This article will answer the question: “What is an MFP?” The technologies used in the devices will also be considered, their technical specifications will be indicated and recommendations will be given regarding possible cases of using such workflow systems. The material presented will allow a potential buyer to decide on the choice of the optimal universal peripheral solution for him, which will best suit his needs and requirements.
Briefly about MFPs
Until recently, there were many specialized peripheral devices that were designed to solve only one problem. The scanner allowed to receive paper documents in digital format. The fax was designed to send and receive bills. A printer was used to display the documentation. An MFP is capable of simultaneously performing the functions of all the previously listed peripheral devices. In addition to this, it can also function as a copy machine. Now we will understand what MFPs are in more detail. This is a universal peripheral system connected to a personal computer or computer network, which can simultaneously perform the functions of a printer, scanner and multiplier. In some cases, this list is also supplemented by fax.
Technological aspects
Currently, such document management systems use two technologies to display printed pages. One of them is based on inkjet printing. In this case, the image on the surface of the page is formed by the phased application of ink. Moreover, in the monochromatic mode, only black liquid is used. But when displaying information in color, this list expands, and yellow, magenta, and blue inks are already used. Intermediate shades are formed by combining them.
The second group of devices is called laser MFPs and they are based on the printing method of the same name. In this case, a certain electromagnetic field is formed on the surface of the selenium drum, which corrects the distribution of the toner powder. Then there is heating, and the latter "flows" into the surface of the paper. As in the previous case, in black and white mode only monochromatic toner is used, and in color this list is supplemented with blue, red and yellow powder.
Which technology is best to choose?
The main advantages of the inkjet method, experts and users include the high quality of the pages displayed on it (it is sometimes called even photographic), low energy consumption, affordable cost and minimized costs for consumable components. But at the same time, the speed of such workflow systems is significantly lower than that of laser MFPs, for the reason that a temporary delay is required for the ink to dry. If this condition is not met, the displayed image or text will be blurred. Most often, such document management systems are used at home, in photo laboratories, in small offices and even in copy centers to display high-quality pictures of small sizes.
Earlier, an answer was given to what MFPs are based on the laser printing method. Its strengths include high speed, minimal maintenance costs and an increased resource for page output. But at the same time, the quality will be worse than that of inkjet solutions. Energy consumption also increases, and the cost of such a system increases. Such universal peripheral devices are used in offices or multiplication centers.
Canon Devices
Canon MFPs can be based on either an inkjet or laser output method.
In the first case, such workflow systems belong to the PIXMA product line. As an example, consider the G2400. Its key feature is the integration of the NPS system. That is, in the process of work, it is only necessary to control the ink level in the respective containers and, as necessary, to fill them. The main page size for this solution is A4. The speed is 9 monochromatic sheets and 5 color. The communication list includes only USB. The maximum resolution of the printing system can reach 4800 X 1200. It is optimal to use such a device at home for the implementation of a small workflow, the key requirement of which is the high quality of the output image, and this is the very thing the MFP can do just fine.
Laser-based Canon MFPs belong to the i-SENSYS line. Consider the device MF631Cn. As in the previous case, the main media size for it is A4. Only now the speed increases 2 times, and now within a minute you can get 18 pages. The communication list, in addition to the USB port, also includes RJ-45 / Ethernet. In turn, the page resolution is reduced to 1200 X 1200. It should also be noted that the limit of this device is limited to 30,000 sheets per month. It is the latter circumstance that allows such a system to be used in an average office with the number of PCs of about 35-50 pieces.
Epson Devices
Epson multifunction printers use the inkjet method only. But at the same time, the quality of the displayed pictures in such devices is only slightly inferior to modern specialized photo printers. Most of them are equipped with CISS, and the cost of maintaining such multifunctional devices is significantly minimized. Consider the model range of this manufacturer on the example of the L382 model. The largest media size for her is A4. Print speed 10 sheets per minute for monochromatic mode and 5 pages per minute for output in color. The resolution is 5760 X 1440, and it is due to this parameter that the maximum picture quality on it is ensured. This modification of the Epson MFP is equipped with only one port for connection. That is, its technical characteristics are comparable to the Canon G2400, and these are direct competitors. At the same time, the Japanese solution has a lower cost (8500 rubles versus 10,000) and improved print quality.
HP lineup
Inkjet solutions from this manufacturer belong to the DeskJet line. The GT5810 model is of the greatest interest for the reason that it is equipped with an integrated CISS. Otherwise, its technical parameters are identical to the previously considered Canon G2400. At the same time, the price of the GT5810 is 9000 rubles.
This eminent company also has a line of laser MFPs - LaserJet. These include the M277n. The technical specifications of this all-in-one are very similar to the Canon MF631Cn. But only the price of HP is much lower: 15,000 rubles against 20,000.
User opinions
It is conditionally possible to divide into 2 large groups modern MFPs. Reviews of the first of them include inkjet systems. In this case, the low cost (5000-7000 rubles), excellent print quality and minimal ink costs allow such solutions to be mainly used in the implementation of a small workflow. Moreover, the devices of all three manufacturers previously reviewed have comparable parameters. Therefore, you have to choose, starting from personal preferences and experience.
The second group includes laser devices. Their cost increases (from 10,000 rubles). Also, image quality is getting worse. But their maintenance costs are comparable to inkjet ones, and their speed is several times higher. Also, the resource of output pages per month for such devices is significantly increased. Therefore, such peripheral solutions are used in offices, duplicating centers, or when the priority is the print limit and speed. But quality fades into the background. Epson does not produce laser universal workflow systems. Therefore, you have to choose between Canon and HP. But you can also pay attention to the less common brands today.
This is precisely what such document management systems are characterized by experts and users in reviews on the World Wide Web.
Conclusion
This material answered the question of what is an MFP. Also, specific models of such devices are considered and recommendations regarding their application are given. In addition to this, the technical features of such solutions are described.