There’s quite a bit to think about when comparing large format printers. I’ll let you know up front that I resell Ricoh large format printers. Yes, I’m a little biased when it comes to value and reliability. However when it comes to features and specs, well they are what they are. Thus, I’d like to share 5 features that make the Ricoh MP W6700 large format printer the device to acquire.
Compact Design
In most cases when clients are considering a large format printer, the space on where to place the printer is a top concern. Depth and height is usually not the issue, it’s the width of the device. The KIP 7172 requires 63 inches of width while the Ricoh MP W6700 only requires 49 inches of width. In addition the Ricoh comes in almost 30 pounds lighter which is a plus if the device needs to moved to a second floor. Advantage if space is a concern goes to Ricoh.
Output of Prints & Copies
Another area of top concern to many clients is how many prints can be stacked in the exit tray. KIP 7172 uses a top exit stack tray, when reviewing the brochure there is no mention of how many prints the tray will hold. The Ricoh MP W6700 has a front exit (see below) that will stack 100 pages of “D” size drawings. In addition with the new ROT-2 (option), the Ricoh will stack up to 100 “E” size drawings. Thus if stacking more drawings is a concern then Ricoh scores another advantage.
Scanning Productivity
Both of these devices offer scan2email, scan2fold, and scan2USB. In my time out in the field there aren’t many clients that only need to scan one drawing. In most cases they need to scan a set of drawings. Those sets can rage from 5 to 50 drawings. When scanning with the KIP 7172 once you have set the document to scan you have to wait for the document to come back to you. It’s a turn around guide that sends the document right back to you. Thus there is no exit stack tray for the scans. I call it one in and one out.
The Ricoh has an exit stack tray tray. Thus when you have multiple documents you need to scan, you can insert one after the other. There is no waiting for the document to scan and then remove. This saves and incredible amount of time when scanning bid-sets or architectural plans. Advantage for Ricoh.
Storage
Some might not think this is a big deal. However when space it tight, storage of paper rolls and toner is a concern. The KIP 7172 offers no storage for paper or toner at the device. See pic below
The Ricoh MP W6700SP is unique in that there is storage space located at the very bottom of the device. That space can used for for paper, toner, and extra roll holders. See pic below
TWAIN Scanning
TWAIN scanning often over looked and not many understand what TWAIN scanning is. All multi-functional devices that scan, print and copy offer “push” scanning. Which means when you scan from one of these devices you are “pushing” the document to a location on the network, email address or pc.
TWAIN scanning means that the document or drawing that is placed in the scanner is “pulled” back to the pc. Thus most software programs or business lines of software will allow you to “pull” that drawing into the software or a client record in the business line of software. Having the ability to “pull” the document can save quite a bit of time over “push” scanning.
Summary
In my eyes, both devices will work very well in low to mid-volume environments. Both offer color scanning, both offer a decent speed of printing. KIP 7172 coming in at 6 “D” size pages per minute and the Ricoh MP W6700 at 6.7 “D” size per minute.
Feel free to email me if you have any additional questions apost@p4photel.com
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