Microcapsule Paper and Fuser
Capsule paper “puffs” because of the carbon in the inks used to put the design on the paper. Some hints for what works are listed below.
Photocopiers
A copier in which the paper follows a straight path through the system works best. The toner must contain significant amounts of carbon. Although a diagram will print on the capsule paper, it may not swell as expected. Copiers that do not produce very much heat work better. If the copier available heats up after a long run, schedule your work with capsule paper early in the day and allow the copier to cool down after every 5-6 copies.
Printers
Printers require the same type of carbon-based ink, e.g. HP 45 black ink. Inks dry more slowly which may require removal of each page as it emerges to prevent smearing.
Hand-drawn graphics
Not all pens will provide a clear sharp line. The brand “Uniball Vision” is an excellent pen for capsule paper and is available in several sizes. China markers (grease pencils) also work well, but are more difficult to control. Try a variety to see what works for your equipment.
Capsule paper characteristics
Capsule paper dries out quickly, and is also damaged by too much moisture. Store tightly sealed and away from direct light and heat sources.
Thanks to Katrina Otsby, California transcriber, for contributing the following section
Printer inks known to work, or to not work with capsule paper
Most ink cartridges fit into many different printers. It is the type of pigment in the ink which determines whether or not the images on swell-paper will be raised. So if you have a different printer which takes one of the listed ink cartridges which work, your printer should work.
Company |
Ink |
Printer |
Works? |
Epson |
TO60120 (black) |
Epson CX3810 |
Yes |
Epson |
TO43120 (black) |
Epson CX6600 |
Yes |
Brother |
LC41BK |
Brother MFC 420CNA10 |
Yes |
HP |
HP 56 (black) |
HP Office Jet 5510 |
Yes |
HP |
HP 92 (black) |
HP 1510 |
Yes |
HP |
HP 98 (black) |
HP PhotoSmart |
Yes |
HP |
HP 94 (black) |
HP 6210 |
No |
HP |
HP 27 (black) |
HP Office Jet 5610 |
No |
Canon |
(?) |
Canon BJC620 |
No |
Canon |
24 |
Canon MP130 |
No |
Canon |
Black Ink #6 |
Canon |
No |
Warning! Ink refill kits and after-market cartridges may contain a different ink than the manufacturer's cartridge, so your images may or may not raise properly when using other brands of ink. Always let the ink dry for several minutes before running the capsule paper through the fuser.
Lucia's Note: I encourage you to ALWAYS use the ink cartridge recommended by the printer manufacturer. This will provide better results and increase the life of your printer.