Start with the largest page you print
Think about a normal month. What is the biggest document that leaves your office: a wide spreadsheet, a drawing, a poster, a certificate? If it is bigger than A4, you need an A3 machine. If nothing is, an A4 machine does the same everyday work and takes less room.
- Letters, invoices, forms and reports: A4 is enough.
- Wide spreadsheets, drawings, plans and posters: choose A3.
- Two A4 pages copied side by side onto one sheet: that is an A3 job.
A4 · 210 × 297 mm
A3 · 297 × 420 mm
Count the people and the pages
An A3 machine usually serves a floor or a department. An A4 machine suits a small team or a branch office. Count the people who will use it, then the pages they print in a month. A rough number is enough.
Our A3 colour machines are the IM C series, from the IM C2010 up to the IM C6510, listed by speed: the higher the number, the faster the machine. Our A4 colour machine is the IM C401F.
Our line-up, by speed
Compare purchase cost and running cost separately
A smaller machine does not automatically cost less per page. The purchase or lease price is one cost; toner, service, paper and electricity are separate costs over the time you use it.
Compare toner price against the stated yield for the correct cartridge, then allow for your actual page coverage, colour mix and monthly usage. A datasheet yield is measured under specified conditions; dense colour pages can use more toner. Ask for figures for the configuration and service plan being quoted.
Check the space
A3 machines stand on the floor and need room around them for trays and paper. Measure the spot, the doorway and the lift before you choose. Each machine page shows its size.
- The width and depth of the spot
- The doorway and lift the machine must pass through
- Room to open the front door and pull out the trays