Multi-Function Printers and its Types

by

okime

A multi-functional, all-in-one printer (MFP) is an office machine which integrates the functionality of multiple devices in one, which is beneficial in a home or small business setting and provides centralized managed document solutions. A classic MFP may act as a combination of e-mail, fax, photocopier, printer and scanner.

There are different types of multi-functional printers and devices found in the market. Traditionally, MFPs were divided into various segments by the manufacturers. These segments divided the MFPs according to their pace in pages-per-minute and duty-strength. However, with the passage of time this division has changed because of varied reasons. From the point of view of marketers, it would be unfair to not differentiate between products of different prices belonging to the same segment.

Nowadays, almost all printer manufacturers offer multifunction printers which are designed for homes, small businesses, enterprises and commercial uses. Most MFPs have used laser printer technology while the others have utilized inkjet methods. In this day and age, there are also inkjet printers for commercial purposes by HP multifunction printers.

All-in-one: It is a small desktop unit, designed specifically for home or home-office use. These devices focus on scan and print functionality for home use, and may come with other bundled software. An All-in-one sometimes with the basic functions of print and scan also include copy functionality and fax capabilities. They are available in both wireless and USB connections. Some initializations are required for the setup of the devices. The devices may also have features oriented to home and personal use that are not found in other large devices. These functions include card readers, direct connection to digital cameras etc. They are of both inkjet printer and laser ones. Canon multifunction printers and other major brands have various types of all-in-one units.

Small Office/ Home Office (SOHO): It is a large desktop or small freestanding unit, designed for Small Office/Home Office use. Generally they have basic print, copy, scan and fax functionality only, but towards the larger end of the scale, they may also include simple document storage and retrieval and basic authentication functions. SOHO printers may have basic finishing functionality such as duplexing, stapling and hole-punching. Document output offset, sorting and collation are standard capabilities.

Office Printers: It is a mid-sized free-standing unit, designed for office systems. These units are usually the most fully featured type of multi-function printers. They include the basic print, copy and scan functions with optional fax functionality and also networked document storage with security, authentication and the ability to run custom software. Besides that, office MFPs usually also have moderately advanced finishing functions as options such as duplexing, stapling, hole punching, and booklet creation.

Production Printers: These are large free-standing units designed for large offices with high printing needs. These devices concentrate on high-speed, high-print functionality including book creation with cover insertion and other features.

OKI Europe Ltd is a division of OKI Data Corporation, a global business-to-business brand dedicated to creating cost effective, professional in-house printers, applications and services which are designed to increase the efficiency of todays and tomorrows businesses.The company is well-established as one of Europes leading printer brands, in terms of value and units shipped. For over 60 years OKI Europe has been delivering advanced printing solutions worldwide, introducing ground-breaking technologies that support the needs of businesses large and small. Our pioneering development of digital LED printing technology has placed OKI at the forefront of the market in delivering high-definition, eco-friendly printing devices.

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