Duplex Laser Printer – Questions & Answers

1. What is a duplex laser printer?

A duplex laser printer is a computer printer that allows the automatic printing of both sides of a single sheet of paper.  No more printing one side and then manually turning the paper over to print the second side.

2.  What if I have a single-sided report and want to make it into a double-sided report?

There is a duplex laser printer that can combine single-sided pages into a double-sided page.  There is a duplex laser printer that can print from a double-sided page to double-sided page and also a duplex laser printer that can print a double-sided booklet (center fold) format.

3.  How is the resolution on a duplex laser printer?

The resolution on a duplex laser printer is expressed in DPI (dots per inch); 600dpi into 600 dpi is generally used for text printing with 1200dpi into 600 dpi and higher for printing requirements that are more than just text. To ensure the crisp text, sharp graphics and focused pictures you desire, check the output of each as high quality for one does not necessarily mean high quality in all areas.  There is a wide range of models to choose from, you will be able to find one that has the right resolution for you.

4.  How fast can a duplex laser printer print?

Print speed is expressed in PPM (print per minute); a print speed of 10-20ppm is generally for home use, with a 20-35ppm for small business, 35ppm and up is for medium to large business.  Duplex laser printers can handle higher daily print volume with lower cost per page than other color printing technology.

5.  Will a duplex laser printer save me money?

Yes, a duplex laser printer will save you money and time.  There is a reduction in paper waste, time spent on printing by employees is reduced and all models will help reduce energy costs.

6.  Do I need a certain operating system for a duplex laser printer?

A duplex laser printer will work with a host of different operating systems, check the specifications on the model you are purchasing to make sure it will work with your system.

7.  Do I need special paper for a duplex laser printer?

No, but you will need the correct weight of paper to make sure you cannot see the printing from one side to the other.  A good 16-50lb bond should work well.  Other “paper” things to consider; what is your printers capacity, single tray or multi tray; paper capacity, 150 sheets and up and also what is the media print capability, will your duplex laser printer print envelopes, business cards, transparencies or banners?  What is the media size maximum and does it handle the job you need done.

8.  Which manufacturers make a duplex laser printer?

Konica-Minolta, Hewlett Packard, Canon, Brother, Okidata, Ricoh, Xerox, Lexmark, Epson, Samsung just to name a few.