Buyer Lab Highly Recommended MFP

BuyersLab.com

Lab Test ReportBUYERS LAB

BUYERS LAB

August 2016 A Comprehensive BLI Laboratory Evaluation

An excellent overall performer, the KYOCERA TASKalfa 3252ci delivers outstanding reliability, experiencing just a single misfeed over the course of its 125,000-impression durability test, while long-life components and high maximum paper capacity mean less frequent interruptions. The waste toner design, a Summer 2016 Outstanding Achievement in Innovation winner, means an expired toner cartridge can be switched over to use as a waste toner container, reducing waste and storage requirements, and eliminating the need for service. Changing the component is simple; users only need to remove the empty toner bottle, flip it around and insert it into the waste toner container compartment at the front of the device. Output is presentable and effective in both color and black and remains consistent over long runs. Fast first-print and first-copy times mean less waiting for short-run jobs, while shortcuts and job programs within the copy and scan menus and the storage of profiles in the driver further reduce programming time for complex jobs. Fast scan speeds and small color scan file sizes foster collaboration with peers, while standard WiFi-Direct and NFC support for Android mobile devices let users quickly and easily print on the go. Plus, the device is HyPAS-enabled, ready to run not only Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print and Kyocera Mobile Print, but also all of the business applications KYOCERA now offers to streamline workflows, enhance security and cut costs. A low price and robust feature set, as well as its strong overall performance, also make the device an excellent value proposition for small to mid-size workgroups. Based on its overall performance, BLI highly recommends the KYOCERA TASKalfa 3252ci for environments with monthly volumes of up to 15,000 impressions.

AT A GLANCE

Test duration: Two months, including a 125,000-impression and 12,500-scan durability test.

Maximum monthly duty cycle: 125,000 impressions

The maximum monthly duty cycle is the maximum volume, as specified by the vendor, that the unit is capable of producing in a month; however, it isn’t recommended that it be run at this volume on a regular basis.

Average optimum monthly volume for devices in this speed range: 15,000 impressions.

Based on a survey conducted by BLI. When comparing models, note that this lower optimum volume was instituted in May 2012. Optimum monthly volumes for models tested prior to May 2012 may differ.

The gauges represent Excellent (9–10), Very Good (7–8.5), Good (4–6.5), Fair (1.5–3.5) and Poor (0–1).

Please visit buyerslab.com/bliQ for more information on the KYOCERA TASKalfa 3252ci.

Reliability

Ease of Use

Productivity

Image Quality

IT Administration

Security Features

User Maintenance

Features

Value

10.0

6.5

6.0

8.5

5.5

9.0

8.0

10

9.0

KYOCERA

TASKalfa 3252ci32 PPM Color/Black Print • Scan • Copy • Fax

©2016 Buyers Laboratory LLC. Reproduced by permission. To purchase reprints, contact [email protected].

KYOCERA TASKalfa 3252ciBUYERS LAB

BUYERS LAB

2

Strengths• Process more jobs with less downtime due to outstanding reliability, long-life components and above average paper

capacities

• Low price and above average feature set make for an excellent value proposition

• Produce printed and copied materials in color and black effectively and consistently over long runs

• Collaborate quickly and easily with peers due to fast scan speeds and small color scan file sizes and intuitive scan-to-network setup

• Boost short-run productivity with fast first-print times and first-copy times

• Ensure unique settings are one click away via the driver’s Quick Print tab, which enables users to create and save custom profiles as graphical icons

• Streamline scan and copy workflows with shortcut keys and up to 50 job programs

• Print from anywhere with mobile printing support for both Android and Apple devices

• Take advantage of KYOCERA’s HyPAS Platform to connect to specialized and embedded applications

• The ability to use an expired black toner bottle as a waste toner container reduces waste and storage requirements

• Conveniently switch between PCL and PostScript from within the KX driver for different job types

Weaknesses• Slow speeds when printing and copying single and multiple duplexed sets

• Usernames and filenames are visible in the secure queue before user identification

