Multi-function printer: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 14:16, 12 April 2025

Revision as of 23:24, 27 April 2025

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Many MFP types, regardless of the category they fall into, also come in a "printer only" variety, which is the same model without the scanner unit included. This can even occur with devices where the scanner unit physically appears highly integrated into the product.

{{As of | 2013}}, almost all printer manufacturers offer multifunction printers. They are designed for home, small business, enterprise and commercial use. Naturally, the cost, usability, robustness, throughput, output quality, etc. all vary with the various use cases. However, they all generally do the same functions; Print[[printing]], Scan[[scanning]], and Photocopy[[photocopying]]. In the commercial/enterprise area, most MFP have used [[Laser printing|laser-printer]] technology, while the personal, SOHO environments, utilize [[Inkjet printing|inkjet]] methods. Typically, inkjet printers have struggled with delivering the performance and color-saturation demanded by enterprise/large business use.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.itpro.co.uk/printers/innovation-at-work/24442/inkjets-vs-lasers-in-the-office|title = Inkjets vs. Lasers in the office| date=22 January 2014 }}</ref> However, [[Hewlett-Packard|HP]] has recently{{when|date=October 2013}} launched a business-grade MFP using [[inkjet technology]]. From the 1980's to the 2010's, multi-function printers often included [[fax]] functionality, contemporary with the prevalence of fax machines in office communications.

In any case, instead of rigidly defined segments based on speed, more general definitions based on intended target audience and capabilities are becoming much more common {{as of | 2013 | lc = on}}. While the sector lacks formal definitions, it is common agreed amongst MFP manufacturers<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mejorimpresora.com/multifuncion/|title=▷ Mejores Impresoras Multifunción - 【Guía de Compra 2023 】|accessdate=27 February 2023}}</ref> that the products fall roughly into the following categories: