25

Chapter 2:

Handling

Paper and

Other Media

The Epson Stylus Pro 3880 prints on a variety of cut-sheet media up to

17 inches wide. You can also use heavy stock, such as posterboard, up to

59 mil (1.5 mm) thick.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

This chapter includes the following information:

Selecting media for your printer

Choosing the correct paper path

Loading paper in the auto sheet feeder

Loading paper in the rear manual slot

Loading paper in the front manual slot

Adjusting the platen gap

Creating special paper configurations

Paper type

Plain

Epson Bright White Paper

Photo

Epson Premium Photo Paper Luster

Selecting Media for Your Printer

You can print on most types of coated, glossy, and plain paper. The following table shows the Epson paper types and sizes you can use in your printer. You can also check the Epson Pro Imaging website

(www.proimaging.epson.com) or your authorized Epson dealer for available media.

Size

8.5 × 11 inches

8.5 × 11 inches

Number of sheets Part number

500 S041586

11.7 × 16.5 inches

13 × 19 inches

17 × 22 inches

50

250

50

50

100

25

S041405

S041913

S041406

S041407

S041604

S042084

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26 | Handling Paper and Other Media

Paper type

Epson Ultra Premium Photo Paper Luster

Epson Premium Photo Paper Glossy

Epson Premium Photo Paper Semi-gloss

Fine Art

Epson Velvet Fine Art Paper

Epson UltraSmooth ® Fine Art Paper

Epson Watercolor Paper - Radiant White

Proofing

Epson Proofing Paper White Semimatte

Epson Standard Proofing Paper (240)

Epson Standard Proofing Paper SWOP 3

Size

8.5 × 11 inches

11.7 × 16.5 inches

13 × 19 inches

17 × 22 inches

4 × 6 inches

5 × 7 inches

8 × 10 inches

8.5 × 11 inches

11 × 14 inches

11 × 17 inches

11.7 × 16.5 inches

13 × 19 inches

17 × 22 inches

4 × 6 inches

8.5 × 11 inches

13 × 19 inches

17 × 22 inches

20

25

40

20

20

25

50

20

20

20

100

20

20

25

Number of sheets Part number

50 S041405

50

50

100

25

S041406

S041407

S041604

S042084

S041727

S041464

S041465

S042183

S041667

S041466

S041290

S041288

S041289

S042092

S041982

S041331

S041327

S042124

8.5 × 11 inches

13 × 19 inches

17 × 22 inches

13 × 19 inches

17 × 22 inches

13 × 19 inches

13 × 19 inches

13 × 19 inches

13 × 19 inches

2-26

20

20

25

25

25

20

100

100

100

S041636

S041637

S042097

S041896

S041897

S041351

S041744

S045115

S045157

Handling Paper and Other Media | 27

Paper type

Matte

Size

Epson Ultra Premium Presentation Paper Matte 8.5 × 11 inches

11.7 × 16.5 inches

13 × 19 inches

Number of sheets Part number

Epson Premium Presentation Paper Matte

Epson Presentation Paper Matte

17 × 22 inches

8 × 10 inches

8.5 × 11 inches

11 × 14 inches

11.7 × 16.5 inches

13 × 19 inches

8.5 × 11 inches

8.5 × 14 inches

11 × 17 inches

13 × 19 inches

16.5 × 23.4 inches

17 × 22 inches

100

100

30

100

50

50

100

100

100

50

50

50

50

50

50

100

S041260

S041263

S041062

S041067

S041070

S041069

S041079

S041171

S041341

S041343

S041339

S041605

S041908

S041467

S041257

S041468

Others

Epson Singleweight Matte Paper

Epson Exhibition Fiber Paper

Epson Exhibition Canvas Matte

Epson Premium Canvas Matte

Epson Cold Press Bright

13 × 19 inches

17 × 22 inches

8.5 × 11 inches

13 × 19 inches

17 × 22 inches

17 × 22 inches

17 × 22 inches

8.5 × 11 inches

13 × 19 inches

17 × 22 inches

25

25

25

25

25

25

25

100

100

25

S041747

S041907

S045033

S045037

S045039

TBD

S045078

S042307

S042310

S042311

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28 | Handling Paper and Other Media

Paper type

Epson Cold Press Natural

Epson Hot Press Bright

Epson Hot Press Natural

Size

8.5 × 11 inches

13 × 19 inches

17 × 22 inches

8.5 × 11 inches

13 × 19 inches

17 × 22 inches

8.5 × 11 inches

13 × 19 inches

17 × 22 inches

25

25

25

25

Number of sheets Part number

25 S042297

25

25

25

25

S042300

S042301

S042327

S042330

S042331

S042317

S042320

S042321

Always test samples of paper stock in the printer before purchasing large quantities or printing large jobs. When you use non-Epson paper or other media, you may need to adjust various settings or create special paper

configurations. (See page 43 for more information.)

