The Professional Buyers Guide to large
format Multi-Functional Peripheral(MFP) Systems

Place Your Printer HereIntroduction
This guide is intended to provide the background on what a Multi-Functional Peripheral (MFP) can do for you
in a large or wide format document oriented Enterprise environment and what impact these devices may haveon the professional workflow. Whilst the original intention of an MFP device covers media of all types andsizes throughout the enterprise workflow, this Buyers Guide will concentrate on the larger or wider format
documents comprising media up to 56 inches (1,423 mm) wide and of indeterminate lengths.

What does MFP mean?
The term MFP or Multi-Functional Peripheral has been in use for a long time and whilst MFP is widely quoted,
the origins of this acronym may have been long forgotten. More recently the printer manufacturers started
using the acronym MFP to describe the use of a Printer in an environment where it was attached to otherdevices – typically a scanner and / or a computer. This allowed the printer combination to provide image
capture, storage and copying or print reproduction capability and where appropriately connected,
communication through Fax, data network or e-mail.

Why is the MFP important?
Why have large format MFP solutions become more popular? The main reason is the rising popularity of thelarge format technically oriented documents in the field of Architecture, Engineering and Construction due
primarily to the increased computing power & sophistication of CAD based applications, coupled with thelowering cost of wide format printing. If we follow through the wide format printed CAD document usages in
the key AEC sectors, these documents are key working drawings that contain information on how something isconstructed or laid out. Where the printed information is being used or interpreted as perhaps on aconstruction site, manual additions or layout corrections hand written on these documents need to be
captured for either legal reasons or for maintaining an audit trail of alterations to the original plan. This canonly be done if the amended document can be stored either manually or scanned and stored digitally andthese days the cost of digital storage is far less than required for storing paper based evidence.
With some technology acquisition costs declining, the threshold for adopting an MFP based workflow becomes
more persuasive as these component costs of MFP devices such as integrated scanner and printers can now be
acquired at an attractive price. However, where capital investments such as in printing have already takenplace, then the concept of the MFP is still valid but will be satisfied by creating solutions that can offer costeffective results using existing major components such as scanner or printer and adding the Workflow
software.
If we consider the major drivers for incorporating an MFP into the document workflow, it becomes apparent
that increasing costs exist where employees are involved in either processing or producing various types of
documentation for either internal or external consumption. Add to that the increasing cost and contention foravailable floor space or work areas within many companies, this has caused management to consider
alternatives in the way some of the key processes or products are executed. Changing the processes may not
be possible due to legal restrictions in reducing manpower or company structure, but simplifying the workflow
or the time taken to complete certain jobs do help to reduce waste, time and costs. With the MFP, all thecritical hardware and software components for document production, archive and printing can be in one
location and combine to create a simple and effective workflow providing easy operation and a smaller
footprint.

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Large Format Professional MFP Buyers Guide

Common components that comprise a professional MFP solution
The most common components of a professional MFP solution all reside as standalone items within mostenterprises. By combining these individual components with appropriate workflow software and assigning askilled person, the MFP can become a powerful tool that will help to efficiently increase productivity indocument workflow.
The three main components are:

Scanner
Printer
Workflow Application software

The Scanner
Where documentation does not already exist in digital form, then the primary reason for the scanner is tocreate a digital representation (image) of the document for further processing, printing, distribution orarchival. Additionally, every piece of printed documentation that has been manually amended throughdrawing or written amendments need to be stored. In these cases, the scanner may be the only route backinto your Enterprise document management system.
Where extensive archival of existing manually written documentation such as technical drawings in the form ofBlueprints or CAD output require future printing, then it may be that some form of post scanning
manipulation or correction of the image will help to create a cleaner copy of the original thus making future
prints more legible. Using sophisticated scanning software that is rich in features but simple to use, such as
the Colortrac SmartWorks Pro software, allows the key workflow application to do all the hard work for you
and get the best out of your scanner.
What type of document will you be scanning?
The vast majority of documents created using the wide format printing technologies are technical documentsthat are output from large format printers or plotters. Most of these documents may be purely black & white(monochrome) or they could contain varying amounts of color and some of them could be full color as you
would see in a full color photograph. Things to consider here are the width of the documents that will bescanned and whether the final images or scans are to be done in Landscape or Portrait format.
So the four key decisions to make when defining the scanner component of the professional MFP solution
would be the Document size (width), the maximum media thickness (classified as the weight) of media used,
the number of scans you will make per day and finally, will you need to scan color which also helps to define
the scanning technology used?
Size
Wide format documents are available in a number of industry standard sizes and your scanner choice shouldbe able to accommodate these. If in doubt, go for a scanner that is equal to or larger than the maximum
printer paper size that will be used for the MFP solution. The rationale here is that any scanned image canalways be reduced by the MFP workflow software to fit the printer width without loss of detail.

