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admin February 28, 2023 0 In Products

The Differences Between a Multifunction Printer and a Standard Copier

Are you undecided about whether you should continue with a copier or upgrade to a multifunction printer?

There’s A difference?

Absolutely! While both the conventional office copier and the multifunction printer are used in the workplace, the terminology used to describe them is not interchangeable. Sure, both are part of a Managed Print platform, they can swiftly make paper copies, and they both require toner. The similarities, however, end there. So, what’s the difference between a multifunction machine and a copier? There are most likely more than you imagined.

1. Function

While a standalone copier can only do one thing (produce copies), a multifunction printer (also known as an MFP) does just that and more. A multifunction printer (MFP) can copy, print, scan, fax, and perform other activities. Older copiers may only be able to print in black and white or in color. It’s normal for an office to have just one machine that can handle both modes. Depending on whatever machine you buy, both have the potential to print high-quality printed items as needed.

2. Speed

Although you won’t notice a difference in short runs, copiers can sometimes print faster than multifunction printers. When making a thousand copies of a single document, the copier may be faster than the multifunction device. The difference in time savings is minor for most people who just need a few copies or even a couple dozen when they print.

3. Ease Of Use

Some multifunction printers were clunky and difficult to use when switching between different modes, such as print and scan, when they initially came out. Multifunction printers have gotten much more user-friendly over time. Modern multifunction printers are constructed with the user experience in mind, and a copy may be generated with a single push of a button, whereas copiers have a number of buttons and settings that can turn every easy copy into an intimidating operation.

4. Widespread Usage

People are increasingly turning away from traditional copiers in favor of multifunction printers because of the number of tasks they can perform. Many office workers rely on multifunction printers (MFPs) to scan printed papers and email them directly to their inboxes, giving them digital PDF versions to keep on file. Copiers are preferable for extended, heavy-duty print tasks that require hundreds or even thousands of copies at once. Today, though, finding a machine that merely makes copies — rather than printing, scanning, emailing, and so on — is quite difficult. The multifunction printer is becoming the standard, thanks to the shift toward digital documentation, green initiatives, and efforts to reduce paper use (and related costs).

5. Cost

Because multifunction printers offer higher capabilities, the price difference between a black-and-white copier and a multifunction printer can easily be thousands of Dhs. Within each of these groups, there are also pricing variances. However, not all of the best office printers are the most expensive. Whatever choice you choose, you’ll most likely have the option to buy it outright or lease it to spread out your payments over time. When it comes to multifunction printers, the most significant price difference is between colour inkjet and colour laser printers, with inkjet printers costing more per Print Due to the high cost of inkjet printer cartridges.

6. Size

Multifunction devices, like most popular technology, have reduced in size as their popularity has grown. While a copier is commonly thought of as a large machine that requires its own room (thus the term “copy room”), multifunction laser printers are often tiny enough to fit on desks and light enough to be moved by one person. The gadget expands in size depending on the amount of paper capacity you desire with either the multifunction printer or the regular copier..

The Differences Between a Multifunction Printer and a Standard Copier

In conclusion

You can better decide your demands after you understand how multifunction printers and regular copiers differ in terms of available functionalities, speed, convenience of use, widespread usage, cost, and size.

Before making any judgments about either Device, think about how it will be used. An ordinary multifunction printer should be enough if you need to make a hundred copies every week. A more modern production printer is likely more appropriate if those copies require criteria such as a high DPI with great colour depth, or if you’re printing thousands of copies every week.

With these considerations in mind, Edison Digital Corporation offers a wide range of Sharp copiers and multifunction printers to meet every need, ensuring an increase in production and workflow at your company.

admin February 23, 2023 0 In Products

What is the difference between a photocopier and a printer?

Absolutely! While both the standard office copier and multifunction printer are staples of daily office life, the terms to describe each device are not interchangeable. Sure, both are available as part of a Managed Print program, they can produce paper copies quickly and each requires toner. But that’s where the similarities end.