• Preview not available for USB printing

• Scan preview does not support page deletion or onscreen editing

• Scan to email and scan to USB do not support the creation of sub-folders

Buyers Laboratory LLC • North America • Europe • Asia

Gerry Stoia, CEODeanna Flanick, CROBrian O’Connor, CFO

Randy Dazo, Group Director, Office Document [email protected] Jamie Bsales, Director,Office Workflow Software [email protected] Marlene Orr, Director, Office Equipment Product [email protected]

U.S. ANALYSTSGeorge Mikolay, Senior Editor, A3 [email protected] Lisa Reider,Senior Editor, Scanners and [email protected] Kaitlin Shaw, Editor, Printers/A4 [email protected] Alex Passannante, Assistant Editor, Hardware [email protected]

Lee Davis,Research Editor, Software [email protected] Robert Watts,Research Editor, Software [email protected] EUROPEAN ANALYSTSDr. Simon Plumtree, Senior [email protected] Priya Gohil, Senior [email protected] Andrew Unsworth, Associate [email protected]

LABORATORYPete Emory, Director of U.S. Research and Lab Services David Sweetnam, Director of EMEA Research and Lab Services COMMERCIALGerry O’Rourke,Director, BLI International Mike Fergus,Vice President of Marketing T.R. Patrick, Art Director

BuyersLab.com2 ©2015 Buyers Laboratory LLC. Reproduced by permission.


BUYERS LABLab Test Report

BuyersLab.com3

Reliability

• Near-flawless durability performance

Test duration 125,000 impressions and 12,500 scans

Output/Scan misfeeds 1/0

Misfeed rate NA

Service calls 0

Consumables Rated Yield | Competitive Average

USER-REPLACEABLE

Black toner 25,000 30,658

Color toner 15,000 20,526

SERVICE-REPLACEABLE 56,000 50,167

Black photoconductor 200,000 150,444

Color photoconductor 200,000 112,944

Black developer 600,000 251,727

Color developer 600,000 227,636

Ease of Use

EASE OF USE—PRINT

• Streamline complex workflows via the Quick Print tab

• Easily switch between PCL and PostScript drivers for different job types

• Robust direct print capabilities

• Usernames and filenames are visible in the secure queue before user identification

• Preview not available for USB printing

• USB printing does not support the access or creation of sub-folders more than three levels down

10

6.5

6.5

3 BuyersLab.com ©2016 Buyers Laboratory LLC. Reproduced by permission. Duplication of this report without permission is unlawful and violators will be prosecuted. To purchase reprints, contact BLI at (973) 797-2100 or at [email protected].



BuyersLab.com4

Driver Navigation

GENERAL

Standard drivers PCL XL (PCL 6), KPDL (PostScript), PCL 5c

Similarity of appearance Identical

Feature labelling Icons with text

Clarity of labelling Easily understandable

Commonly used features on main tab Orientation, color, collate, duplex, staple

Point-and-click for input/output source No

Job review Yes (thumbnail preview and list view)

Job status Yes

Error prevention/guidance Incompatible settings aren’t selectable and users aren’t prompted to correct settings to avoid mistakes

CUSTOMIZATION

Number of features that can be added to main tab All

Order of tabs can be rearranged No

Customize an entire tab No

CLICK TESTS

Number to program typical print job (multiple sets from the second drawer with duplex and stapling) 6

Number to program booklet print job (multiple sets, from the second drawer) NA

The KX driver encompasses both the PCL and PostScript print drivers, which are identical in appearance and layout. Users can also now switch between PCL and PostScript from within the driver, which is an advantage over competitors, whose machines typically require users to have to go through printer properties in order to switch between the PCL and PostScript drivers.

Most typical print job settings are selectable from the Basic tab, including color or black and white mode, paper type and source, duplex, quantity and collate sets.




BuyersLab.com5

While an entire tab of the driver cannot be customized, users can save custom profiles that are stored as graphical icons via the Quick Print tab to allow programming of complex jobs in one click. Users can click on the Save As button on any of the tabs to save currently selected settings, name the new profile and add a description for storage on the Quick Print tab. While most typical print job settings are selectable from the Basic tab, finishing selections such as stapling are programmable from the Finishing tab. Eco Print, which is programmable from the Basic tab as well, allows users to reduce the amount of toner used per job. Print Preview is available for selection on every tab and provides the user with an on-screen preview of every page of the print job along with the ability to zoom in and cancel the job. However, no changes can be made to the document. Any driver settings that are not compatible are grayed out and not selectable, whereas some competitors allow users to scroll over the grayed out settings with their mouse and receive a pop up on how to get the setting to work. An optional EFI Fiery print controller is available for complex color workflows.