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Furthermore, if the document can be scanned in Landscape mode,
then there is a 30% reduction in the time taken to complete thescan for the equivalent Portrait version of the same document. Thiscan be a significant time saving when archiving large quantities of
documents. The sheet sizing diagram below will give you a visual
representation of how this can be achieved.
Color
What is the content of color in the majority of your documents?
Are they monochrome technical drawings or typical businessdocuments with low levels of accents and highlight colors, orbusiness graphics with reasonable amounts of color, or even fullcolor images that may be products in their own rights? Manytechnical documents, such as building plans or routing maps forbuilding site utilities are often changed on site to accommodate
local unplanned variances. Additional information is added written
as change notes to the hardcopy document or with critical areas
highlighted to ensure that the changes visible. These changes areinvariably written in color and these will be recorded by re-scanningthe document into the host or enterprise system. As these
documents are records of transactions or work undertaken, they
are considered “live” and may be reprinted or rescanned several
times to record all changes before being archived.
One emerging trend you should bear in mind is that with theavailability of color display monitors, most software applications
now use color for emphasising special data or critical items / areas.
This color emphasis will also be reflected in the printed hardcopy
output expected from the printer.
Number of Scans
Clearly the number of scans completed per day will influence thetime spent completing the job. As in any process, there are certain
stages when scanning any document that require additional
operator intervention. These are generally when the original documents are offered up or fed in to thescanner (sometimes known as staging), when the operator needs to make changes to the quality of the scanand finally when the scanned document is retrieved and stored.
When archiving, the original document is staged and the scanner will pull the document through a short way
and rewind to the start point. In doing this, it will already have determined the width of the original anddepending on how the workflow software (SmartWorks Pro) is set, it will automatically prepare the file forarchiving with a unique sequential serial number once the scan has been completed and be ready for the next
document.
In most instances, the scanned documents will be dropped into a basket below the scanner output, or withmore sophisticated scanners provide a document return guide so they can be deflected over the top of thescanner so the operator can easily remove it from the scanner when the operation is completed and stack orstore the original as required. If all the document contents were the same, then operator intervention would
be kept to a minimum. Generally, operator intervention is always needed as no two documents ever haveexactly the same content and so they have to make changes to the scan set-up particularly when the

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Large Format Professional MFP Buyers Guidedocument is in poor condition or has blemishes that need removing on the scanned version. The operator willneed to alter elements of the workflow software allowing the scanner to compensate for these marks. The
impact of the human intervention in the process are the times taken to complete each scan and can be
reduced by use of a sophisticated workflow software such as Colortrac SmartWorks Pro, with an experienced
operator or by on-the-job training.
Scanner Technology
The two dominant scanning technologies based on Charge Coupled Devices (CCD) and Contact Image Sensor(CIS) have evolved to suit different needs, but their applications overlap widely due to their imaging
capabilities.

The diagram above gives a representation of how the technologies can best be utilised against the types andcontents of documents being scanned. If the document content is largely monochrome, then the preferredtechnology favours CIS based scanners like the SmartLF Ci 24 and Ci 40 that offer scan widths of 24 and 40
inches respectively. Where the document content is largely full color photographic, then the preferredtechnology favours CCD based scanners such as the SmartLF Gx+ 28, 42 and 56 that accept documents that are
up to 28 inches, 42 inches or 56 inches wide respectively.

The PrinterThe printer component of the MFP may be the part that will receive the most usage and some serious
consideration as to the types of printed documents should be clearly understood.
What are the Available Technologies
Whatever the technology used, reliability and print quality for the dominant applications will be a large factor
in how successfully the MFP solution gets used. With three dominant wide format printing technologies
available from ink jet, through LED or Laser based printers, the monochrome and full color capabilities of thesetechnologies offer a wide printer price range to suit your needs.
At the lower price point, color ink jet printers offer the best choice for lower volume printing but with both
excellent monochrome and color reproduction. At the mid and upper price points, the LED and Laser based
technologies excel for both monochrome and full color. There are many manufacturers of printers including(but not limited to) HP, Canon, Epson to name a few.
Inkjet Printers
Inkjet printers in terms of unit volumes are probably the most popular and versatile type of printer technology
available. They can print photos, graphics, and CAD drawings on a wide range of media to produce clean clear
outputs. They can print in color or monochrome and these attributes may be changed quickly by simply
altering your printer driver settings. They may also be set to default to black and white, which will help savemoney on running costs.
Laser Printers
Laser printers have come down in price in recent years, making them more affordable for professional large
format printing applications. Lasers excel at printing text and CAD type drawings; they also tend to be quicker
than inkjets at printing multiple pages. However, they're physically bigger and usually noisier when printing.

