MFP: varieties, selection and use

It is very useful for consumers of modern technology to know what it is - IFIs, what is the interpretation of this term. There are lasers and other multifunctional devices on the market, and there are quite impressive internal differences between them. Therefore, you cannot limit yourself to simply indicating that this is a "printer, scanner and copier 3 in 1", but it is necessary to carefully analyze the details.

The term MFP itself is deciphered quite simply and everyday - multifunction device. However, in office equipment a special place is allocated for this abbreviation. This is by no means any device or equipment that can be used for a variety of tasks in any area. The meaning is much more narrow: it is always a technique for printing and other work with texts. At any of the stages, paper is necessarily used.

Most often, a 3-in-1 solution is meant, that is, a combination of printer and scanning options that allow direct copying. Almost all high-end devices can send faxes. However, this addition is becoming less common, because faxes themselves work less and less, the need for them has almost disappeared. Sometimes other necessary modules can be added to the same device. You can even sometimes "expand" the functionality by introducing additional blocks at your discretion through the standard connection channels.

This point needs to be analyzed especially carefully. It is impossible to understand what an MFP is without finding out its similarities and differences with other devices. It is advisable to take a comparison with individual printers as a basis. Multifunctional devices use all the same printing methods as simple printers... They are capable of handling color and black and white materials equally; there are no differences in consumables, suitability for printing photographs, connection methods and possible printing rates.

The difference is that an MFP can do more than a simple printer. It will scan a text or a photograph and copy a certain printed or handwritten material. All this can be done without connecting to a computer or laptop. Advanced models also support scanning and recording on electronic media. However, it is still impossible to edit texts, photographs and images without using computers.

The main division of the MFP is the same as that of printers. There is nothing unusual in this, because it is the printing of texts that is the main task in both office and home applications.

Models with an inkjet cartridge are cheaper than others, mainly used just for personal needs. Some of them are equipped with a continuous ink supply system.

It is this category of MFPs that many professionals prefer. This type of technique is economically viable when large volumes of printing are performed. Occasionally displaying 1-2 pages is simply impractical. Therefore, the devices are either in large offices and administrative organizations, or in printing services and printing houses.The costs of reproducing texts and images, especially not black and white, but color, are quite significant. And the laser MFPs themselves are not so cheap.

This version of the device is somewhat similar to laser, but there is some difference. It consists in the fact that instead of a single large laser unit, a significant number of LEDs are used for printing. They also control dry electrostatic transfer of toner to the paper surface. In practice, there is no difference in the quality of both individual characters or fragments, and texts, images as a whole.

Stand apart thermo-sublimation models. This type of MFP provides unrivaled photo quality. But the costs for it turn out to be quite tangible in comparison with other options. It is worth noting that the gradation does not end with the listed options. So, there are models with a network filling that allows you to connect to a local network and interact with remote computers and other gadgets, providing streaming use without unnecessary movements.

A small portable device helps out even in the most remote places. If we talk about the rest of the multifunctional devices, then among them there are versions with refillable or with replaceable cartridges. In the latter case, it is very useful to choose models without a chip.

If they are supplied without chip elements, this means that other alternative cartridges can be used, including more cost-effective ones. It is quite natural that the number of such versions has decreased in recent years - but they still exist. Additionally, MFPs differ in:

• performance level;

• print quality;

• the type of images (monochrome or color, and the color system too);

• working format (A4 is enough for 90% of cases);

• type of installation (the most powerful devices are designed for floor use - the tables may simply not be able to withstand them).

As already mentioned, the main components of the MFP are the printer and the scanner. Such a hybrid is not in vain designated, however, as 3 in 1, and not 2 in 1. Using the scanning mode and then sending to print, the document is actually copied in the copier mode (conventional copier). There are almost always dedicated buttons for this specific mode of operation. Important options found on a number of models:

• equipping with refillable cartridges;

• the presence of an automatic sheet feed unit, which is very convenient for large volumes of replication;

• addition by fax;

• double-sided printing option;

• split by copies;

• sending files for printing by e-mail (if an Ethernet module is available).

The main method of assessment is by the printer capabilities of the MFP, and they should be given maximum attention. When choosing a device, you should immediately clarify for what specific purpose it will be needed. Simple office texts and educational work for the school can easily handle even the most affordable product. High speed is not too needed here either.

