TROY Group MICR Basics Handbook - Manual (Page 19)

Section 4 Selecting Check Paper and MICR Toner
MICR Basics Handbook -- Document #50-70300-001 Rev. C
4-3
Moisture
This is the ratio of moisture to the dry mass of the paper. Paper moisture content should be between 4.7%
and 5.5%.
Porosity
Paper Porosity is defined as the resistance of paper to the passage of air under a specified pressure
through the paper. This is measured as the average time (in seconds) required to displace 100 ml of air
through a one-square-inch area of paper under a pressure of 4.88" (12.4 cm) of water. Minimum porosity
should be 12 seconds (Gurley).
Security Paper
To prevent counterfeiting, unauthorized reproduction and/or alterations to the check, use a security paper
stock. Some newer security check papers use a background pattern, called a pantograph. Additionally,
when some of these papers are photocopied, the word VOID becomes visible in the check area. There are
many other security features that can be incorporated into checks, depending on the institution generating
the checks.
Smoothness
Sheffield paper smoothness is the rate of flow of air under constant pressure between paper and a smooth
steel plate against which the paper is held by two concentric annular lands. A paper stock that is either
too smooth or too rough will cause poor MICR print quality that may result in read errors of the MICR
line in the check reader/sorter. Paper smoothness must be 100-170 Sheffield.
Reflectance
Reflectance should be 60% minimum.
Tear
Tear should be M.D. 55 and C.D. 67.0 minimum (Elmendorf).
Burst Strength
Burst represents a measure of internal strength relative to basic strength or handling of a finished
document. Burst strength should be 24 lb. Minimum.
Perforations
Laser-cut perforations are strongly recommended. Perforations should be 90 degrees to the paper edges.
Perforations, both horizontal and vertical, should permit easy separation but should not tear or catch in
ordinary handling or feeding. Perforations must not cause excessive peaking or tenting of the form.
Peaks shall not exceed .005" when the form is spread relaxed on a flat surface.
Packaging
Paper should be packed for shipment so it arrives at the destination in good condition without
deformation, creasing, damaged corners, or other damage. The paper should be supplied in a box that can
be easily opened. The box should be strong enough to protect the contents from damage during normal
commercial handling stacking and transportation.
Preprinted Stock
If you are using pre-printed stock in the TROY MICR Printer, make sure it is pre-printed on the curl up
surface (the natural curl direction of the paper). Make sure inks on this stock are heat resistant and are
designed for use in xerographic copiers. Temperatures in the TROY printer fuser section reach
approximately 183 degrees C (359 degrees F). Therefore, the ink should not melt or release hazardous
gases or be flammable when subjected to such temperatures. The ink should be highly oil resistant,
especially against silicon oil and should not be affected by resin components contained in toner.