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Large Format Professional MFP Buyers Guide

One key advantage of a laser printer is that the toner cartridge capacities are generally larger than typical ink
jet versions and hence allow the user to complete more printed pages before needing replacement. Althoughtoner cartridges are significantly more expensive to buy, they last longer than ink jet and are relatively
cheaper, producing per printed page costs of less than half of equivalent ink jet printers.
Do I need a fully integrated MFP system or not?
When looking for a fully integrated MFP system, it’s important to recognise that the major components of thescanner and printer are by definition compromises in terms of their functionality. To achieve an acceptable
market price level, the printers and the scanners contained within these systems are generally functionallyreduced versions of their stand-alone equivalents, giving rise to a poor overall scanned image and printing
performance. This price positioning is to entice customers into purchasing a cheap all-in-one MFP solutionthat may not suit your long term needs.
On a positive point, the footprint occupied by a fully integrated MFPsolution can be kept to a minimum and for organisations with small
offices or reduced space; this may be a major requirement. If
Place Your Printer Herefootprint is a major consideration, then consider the way in which an
integrated printer may be replenished with paper or printing inks andwhere the completed print is delivered. Similarly, the integral
scanner should have the optional ability to deliver the original
scanning document to the front of the machine for the operator to
Put your printer here
retrieve. Front feed and front retrieve for both the printer and the scanner give
you the ability to position the
MFP against a wall, thus providing a compact MFP solution with minimal footprint.
Already have the printer?
You may already have invested in a wide format printer that suits your style of business, so how can you makeit more productive? By understanding the concept, scope and payback of a professional MFP solution, theaddition of key components such as Scanner and Workflow software along with network capability will help toincrease the productivity, throughput and the types of jobs that can be handled with a reduced financial
outlay. This could be the best way in which to learn how the professional MFP solution can give you an
acceptable return on investment.

Workflow Software
The MFP workflow software is the key to releasing the latent capability of the combined system components,
so time spent at this stage in checking that your requirements can be handled by the MFP software will have a
profound impact on both the workflow and productivity of the complete system. So look for a solution thathas a simple user interface providing quick access to all the key functions required with single scan technology
to capture image, make changes to the image and finally print, store or distribute the final document when
operating your MFP.
Image Enhancements – Using Presets:
Whilst most MFP solutions can provide the basic printing and copying functions, the real impact is how theadditional features are brought into the equation to make the system usable and productive. Copying andScan to file are basic requirements and used extensively when archiving volumes of hardcopy information.
Connectivity allows complete scanned image file distribution and access to large local or networked hard
drives is a must to improve your flexibility as image files tend to be large. Look for software solutions thatprovide easy to operate filters to eliminate or reduce background artefacts within the scanned image. With
standard Preset Filters, the workflow software can be easily set up to provide excellent scan results for

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Large Format Professional MFP Buyers Guideunskilled operators, allowing your experienced operators to handle more complex tasks. This helps to reduce
manpower costs without impacting the throughput productivity.
Scan Once:
Clearly, if the workflow software cannot keep pace with either the scanner or printer, then the MFP system
will struggle to provide the user with the productivity they are looking for. The aspect of the workflow
throughput time is something that must be checked carefully and any reasons requiring multiple scans tocreate one file must be clearly understood when comparing alternative MFP solutions. If you have a longarchiving job to complete and you have to scan more than once to get what you need, the cumulative effect ofthese additional scans will increase job times rendering the MFP solution less productive and less costeffective.
Wide range of Supported Printers:
If you already have or plan to have more than one large format printer, make sure your MFP solution has thecapability to support all the printer features available through either a standard Windows™ driver for thatprinter, or a native built-in driver that optimises color calibration for the workflow software, scanner andprinter capabilities from the scanner provider. The greater the flexibility here particularly when dealing withmultiple media types will help to produce excellent results between scanned and printed images.
In general terms, the large format printer is more likely to take longer to print a document than the scannertakes to scan the same document, so adding a scanner to your printer clearly makes sense and will notcompromise the intended workflow. Moreover, by using a scanner that is wider than your printer, it allows
larger documents to be scanned and with image reduction capability in your workflow software, it will provide
increased scope and additional copying capabilities for your printer.
Batch Scanning:
When scanning batches of documents that require retention as a set, then take note of the Batch Scanningfeatures in the workflow software that help you increase the throughput of scanned documents. By using
features such as Auto Size that automatically set the parameters of the scan to suit the size of original
document or the Auto Detect Document that starts the scan automatically allowing the operator toconcentrate on the staging of the document and preparing subsequent materials for feeding. Use Auto Detect
Document in conjunction with the Auto Name feature where the operator can define the basic file name andthe software appends the relevant scan number to the file name for each subsequent document scanned. It
can also be set to provide an Automatic Time Stamp to each file and includes options that control over-writingof the file to avoid costly mistakes. These combined features allow the operator to scan multiple sheets simply
by continually feeding the scanner with new documents and helping them save time completing the job.
Color Calibration:
If you operate in a Service Bureau, Reprographics or Copy Shop environment and use a wide variety of output
media in your printer, make sure the workflow software has the capability to color calibrate both the scannerand printer using either a Closed Loop system or an ICC color calibration to obtain best possible output print
quality. This allows you to customise the types of media you can make available to your customers and knowthat you can repeat the image quality time after time.
Scan to PDF:
If your business requires document sharing, then look for capabilities that allow integration of the Workflow
software sharing scanned PDF image files. PDF is the standard for on-line documents as it includes bothcontent & layout information in the file. PDF benefits are document fidelity and integrity, integration withelectronic work processes and publically available readers.

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Large Format Professional MFP Buyers Guide

Touch-Screen Operation:
Most casual users prefer the least complicated way to make a scanned image or printed copy and the touch
screen capability provides an easy way for displaying or manipulating the BASIC functionality of the workflow
software. If a skilled operator is using the workflow software, there is a higher probability that they will
require access to more features that allow them to obtain a better image quality and a more consistent
output. In these situations, the touch screen would be a less satisfactory solution as the sensitive
manipulation of several scanning, image quality and document media variables would make this difficult forthe casual user.
Key things to look for here are easy access to key functions such as scan-to-file, print or email capabilities, witheasy manipulation of image quality (color or monochrome), output page size and file storage format selection
as a high priority.

Why Buy a Colortrac professional MFP solution?
The decision process for users’ considering different solutions may be made for a wide variety of reasons.
Some of these reasons are clearly related to the performance of the scanner and printer combination, butother needs must also be taken into consideration for the MFP solution to continue being kept in optimal
performance.
Quality Products
Colortrac have been manufacturing large format scanners for over twenty years and it goes without saying
they have an immaculate pedigree and the ISO 14001 manufacturing qualification is testament to theircontinued quest for customer satisfaction, innovative product design, quality performance and value formoney. Products within their range have been applauded by independent industry experts such as BERTL for
producing quality scanning with technical innovation and elegance. With these key operating principles inplace, Colortrac have also attracted the interest of large printer manufacturers that have chosen versions of
our scanning products to be integrated in their own MFP solutions.
Worldwide Sales & Support Coverage
To support their continued rapid growth, Colortrac have established a worldwide network of accredited
resellers that provide sales and support for the all the quality solutions Colortrac provide to their customers’.
If you require further information where to buy their products then look on their website www.colortrac.com
on the “Where to Buy” page for information on a local Colortrac accredited reseller.
Lower Costs
As we have indicated, it may be that you already have the printer of choice available. If this is the case, thenColortrac can help you complete your transition from an existing printer to a full scale professional MFP
solution with the minimum of fuss or cost. With their wide range of MFP solutions, they can help bring thecost of ownership for the professional MFP solution to a price level that would satisfy the most stringent
budget requirements.
Printer Compatibility
One of the key questions we are often asked is “are your scanners compatible with our existing printers”? The
answer is clearly “Yes”, but if you are not sure or require further evidence, then check the long list ofcompatible printers available on the Colortrac website (www.colortrac.com) for more information.
Superb Workflow
The pivotal element of any professional MFP solution is the ease with which the workflow software canaugment the operators’ skills with simple but effective facilities. The Colortrac SmartWorks Pro has all thesekey features that can make the operators more productive.

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Large Format Professional MFP Buyers Guide

