Many print manufacturers are now featuring a line of scan-print solutions for both the technical CAD industry as well as the graphics industry. But which one is right for you? The new MFP (Multifunction Printer) solutions are powered by inkjet or electro-photographic printing and offer features such as scan-to-print, scan-to-email and file-to-print in a single, compact device that does it all and helps highly mobile teams work together better and faster. These systems can address the needs of a variety of markets including architects, engineers, construction (AEC) and geographic information system (GIS) firms, photographers, artwork reproduction, drawings, court documents, and newsprint, as well as print shops who wish to offer large format scan-print services to their customers. Here are some of the newest large format MFP solutions to hit the market lately.
Canon
The brand new Canon imagePROGRAF iPF770 MFP L36 and iPF670 MFP L24 systems are affordable scan-to-copy/file systems for low-volume and entry-level users. With a 36" wide scanner the iPF770 MFP L36 is ideal for low-volume subcontractors, primary education, design offices, architectural firms and reproduction businesses. The lightweight scanner and compact design allow for easy installation in even the smallest environments. The user-friendly control panel has picture icons for easy identification of the scanner operations. Simply scroll left or right to view the different icons, make your selection and press the Green Button! With prices starting at $5,395, they are they most affordable scan-print solutions on the market today. For higher end users, Canon offers the Pro iPF MFP solutions and the OCE Plotwave + Colorwave Solutions.
Epson
Last year Epson launched the SureColor T7270 multifunction system. Using it’s REALOID Image Processing Technology, the scanner’s in-line CIS image sensor produces scans and copies at resolutions from 200 to 600 dpi. The T5270 has a small footprint for a 36-in. wide printer, but at 56 x 45 x 30 in. it still commands a fair amount of space. With the optional scanner, you will need two electrical outlets. The printer can connect to a computer via USB, but using its built-in Ethernet port enables the T5270 to be available to anyone on your office network. A typical D-size (22 x 34 in.) color CAD drawing takes 25 seconds to print at 720×360. The manual warns that if you do not print for an extended time, the print head nozzles may become clogged. The manual recommends printing at least once a week. While the extended warranty is pricey, you can add the additional coverage at any time during the first year of ownership.
HP
The new PageWide XL 8000, 5000, and 4000 series were introduced in April this year, although they haven’t shipped yet.
The XL 8000, the first commercially available product in HP PageWide XL Series, offers a 40” print width; the printer’s inkjet core is a line printhead, itself consisting of eight printhead modules, each 5” wide. The paper supply is stored in drawers with a capacity of up to six rolls of media, each up to 200 metres long. HP claims the 8000 models can print up to 30 D/A1 prints per minute. HP is targeting print studios, architects, engineers, reproduction houses, and technical teams with these large format printers. For each of the CMYK colours the standard ink capacity is 775 ml; a Dual Supply Capacity will be available, though, which automatically switches the printer to a reserve tanks, effectively giving the user a capacity 1550 ml per colour, without interrupting printing.
KIP
Released this year, the new wide format color KIP 800 completes the portfolio of colour wide format devices with low costs as well as high quality and efficient printing. The KIP 800 colour series addresses a comprehensive range of printing tasks embracing architectural, engineering and construction documents. The series consists of five different 2 and 4 roll models: two printers (KIP 850, KIP 870) and three multifunctional devices (KIP 860, KIP 880, KIP 890), which are equipped with a scanner. The KIP 800 devices are ideally placed in the CAD segment as the integrated AutoCAD certified HDI AutoCAD driver to print directly out of the application. All models have a variety of sleep modes and power usage timers to reduce power consumption.
Ricoh
In November, Ricoh announced the monochrome MP W7100/W8140 36” wide MFP, able to print up to 14 D-size wide format monochrome documents per minute. Users can produce wide format technical drawings, schematics, presentations and more for a hands-on, up-close look at key details and other critical information with the W7100/W8140’s high-quality black-and-white printing, copying and built-in colour scanning. The W7100/MP W8140 wide format system enables users to scan and convert documents into digital format, featuring colour scan to e-mail, USB memory drives, SD cards, network folders, FTP sites, and document servers. Advanced data encryption tools, including Windows Authentication, PDF encryption, and DataOverwriteSecurity System (DOSS), the last of which automatically overwrites latent images and data recorded on the system’s hard drive. Print jobs may also be held at the device until released by swiping a user ID card or entering a user password at the control panel.
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