The Quick Print tab allows users to save custom profiles that are stored as graphical icons to allow programming of complex jobs in one click.




BuyersLab.com6

PCL Driver FeaturesBanner pages Yes

Blank-page removal Yes

Booklet print No

Saddle-stitch finishing without imposition layer NA

Carbon-copy mode Yes

Collate Yes

Color modes Auto color/Full color/Black

Cover mode Yes (front/back)*

Sources supported 5

Dedicated tab for “green” features No

Available features Least, Less, Medium, More, Most-toner saved

Delayed/Scheduled print No

Display device configuration Yes

Duplex print by default No

Envelope mode Yes

Sources supported Multi-purpose tray; standard paper trays

Exception page-range printing No

Mixplex No

Sub-set finishing No

Graphical changes Yes

Max paper sources per job 5

N-up printing 2 to 25

Overlay No

Paper gauge No

Accuracy confirmed Not applicable

Poster mode Yes

Supports print all text as black Yes

Print and hold Yes

Print on to tab extensions Yes

Priority levels supported No

Proof/Sample print Yes

Quantity Up to 999

Reduction/Enlargement 20% to 500%

Resolution (dpi) 600/1200

Save settings Yes

Built-in preset settings (number) No

Secure print Yes

Tab extension text programming Yes

Preprinted tab insertion Yes

Toner gauge No

Accuracy confirmed Not applicable

Toner-save mode Yes

Watermarks/Custom watermarks Yes/Yes

*Users can print on the inside or outside of the covers.




BuyersLab.com7

Secure Print

RELEASE

Process Intuitive

Where jobs are accessed Main screen – Job Box – Private Print

During print/scan/copy job Yes

Number of keystrokes to release one job 5 plus password

Output multiple jobs/sets at once with same PIN Yes/Yes

FEATURES

Change quantity Yes

Change simplex/duplex No

Select paper size and source No

Apply corner stapling No

POTENTIAL ISSUES

Username visible in secure queue before user identification Yes

Filename visible in secure queue before user identification No*

Filename visible in main queue upon release No

Secure print jobs can only be deleted with a PIN No

* Actual file name can be changed using the Custom Name capability.

Organizations like law firms, which the confidentiality of documents and projects as a whole is vital, should be wary of the fact that username is visible in the secure queue before user identification. Plus, a PIN is not required to delete a secure print job.

Print from USB

Menu auto-populated on display Yes

Browse into subfolders Yes

Formats supported PDF, JPEG, TIFF, XPS, Open XPS

Preview files No

Output multiple jobs/sets at once Yes

Change quantity Yes

Change simplex/duplex Yes

Change color/mono Yes

Select paper size and source Yes

Blank-page removal No

Apply corner stapling No

Booklet layout printing No

Printing PIN-protected PDFs Yes

Number of clicks to release a PIN-protected PDF 7

Release multiple PIN-protected PDFs with a single PIN Yes




BuyersLab.com8

While the Print USB menu is auto-populated, users cannot access sub-folders stored more than three levels down. This means that any files stored on a USB device more than three sub-folders deep cannot be printed or scanned to. Users should also be prompted when selecting an encrypted PDF file. Even though Preview selection is shown in the USB menu, it did not function in testing.

Direct Printing

Source KYOCERA Net Direct Print

Formats supported PDF, JPEG, TIFF, DOC, XLS, PPT

Output multiple jobs/sets at once Yes

Change quantity Yes

Change simplex/duplex Yes

Change color/mono No

Select paper size and source Yes

Blank-page removal No

Apply corner stapling Yes

Create profiles Yes

EASE OF USE—SCAN

• Intuitive setup for scanning to a network folder

• Streamline workflow with the addition of 6 shortcut keys and 50 job programs

• Scans can be sent to multiple types of destinations in one session

• Scan preview does not support page deletion or onscreen editing

• The QWERTY keyboard does not support the ability to store extensions or domains as one touch keys