Finally, for an office or other professional use, you need to choose the most productive device that prints and scans (this is also important) with high resolution. A separate group includes multifunctional photo printing machines... While they can, of course, also cope with ordinary texts, this is not their main task.In this category there is also a division into black and white and color models, differences in performance and additional parameters, which allow you to make the right choice. But you need to pay attention to a few more nuances that are often overlooked.

Connectors and connection methods are universal, but it is still worth thinking about which one will be the most rational. In addition, you need to pay attention to:

• limitation on the number of pages per day and per month;

• availability of consumables;

• the length of the network wire;

• reviews about a specific model.

When choosing the best compact device, many people prefer HP Deskjet Ink Advantage 3785... It should be noted right away that the desire to save space forced the developers to use a broaching scanner (although in some sources they write about the tablet module). For professional work with a large volume of texts and drawings, this solution is hardly suitable. Despite the low cost of the device itself, the disadvantage is the cost of consumables. And yet it is quite a worthy modification. Its advantages:

• a decent level of printing;

• clarity of small details;

• the ability to choose a copy with a turquoise case;

• the ability to work with standard A4 format;

• scanning with a clarity of 1200x1200;

• output up to 20 pages in 60 seconds.

The laser device produces excellent monochrome prints. A mode is provided for displaying texts and pictures from gadgets, from information storage devices. Up to 20 pages are also printed per minute. Refills of the cartridge are enough for 1000 pages; a small minus - loud work.

Lovers of products from well-known brands may like HP LaserJet Pro M15w. Its characteristics are optimized for working with texts. Photos and images are less processed, but for many people this is not very important. The advantage is the ability to legally use "unofficial" cartridges. Direct sometimes fails.

By the ratio of cost and quality, it stands out favorably Ricoh SP 111SU. Cartridges can be refilled. The system supports duplex scanning. The MFP, unfortunately, only works in a Windows environment. The case is relatively compact.

When choosing an inkjet device, you should pay attention to Canon PIXMA MG2540S. Its optical scanning resolution is 600/1200 dpi. Supports four-color printing. The current consumption is only 9 watts. Net weight - 3.5 kg.

Even such a seemingly simple operation as an attempt to connect an MFP to a computer should be performed carefully and accurately. It is imperative to start with a USB cable. Later, when everything is set up and configured, you can switch to using Wi-Fi (if any). But for the initial connection and initial setup, the cable is more reliable.

The necessary programs and drivers are taken either from the installation disc, or (more often) from the manufacturer's website.... Usually one program is intended for general management and scanning - but here it all depends on the decisions of the developers. It is somewhat more difficult to connect the MFP to a laptop. Before doing this, it is advisable to make sure that both the office assistant and the laptop are secure and stable. A standard USB port is used for connection.

It is necessary to remember about the main reasons for writing off MFPs:

• mechanical destruction (falls and blows);

• over-exploitation;

• exposure to high or low temperatures;

• water ingress from the outside;

• the appearance of condensation;

• exposure to dust;

• exposure to aggressive substances;

• power surges and short circuits;

• improper filling or use of consumables that are known to be unsuitable.

But there are other problems, you should also be aware of them. If the computer does not see the multifunction device at all, or perceives only one of its components, it is useful to reconnect the device before panicking.... If unsuccessful, restart the MFP and the computer. When this does not help, you should:

• check the status of the device in the system;

• check the availability and relevance of drivers;

• find out if the required system services are enabled;

• replace the data exchange cable;

• in case of complete failure, turn to professionals.

When the machine does not print, you need to consistently check the same points.... But you should also make sure that:

• it is connected to the network;

• the outlet is working and is receiving power;

• the power cable is not damaged;

• the cartridges are properly refilled (or replaced according to the manufacturer's instructions), inserted completely and correctly;

• there is paper in the tray;

• the device is switched on in a standard way using the buttons on the case.

If the device does not scan, the check order is approximately the same. But you also need to make sure that the scanning application is turned on and configured properly, and that the scanned text is placed correctly on the glass. When the separation platform is worn out, it is more correct to change not the rubber, but the entire platform completely. It is also useful to find out in advance what to do when:

• damaged rollers;

• violation of the paper capture mechanism;

• problems with thermal film;

• damage to the teflon shaft;

• violation of the mechanics and optics of the scanning unit.