Choosing a new printer for your office used to be simple, but with the rapid advancement of office technology, the sheer number of types of printers available today can be overwhelming. From high-speed laser workhorses to versatile all-in-one units, picking the wrong machine can lead to high supply costs and frustrated employees.
At Cal-Imaging Specialists, we have spent decades helping Calgary businesses find the perfect fit. Whether you are looking for a compact desktop unit or a specialized wide-format plotter, this guide breaks down the different types of printers to help you make an informed investment.
1. Laser Printers: The High-Volume Workhorse
If your office prints hundreds of pages of text-heavy documents every week—such as contracts, invoices, or reports—a laser printer is often the gold standard.
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How it works: Instead of wet ink, it uses a laser to “melt” powdered toner onto the page.
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Pros: Incredible speed (20-50+ pages per minute), crisp text quality, and the lowest cost-per-page for black-and-white documents.
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Cons: Higher upfront cost and generally not suitable for high-end photography.
2. Inkjet Printers: The Color Specialist
Inkjet technology has come a long way. While once reserved for home use, modern business-class inkjets are now capable of handling professional workloads with stunning color accuracy.
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How it works: Microscopic nozzles spray liquid ink droplets onto the paper.
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Pros: Best for vibrant marketing materials, high-quality photos, and versatile paper handling (like cardstock or glossy paper).
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Cons: Slower print speeds than laser and the risk of ink drying out if the machine isn’t used regularly.
3. Multi-Function Units (MFU): The All-in-One Solution
In the modern Calgary office, space is at a premium. Multi-Function Units (MFUs) are the most popular types of printers because they consolidate four machines into one: a printer, scanner, photocopier, and fax machine.
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The Advantage: Beyond saving space, MFUs allow for advanced digital workflows, such as scanning directly to a cloud folder or email.
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Cal-Imaging Pro Tip: MFUs come in both laser and inkjet varieties. Choosing between them depends on whether you prioritize text speed (laser) or color depth (inkjet).
4. Plotters & Large Format Printers: The Specialized Pro
For architects, engineers, and construction firms in Calgary, a standard printer isn’t enough. You need a plotter or large format printer capable of producing oversized blueprints, site plans, and banners.
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The Capability: These machines handle paper widths from 24 inches to over 60 inches with extreme line precision.
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Maintenance: These are complex machines that require expert installation and maintenance to ensure accuracy.
5. LED Printers: The Energy-Efficient Alternative
LED printers are very similar to laser printers but use a stationary array of LEDs instead of a moving laser beam to create the image.
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Pros: With fewer moving parts, LED printers are often more compact, quieter, and highly reliable. They are excellent for small-to-medium offices looking for laser-like quality in a smaller footprint.
Why Your Choice Matters to Your Bottom Line
Selecting from the various types of printers isn’t just about the purchase price—it’s about the Total Cost of Ownership. A cheap inkjet printer might seem like a bargain today, but the cost of replacement ink can quickly exceed the cost of the machine itself.
As your local Calgary experts, Cal-Imaging Specialists takes a “Total Approach” to your office equipment. We don’t just sell you a box; we help you analyze your print volume and workflow to ensure you get the most cost-effective machine for your needs.
Let Cal-Imaging Guide Your Choice
Still unsure which of these types of printers is right for your Calgary office? Our experienced technicians can help with:
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Sales & Leasing of all major brands.
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Professional Installation and network integration.
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Managed Print Services to automate your toner and maintenance.
Contact Cal-Imaging today for a free consultation and let us help you find the perfect printing partner for your business!