What is a laser multifunction

When choosing a printing device, the buyer may become confused among the huge variety offered by leading manufacturers. Perhaps the best option would be the MFP, which is capable of performing several basic tasks at once. We will tell about the features and advantages of such equipment in our article.

What is the MFP, its types

The abbreviation stands for multi-function device. It combines the functions of a scanner, copier and printer.

A scanning device converts paper documents or photographs into electronic form, saving them on any convenient medium (computer, laptop). The copying mechanism allows you to make copies of the sample placed on the scanner, according to the parameters specified in the menu.

The main part of the system is a printer, depending on its design, the units are of the following types:

• jet;
• laser;
• LED.

The presence of the MFP helps save space, and ensures that the entire amount of work is performed on a single device.

REFERENCE! In the instrument menu, as a rule, there are options that, in debug mode, provide diagnostics and, if necessary, cleaning and calibration of important components, such as the print head and nozzles. This allows the owner to independently resolve minor problems in the operation of the device (for example, loss of color, failure in settings, etc.).

Features and characteristics of the laser MFP

As an additional tool, some models have a fax, telephone, and modem, which can be useful for both ordinary users and office staff.

Features such as support for two-sided printing and scanning from two sides, auto-feeding of originals saves time and reduces the number of the same actions.

An ink supply system (CISS) ensures low cartridge consumption. The hard disk can store information up to 100 GB - found in professional-grade models. A special module provides processing of photographic films and slides. The built-in adapter reads data from various memory cards.

Parameters to pay attention to when choosing:

1. Speed ​​of work Means the number of copies per minute.
2. Scanner resolution. Specifies the digital quality of the scanned documents.
3. Scaling. Allows you to copy part of the document.
4. The capacity of the paper tray. Standard - up to 100 sheets.

PC connection method: USB cable, Wi-Fi wireless protocols, Bluetooth. Connecting without wires can provide direct printing, i.e. pairing with a smartphone, tablet, etc., bypassing the computer.

IMPORTANT! Make sure the device supports the system installed on your PC or laptop.

An important feature is also the presence of a display that displays system messages, information about the level of ink in the cartridges, the mode of operation.

REFERENCE! The higher the speed and resolution, the more efficient and quality the device operates. Additional functions are selected at your discretion and depending on financial possibilities, since they significantly increase the cost of the product.

Pros and cons of laser multifunction

The main advantage of the laser version of the MFP is the use of a powder paint cartridge, which distinguishes it from inkjet devices. Due to the absence of liquid dyes, consumption is noticeably reduced, and the use of toner is prolonged.

If on a jet apparatus one refill is enough for about 200 pages, then a laser device is capable of producing a result of 10 (in some models 50 times) more.

Other advantages:

• high-quality printing of text documents;
• long service life of the equipment;
• high and stable performance.

There are models and disadvantages:

• price that is much higher than the jet counterparts;
• replacement of toner can reach ¾ cost of the device itself;
• color printing is usually absent on low-cost devices, and its presence will not ensure the quality of printing photos;
• Only matte paper is used.

REFERENCE! Well-known manufacturers that produce high-quality and equipped with various functions of the product, it is HP, Xerox, Samsung, Epson and some others.

To understand the difference, we give examples of MFPs:

1. MFP HP LaserJet Pro MFP M28a. Supports black and white printing, 18 pages per minute. The resolution of the printer is 600x600, the scanner is 1200x1200, and the copier is 600x400. USB wired connection. The toner is calculated on 1000 pages. The average price is 9 thousand rubles.
2. Samsung SL-C480W. There is a black and white and color printing, speed 18 and 4 pages per minute, respectively. Permissions of black-and-white documents and color photos 2400x600, scanner and copier 1200x1200. You can scan in addition to the PC to a USB drive. There are 4 cartridges with a capacity of 1000 pages. There is a wired connection and Wi-Fi wireless protocol. Cost within 17 thousand rubles.
3. Xerox WorkCentre 322DNI. Supports black and white printing, up to 28 pages per minute. The printer resolution is 4800x600 (automatic two-sided printing), 600x600 scanner (40-sheet auto feed, 24 pages per minute), 1200x1200 copier. There is 1 cartridge and a choice of its varieties with a capacity from 3,000 to 10,000 pages. There is a color fax, wired and wireless ways to connect. Price from 20 thousand rubles.

In our article we talked about the features of laser devices, their advantages and disadvantages. We hope that our information has helped you make a choice.