MICR/LASER PRINTER CHECK PAPER SPECIFICATIONS
Paper utilized for MICR/Laser Checks must meet the specifications of the American Bankers Association (ABA) and for the xerographic process utilized by MICR Laser Printers.
PAPER PROPERTIES:
Basis Weight of Paper Stock |
24 pound or 92 gram (+ or – 5%) |
Sheffield Smoothness |
120 –150 smoothness recommended (80 id 150 is acceptable) |
Grain Direction |
Parallel to the long edge of the document. (Short grain direction may be acceptable for 6-inch documents) |
Moisture Content |
4.7 to 5.5 percent |
Paper Curl |
Curl Up |
Reflectance |
60 percent minimum |
Coated Papers |
Paper containing clay or resin coatings must NOT be used. |
Laminated Papers |
Paper-plastic combinations must NOT be used. |
Preprinting Ink |
Must be heat resistant for laser printing |
Metallic Content |
No ferromagnetic materials |
Paper stiffness |
24# (92-gram) papers provide the stiffness necessary for good runability in the MICR Laser Printing System. Short grain stock, lower weight papers do not perform as well in high-speed reader/sorters. |
Paper Cutting |
Length must be controlled to 1.030 inches and the width to 1.015 inches. (1.76 millimeters x 1.38 millimeters) |
Acidity Level |
Minimum pH level of 5.5 should be present in the stock. |
Opacity |
Minimal levels should not exceed 83 percent. Perforations: Use a perforation that allows the sheets to retain as much stiffness as possible. 9 ties per inch. (25.4 millimeters) |
Physical Condition |
Keep stock free from folded corners or bent sheets, holes, wrinkles or tears, paper dust or chaff. Predrilled paper should be inspected and cleaned of any remaining plugs. |
Cutting and Packaging |
Acquire forms that are rotary cut as opposed to a guilloting curring method. |
This document is for informational purposes only. It is not intended for usage as a legal reference. All information as been obtained from noted third party reference sources and material. ACOM assumes no liability for the information contained herein.
