Sharp sets the pace for entry-level A3 black & white MFP market

Sharp has completed the second phase of a multi-stage product launch intended to help it dominate the market for 16 – 25 ppm black & white A3 MFPs.

Its entry-level AR-56XX range now comprises nine models with a choice of 18, 20 or 23 pages per minute, each with printing, copying and full colour scanning as standard. Their compact design makes them an attractive proposition for small offices and workgroups of all types.

“At this end of the market, there are three ‘must haves’:  quality, reliability and economy. So that was our design focus,” said Yosuke Kashu, Market & Product Information Manager, Sharp Digital Document Systems Europe. “The AR-56XX MFPs deliver all the essentials while letting customers choose a configuration that precisely fits their needs. And they’re small enough to fit in pretty much anywhere.”

Depending on the model, standard features can include network printing and colour scanning, two-sided printing and copying, RIP Once Print Many technology and electronic sorting.

Options can include extra paper drawers, a cabinet unit, document feeders for scanning documents in batches, high performance PCL network printing, scanning to a USB memory stick, and Sharpdesk document management software.

All nine models meet the Energy Star criteria as well as being equipped with other environmentally responsible features such as a warm-up time of just 25 seconds, an energy-efficient Pre-Heat Mode, a Toner Save setting and Auto Power Shut Off.