Guidelines for Using Epson Media

•

•

•

•

Follow these guidelines, as well as those included in your paper package, when printing on Epson paper and other media:

Avoid touching the printable surface with your bare hands. Fingerprints may affect print quality. Handle media by the edges or use cotton gloves.

Always choose the correct Media Type setting in your printer driver

software before you send your job. See page 63 (Macintosh) or page 67

(Windows) for instructions.

Always select the correct paper source in both the printer driver software

and on the printer’s control panel. See page 52 (Macintosh) or page 71

(Windows) for instructions on selecting the paper source in your printer software.

Keep unused media in its original packaging and store it flat in a cool, dry place to maintain quality. Avoid storing your printouts where they will be exposed to high temperature, humidity, or direct sunlight.

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Handling Paper and Other Media | 29

Choosing the Correct Paper Path

•

The printer provides three paths for loading media:

Auto sheet feeder

(multiple sheets)

• Rear manual feed slot

(one sheet only)

• Front manual feed slot

(one sheet only)

It’s very important to use the correct paper path and to load the correct number of sheets. For example, you can load only one sheet at a time in the front and rear slots, and poster board can be inserted only in the front slot. If you need to make sure the paper stays flat, use the rear manual slot or the front slot.

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30 | Handling Paper and Other Media

Paper type

The following table shows which path to choose for the type of media you are using and the maximum number of sheets you can load for the different types of special Epson media. The letter A stands for the auto sheet feeder and R stands for the rear manual feed slot. Use the front manual feed slot when you need to print on thick media, such as posterboard.

Paper path Size

Plain paper and Epson Bright White Paper A

Epson Presentation Paper Matte A, R

Epson Premium Photo Paper Glossy

Epson Ultra Premium Photo Paper Luster

Epson Premium Photo Paper Luster

A

A, R

A, R

A, R

8.5 × 11 inches

8.5 × 11 inches

8.5 × 14 inches

11 × 17 inches

13 × 19 inches

16.5 × 23.4 inches

17 × 22 inches

4 × 6 inches

5 × 7 inches

8 × 10 inches

8.5 × 11 inches

11 × 14 inches

11 × 17 inches

11.7 × 16.5 inches

13 × 19 inches

17 × 22 inches

8.5 × 11 inches

11.7 × 16.5 inches

13 × 19 inches

17 × 22 inches

8.5” × 11”

11.7” × 16.5”

13” × 19”

17” × 22”

10

10

20

10

10

10

20

10

10

10

20

10

10

10

20

20

20

20

50

20

20

20

Auto sheet feeder loading capacity *

120

60

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Handling Paper and Other Media | 31

Paper type

Epson Premium Photo Paper Semi-gloss

Paper path

A

A, R

Epson Ultra Premium Presentation

Paper Matte

Epson Premium Presentation Paper Matte

Epson Proofing Paper White Semimatte

Epson Standard Proofing Paper (240)

Epson Standard Proofing Paper SWOP 3

Epson Singleweight Matte Paper

Epson Watercolor Paper - Radiant White

Epson Velvet Fine Art Paper

Epson UltraSmooth Fine Art Paper

Epson Exhibition Fiber Paper

Epson Exhibition Canvas Matte

Epson Premium Canvas Matte

A, R

A, R

A, R

A, R

A, R

R

R

A, R

A, R

R

R

R

R

Size

13 × 19 inches

17 × 22 inches

13 × 19 inches

8.5 × 11 inches

13 × 19 inches

17 × 22 inches

13 × 19 inches

17 × 22 inches

8.5 × 11 inches

13 × 19 inches

17 × 22 inches

17 × 22 inches

17 × 22 inches

4 × 6 inches

8.5 × 11 inches

13 × 19 inches

17 × 22 inches

8.5 × 11 inches

11.7 × 16.5 inches

13 × 19 inches

17 × 22 inches

8 × 10 inches

8.5 × 11 inches

11 × 14 inches

11.7 × 16.5 inches

13 × 19 inches

13 × 19 inches

13 × 19 inches

13 × 19 inches

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

50

10

10

10

10

1

10

10

30

30

10

10

20

20

Auto sheet feeder loading capacity *

20

20

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32 | Handling Paper and Other Media

Paper type

Epson Cold Press Bright

Epson Cold Press Natural

Epson Hot Press Bright

Epson Hot Press Natural

Paper path

R

R

R

R

Size

8.5 × 11 inches

13 × 19 inches

17 × 22 inches

8.5 × 11 inches

13 × 19 inches

17 × 22 inches

8.5 × 11 inches

13 × 19 inches

17 × 22 inches

8.5 × 11 inches

13 × 19 inches

17 × 22 inches

* Always load only 1 sheet at a time in the front or rear slot.

