Glossy paper *3
50 sheets
[80 g/m2 (20 lb)]

3 Envelopes
1 Glossy paper
Optional lower tray
(Tray 2)
A4,
Letter,
Legal *1,
B5 (ISO/JIS),
Executive,
A5,
B6 (ISO),
Folio *1, *2
Plain paper,
Thin paper,
Recycled paper
up to 500
[80 g/m2 (20 lb)]
Duplex unit
for automatic 2-sided(duplex) printing *4
A4 *5,
Letter *5,
Legal *1, *5,
Folio *1, *2, *5
Plain paper,
Thin paper,
Recycled paper,
Glossy paper *3
 

*1: Legal or Folio size paper are not available in some countries.
*2: Folio size is 215.9 x 330.2 mm (8.5 x 13 in.).
*3: Glossy paper should be printed from MP tray and with back cover open. Printing glossy paper with back cover closed can cause print quality issues such as smudges, toner rubbing off, etc. We recommend Manual 2-Sided(Duplex) Printing to avoid print quality issues.
*4: Not available for HL-4140CN. The paper should be between 60 to 105 g/m2 (16 to 28 lb).
*5: Letter, Legal and Folio for USA/ Canada/ Latin America, and A4 for others.



Recommended paper specifications
The following paper specifications are suitable for this machine.

Basis weight 75-90 g/m2 (20-24 lb)
Thickness 80-110 μm
Roughness Higher than 20 sec.
Stiffness 90-150 cm3/100
Grain direction Long grain
Volume resistivity 10e9-10e11 ohm
Surface resistivity 10e9-10e12 ohm-cm
Filler CaCO3 (Neutral)
Ash content Below 23 wt%
Brightness Higher than 80%
Opacity Higher than 85%

  • Use paper that is made for plain-paper copying.
  • Use paper that is 75 to 90 g/m2 (20 to 24 lb)
  • Use long grain paper with a neutral Ph value, and a moisture content of approx. 5%.
  • This machine can use recycled paper that meets DIN 19309 specifications.


Notes for using special paper

  • DO NOT use inkjet paper because it may cause a paper jam or damage your machine.
  • Preprinted paper must use ink that can withstand the temperature of the machine's fusing process 200 degrees centigrade (392 degrees Fahrenheit).
  • If you use bond paper, paper having a rough surface or paper that is wrinkled or creased, the paper may
    exhibit degraded performance.
  • When you are using glossy paper, put only one sheet at a time in the MP tray to avoid a paper jam.

Notes for using envelopes
  • Use envelopes that have edges with straight, well-creased folds and the leading edge should not be thicker than two sheets of paper.
  • Use envelopes that lie flat and is not of baggy or flimsy construction.
  • Buy quality envelopes from a supplier who understands that you will be using the envelopes in a laser machine.


Notes for using labels

  • Use labels that have an adhesive that is acrylic-based since this material is more stable at the high temperatures in the fuser unit.
  • Adhesives should not come in contact with any part of the machine, because the label stock may stick to the
    drum unit or rollers and cause jams and print quality problems. No adhesive should be exposed between the labels. Labels should be arranged so that they cover the entire length and width of the sheet.
  • DO NOT reuse or insert labels that have previously been used or are missing few labels on the sheet. Using labels with spaces may result in labels peeling off and causing serious jams or print problems.
  • All labels used in this machine must be able to withstand a temperature of 200 degrees centigrade (392 degrees Fahrenheit) for a period of 0.1 seconds.


Some types of paper may not perform well or may cause damage to your machine. Do not use paper:

  • that is highly textured.
  • that is extremely smooth or shiny.
  • that is curled or warped.
  • that is coated or has a chemical finish.
  • that is damaged, creased, or folded.
  • that exceeds the recommended weight specification.
  • with tabs or staples.
  • with letterheads using low temperature dyes or thermography.
  • that is multipart or carbonless.
  • that is designed for inkjet printing.

If your question was not answered, have you checked other FAQs?

Have you checked the manuals?

If you need further assistance, please contact Brother customer service:

Related Models

HL-4150CDN, HL-4570CDW, HL-4570CDWT, MFC-9460CDN, MFC-9560CDW, MFC-9970CDW

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