What is a Multi Function Device (MFD)

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What is a Multi Function Device (MFD)
Gone are the days when people used different devices as printer, scanner, copier and FAX. Now more and more people are shifting to Multi Function Device (MFD). Though these type of devices where available in the past only recently they are becoming popular.

Many companies sell different models. Due to competition the prices are getting cheaper and cheaper.

Why MFD is so popular?

The main advantage of MFD is that it saves space. Instead of having separate devices for Pritner, Scanner, Copier and FAX if you buy a multi functional device which incorporated all these functions in a single device then you can save the space.

The next reason is its price. If you buy all these devices separately it will cost four times higher. But the MFD will cost four times less.

The usage and maintenance cost of MFD is also cheaper. If you used four separate devices you will have to buy toners, papers, ink and current separately.

There are two types of MFD. One based on Inkjet printing and the other one based on laser printing. The cost of laser printing based MFD is expensive.

MFD (Multi Functional Devices) buying tips
The resolution of the printer should be high. Similarly the resolution of the scanner, fax and the copier should be high.

The MFD should be able to handle devices of different paper sizes like letter, legal, executive, A4, A5, A6, B5 and B6. It should be able to print post card sized papers.

Find out how many copies can be printed in a single cartridge.

The color depth of the scanner should be high. Generally the color depth comes in 24, 36 or 48 bits.

Check the speed of the FAX modem in the MFD. Usually the speed is 33.6 KBPS.

Check also whether color FAX can be sent out.

The buffer size of FAX should be high. This will enable keeping many pages in memory for sending FAX. Usually 100 to 500 pages can be kept in FAX memory.

Check if the software that comes with the MFD can monitor, control and clean the device. In the FAX, the speed dial, sound volume control, address book, ability to change contrast should be there.

The copier should have features like increasing number if print copies, increase decrease contrast, to select the paper size and to zoom.

It is better to have additional facilities such as duplex printing, duplex scanning, network support, Flash memory reader etc.

The MFD should have more memory. for example 16 MB, 32 MB, 96 MB and 128 MB memory is available.

How many paper can be left in the Intray of the MFD and how many papers can be left in the Outtray.

Most of the MFDs have USM interface. Check if there is also a parallel connection.

Check what software they give. OCR software is a definite plus. Read Iris and Omni Page are some of the OCR software. Other than OCR, Image editing, to make photo albums are good software.