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

Auto sheet feeder loading capacity *

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Handling Paper and Other Media | 33

Loading Paper in the Auto Sheet Feeder

Using the auto sheet feeder, you can load up to 120 sheets of plain paper or varying amounts of special media types. Refer to the table starting on

page 30 to see how many sheets you can load for your paper type. Then

follow these steps:

1. Make sure the printer is turned on and READY appears on the LCD.

2. Flip up the paper guide and pull out as many of its extensions as you need to support your paper size.

3. Press the front cover to release it and open the output tray.

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34 | Handling Paper and Other Media

4. Use both hands to pull out and extend the output tray, lifting it slightly as you pull. Make sure the arrow marks on the tray and the printer are aligned.

5. Pull out the output tray extensions to accommodate your paper size.

6. Squeeze the left edge guide and slide it to the left so that it is slightly wider than the width of your paper.

7. If you are loading multiple sheets, thumb through the stack of paper, then gently tap it on a flat surface to even the edges.

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Handling Paper and Other Media | 35

If the paper is curled, flatten it before you load it. If it curls excessively

and jams frequently, see page 129 for solutions.

8. Load the paper against the right edge, face-up and short edge first. Insert it until it meets resistance. Slide the edge guide against the left side of the paper.

Caution: Do not leave paper in the printer for a long period of time; its quality will deteriorate.

Epson recommends that you remove the paper from the printer after printing.

You’re ready to print.

If the paper skews when you’re printing on large sheets, flip out the edge guide located on the right side of the auto sheet feeder to help the paper feed straight.

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36 | Handling Paper and Other Media

Loading Paper Into the Rear Manual Feed Slot

Use the rear manual slot to load special media one sheet at a time. (See the

table on page 30 for a list of papers you can load in the rear slot.)

1. Make sure the printer is on and READY appears on the LCD.

2. Attach the rear sheet guide to the back of the printer.

3. Slide the edge guide to the left so it is slightly wider than the width of your paper.

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Handling Paper and Other Media | 37

4. Insert one sheet face-up and short edge first into the rear sheet guide against the right edge guide.

5. Slide the edge guide against the left edge of the paper.

Note: If you want to remove the paper, press the d Paper feed button on the control panel to back the sheet out.

6. Gently guide the paper into the slot until it meets resistance. Maintain a constant pressure; after a few seconds you’ll feel the printer pull the paper into printing position.

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38 | Handling Paper and Other Media

7. Use both hands to pull out and extend the output tray, lifting it slightly as you pull. Make sure the arrow marks on the tray and the printer are aligned.

Caution: Do not leave paper in the printer for a long period of time; its quality will deteriorate.

Epson recommends that you remove the paper from the printer after printing.

You’re ready to print.

Loading Paper Into the Front Manual Feed Slot

Use the front manual feed slot when you need to print on thick media

(1.2 to 1.5 mm), such as posterboard. Make sure there is enough space behind the back of the printer for the paper to feed without obstruction.

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Handling Paper and Other Media | 39

•

•

•

Also keep the following in mind when using the front slot:

Load only one sheet at a time and make sure the printable side is face-up.

If the paper is wider than 16 inches, use the auto sheet feeder or rear slot

if allowed for your paper type; see page 29 for details.

If PAPER SIZE CHECK is set to OFF on the LCD, you cannot load paper in the front manual feed slot. Use the printer’s menu system to turn this setting on.

1. Make sure the printer is on and READY appears on the LCD.

2. Press the front cover to release it and open the output tray.

3. Press the front tray as shown to pop it out.

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40 | Handling Paper and Other Media

4. Insert a single sheet of paper, short edge first and face-up into the front tray.

5. Position the right edge of the paper against the right side of the tray and align the paper’s bottom edge with the white line on the tray.

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Handling Paper and Other Media | 41

6. Press the d button to feed the paper into printing position.

7. Use both hands to pull out and extend the output tray, lifting it slightly as you pull.

Caution: Do not leave paper in the printer for a long period of time; its quality will deteriorate.

Epson recommends that you remove the paper from the printer after printing.

You’re ready to print.

When you finish printing, push the front tray back in.