Remember that productivity is severely impacted when needing to scan the document more than once toachieve basic results. Some competitive offerings would have you believe that this is the correct way to do it,
but the Colortrac Scan-Once feature in SmartWorks Pro allows the operator the flexibility to do ALL image
corrections in real time to get the quality images required. If you’re scanning fragile documents, this scanonce feature also minimises the risk of any damage being done to the original.
Controlling Color
By integrating ICC color management into SmartWorks Pro viewer, they have been able to provide a very
accurate representation of scanned and printed output. This allows a rapid media profiling capability in the
set-up stage by the use of standard IT8 targets that profile the scanner for color accuracy and color sensitivity.
SmartWorks Pro will attach profile information to each scanned image file, ensuring accurate color
reproduction when reloading pre-scanned images into SmartWorks Pro or displaying images using other color
calibrated viewers. When viewing the color or tonal changes of a scanned image, SmartWorks Pro also
provides the user with a color managed and smooth flicker-free display showing exactly how the changes
made will affect the final color of the output document that no other vendor provides. This not only saves
time, it also saves cost because the final image that is printed will always be correct, thus saving costly inks andminimising media wastage.
Better PerformanceWith the Colortrac professional MFP solution providing scanner resolutions up to 9600 dpi and scan speeds up
to 12 inches per second, the few completely integrated MFP products available cannot compete on speed,
resolution or price. In addition, the scalable workflow options included in the Colortrac SmartWorks Pro
available right out of the box provide users with an array of Pre-set configurations that provide superior image
reproduction and control performance for most document sizes and conditions. In most cases, the scanned
image can easily be better than the original in that the image backgrounds can be cleaned taking out artefacts
or dark backgrounds such as in old Blueprints, and leaving the image unblemished and totally legible.
Touch Screen Control
The use of a touch screen display seems to be attractive and many suppliers have adopted this format for theirintegrated MFP versions, but they tend to be very small displays. Because fingers generally tend to be larger
than Mouse based pointing devices, the screens need to be made with a fairly coarse resolution to allow thetouch of the finger to be registered. By creating the screen displays big enough to allow the finger to control
functions or initiate actions, the amount of information given to the user at any one time is severely restricted
unless a very large and expensive screen is used. In practical terms, the touch screen based devices tend to belimited to the copier based solutions where users can just walk up, load the document and press the green
button just like a normal A4 copier might do. Where skilled operators are used, or the more technically
elegant image quality control features are required, then the Mouse based pointing devices with keyboards
tend to prevail.
Scanner, Visual Display & Keyboard Support
To create a suitable workplace that can encompass all the components of the MFP solution, it is important tohave an adjustable stand that will support not only the Scanner, but also the PC, Visual Display, keyboard andMouse pointing device. Look for a combination stand that can support these devices and also be adjustable interms of height from ground and also able position around the scanner and printer. Some suppliers have thescreen positioned behind the rear of the scanner that sits above the printer. This is likely to cause someshorter people a problem in reaching the screen and keyboard as you will have to lean not only over thescanner, but also the printer as well. Generally the position of the Keyboard and Screen should be to one sideof the Scanner and Printer combination to ensure a safe working height for all operators,

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Large Format Professional MFP Buyers Guide

Selecting the right professional MFP solution for you
Selecting the correct solution for you may well require balancing a number of physical requirements such asscan and print width, against with system capabilities. To help you make a knowledgeable decision, Colortrac
have provided the following table that might give you a starting point that may narrow down the selection
criteria.

Different Configurations
Colortrac provide four different professional MFP solutions to ensure that you can find a combination thatsuits your working practices and demands. Follow the table below to identify the most likely solution that will
fit your needs. The following pages will provide further levels of details to your selected professional MFP
solution.

Recommended Colortrac Professional MFP Solutions
24 inchRecommended
Solution

Scanner
Workflow
SoftwareTypical Primary
Use

Small Office /Home Office
Engineering
OfficeCAD Drawing
OfficeTechnical & CAD
drawings
Architecture,Engineering &Construction
Utilities & Energy
Facilities
Management
Electronic
Document
Capture (EDC)
Copy Shops
Graphic Design
Scanning Service
Bureaus10 | Page

Professional
MFP CAD
Solution
SmartLF Ci 24c
SmartWorks Pro(SCAN & COPY
Touch Screencompatible)
Ultra-compact
Color and
Monochrome
Copier forTechnical Imaging
and Office Graphics

40 inch42 inchSmartLF Ci 40c

Professional
MFP Graphics &CAD Copier
Solution
SmartLF Gx+ 42c

SmartWorks Pro(COPIER Touch
Screen compatible)

SmartWorks Pro(COPIER Touch
Screen compatible)

Wide format Colorand Monochrome
Copier forTechnical Imaging,
Office Graphics and
EDM

Wide format
solution for High
Speed Technical
Imaging & High
Fidelity Color
reproduction

Professional
MFP CAD Copier
Solution

42 inchProfessional
MFP Scan &Copy Production
Solution
SmartLF Gx+ T42c
SmartWorks Pro(SCAN & COPY
Touch Screencompatible)
Wide format
Production solutionfor High Speed
Technical Imaging& High Fidelity
Color reproduction

●
●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

●

○

●

○

●

●
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●
●

○
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Large Format Professional MFP Buyers Guide

24 inch
Recommended
Solution

Reprographics
Services
Professionals
Mapping & GIS
Thick Mediacapability
Maximum
Scanning
Resolution (dpi)
Maximum Scan
Speed (ips)Maximum Image
Width
Maximum
Document width
Maximum
Document
Thickness

Note:

Professional
MFP CAD
Solution

40 inch42 inch42 inchProfessional
MFP Scan &Copy Production
Solution

Professional
MFP CAD Copier
Solution

Professional
MFP Graphics &CAD Copier
Solution

○

●

●

●

●

●
●

9600

9600

9600

9600

10.00

10.00

12.00

12.00

24 inches
610 mm25 inches
635 mm40 inches
1016 mm
41 inches
1042 mm

42 inches
1067 mm
46 inches
1170 mm

42 inches
1067 mm
46 inches
1170 mm

280 gsm flexible
media

280 gsm flexible
media

0.08 inches
2 mm

0.8 inches
20 mm● - indicates the recommended solution○ - indicates a capable solution

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Large Format Professional MFP Buyers Guide

Colortrac 24 inch professional MFP CAD solution

If you have limited space available and need aflexible wide format document copier capable oftaking D-size or A1 technical drawings, thenColortrac provide the affordable Ultra-compact
SmartLF Ci 24 professional MFP solution that is
tailored specifically for you.

Place Your Printer HereWho would use it?
This compact MFP solution would be ideal for homeoffice locations or people handling CAD or technicaldrawings and office documents with color graphics
in Architecture, Engineering & Manufacturing, Construction, Utilities and Energy companies.
The compact MFP clearly benefits these environments, with the ability to position the combined scanner andprinter units together with the Universal Repro Stand against a wall to provide a complete stand-alone
scanning and printing workstation if required, with a minimal footprint.
The Colortrac SmartLF Ci 24 is powerful enough to scan a wide variety of media containing monochrome
technical with medium levels of color content. Archiving or copying different documents types and sizes to fileor print are made simple with the workflow software provided by the SmartWorks Pro.
Connect any wide format printer using the SmartWorks Pro workflow software as the catalyst to create arobust and productive wide format MFP solution.
Key Features: 24 inch Professional MFP CAD Solution
Recommended Solution
24 inch Professional MFP CAD Solution
Scanner
Colortrac SmartLF Ci 24c
SmartWorks Pro (SCAN & COPY) – provided as standard with thisWorkflow Software
scanner
Capable of working with the extended 24 inch wide format
printer products from Hewlett Packard, Canon, Epson and others.
Printer Compatibility
To see if your printer is compatible, please check on the Colortrac
website at www.colortrac.com for more information.
Ultra-compact Color and Monochrome Copier for Technical
Typical Primary Use
Imaging and Office Graphics
Maximum Scanning Resolution (dpi)9600
Maximum Scan Speed (ips)
10.00
24 inches
Maximum Image Width
610 mm25 inches
Maximum Document width
635 mmMaximum Document Thickness
280 gsm flexible media

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Large Format Professional MFP Buyers Guide

Colortrac 40 inch professional MFP CAD Copier solution

If you require a robust CAD based wide format copiercapable of handling a variety of documents up to Esize+ or A0+ size in a busy office or department, thenthis is the solution for you.

Place Your Printer HereWho would use it?
This SmartLF Ci 40 professional MFP solution would be
ideal for people handling large CAD technical drawings
or office documents with color graphics forArchitecture,Engineering&
Manufacturing,
Construction, Utilities and Energy companies, Graphic
Design Studios, Mapping and GIS.
With the front feed and front retrieve document feeding and capable of taking any media up to 40inches(1016mm) wide, the SmartLF Ci 40 professional MFP solution has all the productive capabilities you may
require with a minimal footprint that allows it to be placed against a wall to minimise floor space. In a busy
CAD drawing office or cramped Architects office, space matters and this solution is the way that you canaccommodate the copier functionality and throughput without compromising available space.
The SmartLF Ci 40 scanner is powerful enough to copy large volumes of a wide variety of monochrome andcolored technical media of varying sizes. Add the ability in SmartWorks Pro to rapidly control the scanned
image through their Scan-Once technology and also using the 10 pre-configured Presets allows you toradically enhance your productivity and image quality control.
Key Features: 40 inch Professional MFP CAD Copier Solution
Recommended Solution
40 inch Professional MFP CAD Solution
Scanner
Colortrac SmartLF Ci 40c
Workflow Software
SmartWorks Pro COPIER (Touch Screen compatible)
Capable of working with wide format printer products up to 40
inches from Hewlett Packard, Canon, Epson and others. To see if
Printer Compatibility
your printer is compatible, please check on the Colortrac website
at www.colortrac.com for more information.
Wide format Color and Monochrome Copier for Technical
Typical Primary Use
Imaging, Office Graphics and EDM requirements
Maximum Scanning Resolution (dpi)9600
Maximum Scan Speed (ips)10.00
40 inches
Maximum Image Width
1016 mm
41 inches
Maximum Document width1042 mm
Maximum Document Thickness
280 gsm flexible media

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Large Format Professional MFP Buyers Guide

Colortrac 42 inch professional MFP Graphics & CAD Copier solution

If large maps, GIS documents or full color photos
are your requirements, then the Colortrac SmartLF
Gx+ 42 professional MFP solution will take these in
their stride. Coupled with any wide format printeryou may already have, connecting the scanner andprinter together with the SmartWorks Pro workflow
software will create an unbeatable large format
Copier solution.

