MICR Printing

Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR), a means of printing information that can be read electronically, is most often used for printing checks. MICR printers use special fonts and magnetic ink or toner to product magnetic characters that are read by electronic data processing systems, such as those used by banks for processing checks.
MICR printers can also be used to print load coupons, depository transfers and other MICR-encoded negotiable documents.
One key advantage to MICR printing is that it saves money by producing checks and other documents from blank paper. This avoids the cost and possible security breaches of storing preprinted checks. It also eliminates having to switch paper stock to print checks from different bank accounts or for each uniquely-designed check type.

Identifying a MICR printer

MICR-capable printers are identified by their product names displayed across the top of the main (DocuSP) system window. These product names will be either Nuvera 100MX Digital Production System or Nuvera 120MX Digital Production System. Note that, for security reasons, no copy functionality is available with MICR printers.

MICR Licensing

The MICR printing system (toner subsystem) will not run with MICR toner without the presence of the MICR Toner license. To verify that this license is present and enabled on the system (if necessary), contact your System Administrator, or refer to the Checking Installed Options with License Manager topic in the Required Set Up Steps section of the Xerox Nuvera 100&120 System Administrator's Guide.

MICR Mode Setting

MICR Mode is Enabled by factory default. To verify or to change this setting (if necessary), contact your System Administrator, or refer to the Support for MICR topic in the Configuring System Features section of the Xerox Nuvera 100&120 System Administrator's Guide.

Note

NOTE: When MICR Mode is Enabled, the Printer Darkness button of the Image Quality tab, accessed through Printer Manager, is grayed out (unavailable for use). In addition, the Edge Treatment settings under the Switches selection of the Printer menu are grayed out (unavailable for use). This assures that the darkness and edge treatment of printed text stays within required MICR standards. When not in MICR mode, these features may be selected.

Secure Mode Setting

Enabling Secure Mode when printing MICR jobs restricts the ability to obtain unauthorized copies of MICR documents. While in Secure Mode, features such as Reposition Output, Sample Page, Move Blocks for Tape, Job Forwarding, Proof, and Save PDL, will not be allowed.
To enable Secure Mode, contact your System Administrator, or refer to the Support for MICR topic in the Configuring System Features section of the Xerox Nuvera 100&120 System Administrator's Guide.

Installing MICR Fonts

MICR printing requires the use of standardized MICR fonts. A document providing complete instructions for installing MICR fonts for PostScript, PCL, LCDS, and IPDS is included with the CD-ROM or CD-ROMs containing the MICR fonts.

Installing and Printing MICR Test Forms

MICR Test Forms for the Page Description Language interpreters licensed on the MICR printing system (such as PostScript, PCL, and LCDS), are installed on the system as part of the initial DocuSP software installation. These forms are intended to be used as sample pages during a MICR print run and, as such, are utilized as a customer-controlled diagnostic test. A document providing complete instructions for the printing of MICR Test Forms is included with the CD-ROM or CD-ROMs containing the MICR fonts.

To print MICR jobs

You can print MICR jobs from your workstation desktop, using the PostScript or PCL print driver, or from the Print From File service button on the printer's DocuSP user interface. You can also print MICR data using LCDS (line conditioned data streaming). See LCDS Printing for more information.

Related Information

Once you are familiar with how to operate MICR from your system, refer to the MICR documentation provided with your system. It covers information on types of papers that may be used, troubleshooting, security, processing procedures, and other areas. See your System Administrator or Xerox Customer Representative to obtain this documentation.