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42 | Handling Paper and Other Media

Caution: To avoid damaging the printer, do not select the Narrow setting when you print on heavy media.

Adjusting the Platen Gap for Thick or Thin Paper

When you print on unusually thick or thin paper, you may need to adjust the platen gap setting. Normally, the STANDARD setting allows the printer to adjust automatically. However, if print quality is not satisfactory when using very thin or very thick stock, you may need to change this setting using the printer’s menu system.

1. Press the Menu r button.

2. Press r to select the Printer Setup menu.

3. Press r to select PLATEN GAP . An asterisk appears next to the current setting, STANDARD .

4. Press u or d to select NARROW , WIDE , WIDER , or WIDEST .

5. Press the Enter button to save the setting. An asterisk appears next to the selected setting.

6. Press the + Cancel/Reset button to exit the menu.

When you switch media again, don’t forget to change the setting back to

STANDARD.

If you’re printing on non-Epson media, you may also need to create a paper configuration to optimize your results. See the next section for more information.

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Handling Paper and Other Media | 43

Tip: It’s a good idea to keep a list describing your paper configurations.

Note: If you’re using

Epson special media, select STANDARD for the platen gap to let the printer automatically determine the paper thickness.

Using Special Paper Configurations

When you choose a media type in your Epson printer software, the driver automatically determines the best settings for your paper. However, you may want to fine-tune how the printer handles certain media—especially if you use non-Epson paper or a paper not supported by the driver. For these situations, you can create a special configuration, or group of settings, for each paper type (up to ten types) and select the desired configuration whenever you print on that particular stock.

Creating a Paper Configuration

To create a configuration for a specific paper type, make sure the paper you want to configure is loaded in the printer. Then follow these steps:

1. Press the Menu r button, then press d until CUSTOM PAPER is highlighted.

2. Press r to display the PAPER NUMBER menu.

3. Press u or d to select a paper configuration number (1 to 10). Press

Enter to save the setting.

4. Press r and then u or d to select MATTE THICK , MATTE THIN ,

PHOTO PAPER , or FINE ART PAPER .

5. Press Enter to save the setting. An asterisk appears next to the selected paper type.

6. Press l and then d to select PLATEN GAP , then press r.

7. Press u or d to select NARROW, STANDARD, WIDE, or WIDER .

(The STANDARD setting is recommended for most paper types.) Then press Enter to save the setting. An asterisk appears next to the selected platen gap setting.

8. Press l and then d to select THICKNESS PATTERN .

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44 | Handling Paper and Other Media

9. Make sure the paper you are creating the configuration for is loaded in the correct paper path in the printer. Then press r and Enter to print a paper thickness pattern. The printer prints a pattern similar to the following:

Smallest gap

10. Examine the printed pattern for the most evenly overlapping lines, and choose that pattern number. (In the example shown above, the lines of pattern 4 are the most even.)

11. After printing the pattern, THICKNESS NUMBER is displayed. Press d or u to select the number that you noted in step 10. Then press Enter to save the setting.

12. Press l and then d to select PAPER FEED ADJUST A , then press r.

Adjusting this setting and the PAPER FEED ADJUST B can help eliminate banding.

13. Press u or d to set the paper feed amount for the printable area (labelled A in the illustration to the right), and then press Enter. Choose a lower value if you see white lines on your prints, or a higher value if you see dark lines.

14. Press l and then d to select PAPER FEED ADJUST B , then press r.

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Handling Paper and Other Media | 45

15. Press d or u to set the paper feed amount for the bottom margin area that is 0.79 or 1.18 inches (2 or 3 cm) from the bottom of the paper (labelled

B in the illustration to the right). Then press Enter.

16. Press l and then d to select DRYING TIME , then press r.

17. Press d or u to select the number of seconds (from 1 to 10) that you want the print head to wait between passes to allow the ink to dry. Then press Enter to save the setting.

18. When you are finished, press + Cancel/Reset to exit the Menu.

You can also make similar settings using the printer driver software. For

instructions, see page 55 (Macintosh) or page 74 (Windows).

Selecting a Paper Configuration

Once you have created a paper configuration, follow these steps to select it when you are ready to print on that type of paper:

1. Press the Menu r button, then press d until CUSTOM PAPER is highlighted.

2. Press d to display PAPER NUMBER , then press r.

3. Press d or u to select the configuration number that you want to use. If you select STANDARD , the printer uses the driver settings. If you select a number from 1 to 10, the control panel settings override the driver settings.

4. Press Enter. The configuration number you selected is displayed on the LCD.

5. Press + Cancel/Reset to exit the menu.

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