Place Your Printer HereWho would use it?
With the outstanding full color rendition capabilityof the SmartLF Gx+ 42 professional MFP solution, it would lend itself to being suitable for companies handlinghigher volumes of Mapping and GIS documents, Graphic Design studios and Copy Shops with the need toprovide fantastic color rendition output. Add to this the type of companies that also have needs for higher
levels of color content in their business documents such as Facilities Management, Utilities and Energy,
Architectural, Engineering, and Construction companies, then the SmartLF Gx+ 42 professional MFP solution isdefinitely the one for you.
The standard SmartLF Gx+ 42 scanners provide a face down, front loading, rear exit media path. If you needto position the SmartLF Gx+ 42 professional MFP solution against a wall to minimise footprint, then theoptional Document Return Guide will allow all media to be returned to the operator by redirecting thescanned document back over the top of the scanner. Furthermore, the tremendous ability yet simplicity of theSmartWorks Pro workflow solution will allow you to automatically configure scans to accommodate different
document sizes and types.
Key Features: 42 inch Professional MFP Graphics & CAD Copier solution
Recommended Solution
42 inch Professional MFP Graphics & CAD Copier Solution
Scanner
Colortrac SmartLF Gx+ 42c
Workflow Software
SmartWorks Pro COPIER (Touch Screen compatible)
Capable of working with wide format printer products up to 42
inches from Hewlett Packard, Canon, Epson and others. To see if
Printer Compatibility
your printer is compatible, please check on the Colortrac website
at www.colortrac.com for more information.
Wide format solution for High Speed Technical Imaging & High
Typical Primary Use
Fidelity Color reproduction
Maximum Scanning Resolution (dpi)9600
Maximum Scan Speed (ips)12.00
42 inches
Maximum Image Width
1067 mm
46 inches
Maximum Document width
1170 mm0.08 inches
Maximum Document Thickness
2 mm

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Large Format Professional MFP Buyers Guide

Colortrac 42 inch professional MFP Scan & Copy Production Solution

The SmartLF Gx+ T42 professional MFP
solution is designed for the higher
productivity applications but also require
the ability to handle thicker than normal
documents such as those attached tofoam backed board (up to 0.8 inches or
20mm thick).
Who would use it?
With the ability to handle a wide variety of documents media or thick board mounted materials, it makes the
SmartLF Gx+ T42 professional MFP solution with a straight through document path very suitable forprofessional Reprographics Services, larger Graphic Design studios and large format Scanning Bureaus withlarger scan volumes.
The SmartLF Gx+ T42 professional MFP solution is also powerful enough to scan large volumes of a wide
variety of monochrome and colored technical media of varying sizes. Furthermore, use it with the tremendous
ability of SmartWorks Pro that allows you to automatically configure the scan workflow to accommodate thedocument size, distribute your scanned image files into a networked folder for client collection or for onward
distribution to networked printers, then you have a powerful Enterprise production MFP solution.
Key Features: 42 inch Professional MFP Scan & Copy Production Solution
Recommended Solution
42 inch Professional MFP Scan & Copy Solution
Scanner
Colortrac SmartLF Gx+ T42c
Workflow Software
SmartWorks Pro SCAN & COPY (Touch Screen compatible)
Capable of working with wide format printer products up to 42
inches from Hewlett Packard, Canon, Epson and others. To see if
Printer Compatibility
your printer is compatible, please check on the Colortrac website
at www.colortrac.com for more information.
Wide format Production solution for large volume High Speed
Typical Primary Use
Technical Imaging & High Fidelity Color reproduction
Maximum Scanning Resolution (dpi)9600
Maximum Scan Speed (ips)12.00
42 inches
Maximum Image Width
1067 mm
46 inches
Maximum Document width
1170 mm
0.8 inches
Maximum Document Thickness
20 mm

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Large Format Professional MFP Buyers Guide

Where to find further information
If you need more detailed information on any of the recommended Colortrac professional MFP solutions, thenthe Colortrac website listed below contains more information on how to get the best out of your professional
MFP solution, along with who to contact and where you can buy your scanner and workflow software.
www.colortrac.com

Contact Us
Colortrac Headquarters
EMEA
ASEAN

Colortrac Limited
3 – 5 Brunel Court
St. Ives
Cambridgeshire
PE27 3LW
United Kingdom
Tel:
Fax:
Web:

Colortrac Americas
CanadaNorth America
South America

Colortrac Inc.
4431-A Brookfield Corporate Drive
Chantilly
Virginia
20151
USA
Tel:
Fax:

Colortrac China+86 10 62124936+86 10 62124770

Colortrac Japan
12th floor, 1203 Yokohama Creation Square
5-1 Sakae-cho
Yokohama-shi
Kanagawa-ken
Japan 221-0052
Tel:
Fax:

16 | Page+1 703 717 5631
+1 703 717 5361

Colortrac Ltd. Beijing
Room 1208
ZhongGuanCun Technology Development
Building C,No. 34 ZhongGuanCun South Street
HaiDian District, Beijing 100081
P.R. China
Tel:
Fax:

Colortrac Japan+44 (0)1480 464 618+44 (0)1480 464 620
www.colortrac.com+81 45 548 6991
+81 45 548 6992

Large Format Professional MFP Buyers Guide

Credits
This document Large Format Professional Buyers Guide and the content herein is Copyright of Colortrac
Limited 2011 all rights reserved. Colortrac, SmartLF and SmartWorks are all registered trademarks of ColortracLtd. Colortrac recognise that the use of other company names, brands and any registered trademarks
mentioned in this document are the rights of their registered owners.
The content of this document is subject to change without notice and Colortrac make no warranty of any kindin respect of this information. All errors and omissions excepted.

Version: 2011-05-10

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Large Format Professional MFP Buyers GuideTable of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................ 2
What does MFP mean? .......................................................................................................................................... 2
Why is the MFP important? .................................................................................................................................... 2
Common components that comprise a professional MFP solution ....................................................................... 3
The Scanner ........................................................................................................................................................ 3
What type of document will you be scanning?.............................................................................................. 3
Size ................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Color ............................................................................................................................................................... 4
Number of Scans ............................................................................................................................................ 4
Scanner Technology ....................................................................................................................................... 5
The Printer.......................................................................................................................................................... 5
What are the Available Technologies ............................................................................................................ 5
Inkjet Printers................................................................................................................................................. 5
Laser Printers ................................................................................................................................................. 5
Do I need a fully integrated MFP system or not? .......................................................................................... 6
Already have the printer? .............................................................................................................................. 6
Workflow Software ............................................................................................................................................ 6
Image Enhancements – Using Presets: .......................................................................................................... 6
Scan Once: ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
Wide range of Supported Printers: ................................................................................................................ 7
Batch Scanning: .............................................................................................................................................. 7
Color Calibration: ........................................................................................................................................... 7
Scan to PDF: ................................................................................................................................................... 7
Touch-Screen Operation: ............................................................................................................................... 8
Why Buy a Colortrac professional MFP solution? .............................................................................................. 8
Quality Products ............................................................................................................................................ 8
Worldwide Sales & Support Coverage ........................................................................................................... 8
Lower Costs .................................................................................................................................................... 8
Printer Compatibility ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Superb Workflow ........................................................................................................................................... 8Controlling Color ............................................................................................................................................ 9
Better Performance ....................................................................................................................................... 9
Touch Screen Control ..................................................................................................................................... 9
Scanner, Visual Display & Keyboard Support ................................................................................................. 9
Selecting the right professional MFP solution for you ......................................................................................... 10

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Large Format Professional MFP Buyers GuideDifferent Configurations................................................................................................................................... 10
Recommended Colortrac Professional MFP Solutions ..................................................................................... 10
Colortrac 24 inch professional MFP CAD solution ....................................................................................... 12
Key Features: 24 inch Professional MFP CAD Solution ................................................................................ 12
Colortrac 40 inch professional MFP CAD Copier solution ............................................................................ 13
Key Features: 40 inch Professional MFP CAD Copier Solution ..................................................................... 13
Colortrac 42 inch professional MFP Graphics & CAD Copier solution ......................................................... 14
Key Features: 42 inch Professional MFP Graphics & CAD Copier solution .................................................. 14
Colortrac 42 inch professional MFP Scan & Copy Production Solution ....................................................... 15
Key Features: 42 inch Professional MFP Scan & Copy Production Solution ................................................ 15
Where to find further information ................................................................................................................... 16
Contact Us ........................................................................................................................................................ 16
Colortrac Headquarters ............................................................................................................................... 16
Colortrac Americas....................................................................................................................................... 16
Colortrac China ............................................................................................................................................ 16
Colortrac Japan ............................................................................................................................................ 16
Credits .............................................................................................................................................................. 17

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Large Format Professional MFP Buyers Guide