To choose the right A3 multifunction printer, consider the intended use:
select an inkjet for photos or vibrant colour projects, or a laser for high-volume text documents. Key features to evaluate include print speed (PPM), print resolution (DPI), ink system (cartridge vs. tank vs. toner), and paper handling (size, thickness support, and tray capacity). For a project that needs to print an A3 document on standard A4 paper, save the document as a PDF, open it in a PDF reader, and use the "poster" print option to tile the document across multiple pages.
Key features to consider for A3 Multi-function Printer
Print technology:
Inkjet: Ideal for high-quality photos and graphics with vivid colors. Options include cartridges or refillable ink tanks. Pigment-based inks offer better fade resistance and water resistance.
Laser: Best for high-volume text-heavy documents like blueprints or reports, as they offer a lower cost per page and faster speeds for text.
Print speed (PPM): This is the number of pages printed per minute.
For small offices or moderate use, aim for at least 20 ppm for black and white and 10 ppm for color.
High-volume environments may require speeds up to 75 ppm.
Resolution (DPI): This affects the sharpness of text and images.A minimum of 1200 DPI is recommended for professional quality. High-end models can reach 2400 DPI for gallery-quality prints.
Paper handling:
Paper sizes: Ensure the printer supports both A3 and other common sizes like A4 and A5.
Paper thickness (GSM): If you plan to print on card stock or other heavier media, check the maximum GSM the printer can handle.
Look for a large tray capacity (e.g., 250+sheets) to reduce how often you need to refill paper, especially for high-volume jobs.