• Scan to USB does not support the access or creation of sub-folders more than three levels down

Display

KEYS

Layout QWERTY

Comfortably spaced Yes

Ease of entering data Easy

Stylus can be utilized No

FEATURES

CC/BCC No

Dedicated “@” and “.” keys on main screen Yes

6.0




BuyersLab.com9

Ability to store extensions (.com, .net) No

Typical domains (@gmail.com, ) as a one-touch key No

Programmable default domain No

Number of programmable domains NA

Number of short messages that can be stored 3

Stylus provided No

Keyboard Optional

Scan Features

GENERAL

Commonly used features on main screen Color mode/Resolution/Format/Compact PDF/Duplex/Pre-view

Default color mode Full color

Other modes Auto color/Full color/Black/Grayscale

Resolutions (dpi) 200 x 100 Normal, 200 x 200 Fine, 200 x 400 Super Fine, 300 x 300, 400 x 400 Ultra Fine, 600 x 600

Formats supported PDF, PDF/A, Compact PDF, Encrypted PDF, Searchable PDF (optional), JPEG, TIFF, XPS, Open XPS

Default color compression mode Low Quality High Compression

Other modes Compression has scale of 1-5

Auto-split by file size No*

Destination types email, FTP, SMB

Number of types supported in one session 3

Create subfolders for storing files on the hard drive No

Network folder browsing Yes

Thumbnail view of selected features Yes

Background suppression Yes

Color-dropout mode No


Duplex Yes

Long document support (minimum of 28") Yes

Embed URL in email Yes

Scan while out of paper Yes

PREVIEW

Automatic No

Ability to view more than just one page Yes

Navigation of pages Press button

Enlarge view Yes

Onscreen editing (masking) No

Move pages Yes

Page rotation No

Page deletion No

Page replacement No

*Users are able to view file size before the job is sent. Email Size Limit can be set from the Embedded Web Page.




BuyersLab.com10

All commonly used scan features are programmable from the same screen, including color mode, resolution, format, compact PDF, duplex and preview, helping to maximize efficiency. Plus, multiple destinations are supported in one session. The scan menu can be customized by adding up to six shortcuts from other menus to the main menu for easier access. In addition, up to 50 scan jobs can be saved as job programs within the scan menu or even on the Home screen to streamline the workflow of commonly run jobs. It’s also very intuitive to set up scanning to a network folder. However, the device does not support the creation of sub-folders. Searchable PDF is supported with the optional scan extension kit. Plus, a number of available apps support OCR including DM Connect powered by OmniPage OCR. Scan preview is supported, and allows users to view more than just one page and enlarge the view. Preview does not support page deletion or onscreen editing.

When a search key is selected the on-screen QWERTY keypad appears. The keys are comfortably spaced, and it’s easy to enter data, though the use of a stylus is not supported. There is also no support for the storing of extensions (.com, .net), or typical domains (@gmail.com, @yahoo.com) as one-touch keys.

Scan to USB

Intuitive port location Yes (right side of unit)

Menu auto-populated Yes

Similarities between scan to email and scan to USB features No

Commonly used features on main screen Color mode/Resolution/Format/Compact PDF/Du-plex

Default color mode Full color

Other modes Auto color/Full color/Black/Grayscale

Resolutions (dpi)200 x 100 Normal, 200 x 200 Fine, 200 x 400 Super Fine, 300 x 300, 400 x 400 Ultra Fine, 600 x 600

Formats supported PDF, PDF/A, Compact PDF, Encrypted PDF, Search-able PDF (optional), JPEG, TIFF, XPS, Open XPS

Default color compression mode Low Quality High Compression

Other modes Compression has scale of 1-5

Auto-split by file size No

Thumbnail view of selected features No

Background suppression Yes

Color-dropout mode No


Duplex Yes

Long document support (minimum of 28") Yes

Preview No

Ability to name files Yes

Store into subfolders Yes

Create folders from device No




BuyersLab.com11

When a USB device is inserted into the port, a pop-up box asks users to verify that a memory device has been inserted into the drive by selecting yes. In contrast, with some other systems, users must navigate through several menus to locate the USB scanning capabilities. