What is an Input/Output Tray?
An Input/Output Tray is a physical component found in printers, scanners, and multifunction copiers that holds paper before and after the document handling process. The input tray feeds blank paper into the machine, while the output tray collects the finished printed or scanned documents.
This component ensures a continuous, automated paper-handling workflow. It eliminates the need for manual page feeding and prevents completed documents from falling or scattering upon exiting the device.
Key Takeaways
Dual Functionality: The input tray manages the raw media supply, while the output tray manages the final processed delivery.
Capacity Variance: Trays range from consumer-grade capacities of 50 sheets to enterprise-grade capacities holding thousands of sheets.
Media Versatility: Modern trays adjust to accommodate various media types, including A4, letter, envelopes, glossy photo paper, and cardstock.
Sensor Integration: High-end trays utilize optical and mechanical sensors to detect paper size, levels, and jams.
How Input and Output Trays Work
The paper-handling process relies on a mechanical sequence coordinated by the firmware of the device.
The Input Cycle
Media Detection: Optical or mechanical sensors detect the presence and size of the paper in the input tray.
Separation and Pickup: A rubber pickup roller rotates against the top sheet. A separation pad ensures only a single sheet enters the paper path.
Feeding: The sheet moves into the internal registration rollers to align the page before printing or scanning.
The Output Cycle
Ejection: After processing, the delivery rollers guide the sheet toward the exit slot.
Stacking: The sheet drops into the output tray, angled slightly downward or equipped with extensions to ensure pages stack sequentially without curling or spilling.
Types of Paper Trays
Standard Internal Input Tray
A fully enclosed cassette drawer built into the bottom of the device. It protects paper from dust and moisture, and usually holds between 150 to 250 sheets.
Multipurpose Bypass Tray
An auxiliary, open tray used for manual feeding or printing specialized media like envelopes, heavy cardstock, or labels. It provides a straighter paper path to prevent bending.
High-Capacity Feeder (HCF)
An external, motorized paper deck designed for enterprise environments. It expands total capacity up to 3,000 sheets to minimize downtime.
Standard Catch Tray
A basic, horizontal or angled bin at the exit point that gathers completed jobs, using gravity to stack sheets.
Output Finisher Tray
An advanced output module capable of stapling, hole-punching, sorting, or folding documents automatically as they exit the machine.
Technical Specifications
Sheet Capacity: Measured using standard 20 lb or 80 gsm bond paper.
Media Size Support: Indicates the dimensional limits, ranging from small index cards to wide-format architectural sheets.
Media Weight Range: Measured in grams per square meter (gsm) or pounds to define the thickness of paper the tray mechanism can reliably push.
Input Tray vs. Output Tray
Feature | Input Tray | Output Tray |
|---|---|---|
Primary Function | Supplies blank or unprinted media | Collects finished or processed media |
Location | Base internal slot or rear fold-out | Top, front, or side exit port |
Mechanical Parts | Rollers, separation pads, and adjustable guides | Delivery rollers and extendable catch arms |
Capacity | Typically higher (150 to 500 sheets) | Typically lower (50 to 150 sheets) |
Sensor Types | Paper-present, paper-size, and empty sensors | Output-bin-full sensors |
Common Management and Troubleshooting
Paper Jams
Misaligned paper guides in the input tray cause pages to skew, leading to internal jams. Overloading either tray will also disrupt the mechanical rollers.
Double Feeding
Humid conditions or static electricity make pages stick together. Clean the separation pad in the input tray and fan the paper before loading to resolve this.
Output Overflow
When the output tray exceeds its capacity, documents can block the exit path, causing a system error or damaging the printed sheets.
Related Technology Terms
Automatic Document Feeder (ADF): A motorized component that pulls a stack of source pages across a scanner bed.
Duplex Printing: The process of printing on both sides of a sheet of paper automatically.
Pickup Roller: The rubber wheel that grips and pulls paper from the input tray.
Separation Pad: A high-friction pad that prevents multiple sheets from entering the print engine simultaneously.