Difference Between Photocopy Machine vs. Printer

A photocopy machine makes duplicate copies of a physical document without being connected to a computer network. A printer, on the other hand, allows a user to send documents from a computer network to be printed on the device.

Most printers also have a physical copier function, and multifunction printers have numerous additional capabilities which we’ll outline below. Dig deeper into each of the following considerations to determine whether a photocopier or printer is best for your organization.

Each Serves Different Functions
Copiers are Slightly Faster Than Printers
Both Can Be User Friendly
Printers are More Versatile
Multifunction Printers Cost More Than Copiers
Copiers Generally Take Up More Space

1. Each Serves Different Functions

While a standard photocopying device can do one thing (make copies), a multifunction printer — sometimes referred to as an MFP — lives up to its name. An MFP has the ability to securely copy, print, scan and fax. Some devices even feature hole punching and stapling.

Older copiers may come with the ability to print in color or only black and white. With an MFP, it’s commonplace to have one machine to handle both modes. Depending on the unit, both can have the capability to produce high quality printed materials when desired.

2. Copiers Are Slightly Faster Than Printers

Copiers sometimes print faster than multifunction printers, though you’ll be hard-pressed to notice a difference with short runs. If you’re making a thousand copies of one document, the copier may edge out the multifunction device when it comes to speed. But for most people who need small amounts of copies or even a couple dozen when they print, the time difference is negligible.

3. Both Can Be User Friendly

When they first came out, some multifunction printers were cumbersome and difficult to use when switching between various modes. Over the years, MFPs have become much more intuitive. Copiers have a variety of buttons and settings that can turn any simple copy into a daunting task. Modern multifunction printers work with you, not against you, and are built with the user experience in mind; a copy can be made with the press of a button.

4. Printers Are More Versatile

Because of the variety of tasks, a multifunction printer can handle, people have increasingly steered away from standard copiers. Many office workers rely on MFPs to scan printed documents and email them right to their inboxes, so they have digital PDF versions to keep on file. Copiers are better suited for long, heavy-duty print jobs where a large number of copies are needed at a time.

Today, however, finding a machine that truly only does make copies — not print, scan, email, etc. — is very difficult. With the move toward digital documentation, green initiatives and efforts to minimize paper use (and associated costs), the multifunction printer is becoming the norm.

5. Multifunction Printers Cost More Than Copiers

The price difference between a black-and-white copier and a multifunction printer (sometimes called a printer copier) can easily be thousands of dollars because the multifunction devices offer superior functionality. There are price differences within each of these categories, too. Some of the best office printers aren’t necessarily the most expensive, though, and total cost of ownership should be considered.

Whichever you choose, you’ll likely have the option to purchase it outright or lease it to help even out your payments over time. With a multifunction printer, the biggest price difference is based on whether the printer is a color inkjet or color laser printer — with inkjet printers being more expensive to operate per sheet due to the high cost of inkjet printer cartridges.

6. Copiers Are Usually Larger

Like most popular technology, multifunction devices have shrunk in size as their adoption has grown. While the copier is typically thought of as a bulky machine and needing its own room (hence the phrase “copy room”), multifunction laser printers are sometimes small enough to fit on desks and light enough that one person can move them. With either, however, the devices grow depending on the amount of paper capacity you want.

Which is Best for My Business: Copier vs. Printer?

Once you understand how multifunction printers and standard copiers differ, you can better determine your needs.

In today’s marketplace where both the ability to duplicate hard copies and print from a computer is commonplace, a printer is most often the way to go. If you also need scanning, faxing, hole punching or other capabilities, a multifunction printer is ideal.

If you’re making thousands of duplicate copies a week, a standalone copier might be appropriate. However, if all those items being printed need specifications such as a high DPI and color depth with pinpoint precision and graphic quality, you should consider a more advanced production printer.

The best way to know whether you should invest in a printer or copier for your business is to work with an expert. Reach out to the Gordon Flesch Company today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We can help you assess your print environment and work with you to determine which options are best. We’ll also help you determine whether a Managed Print solution makes sense for your company.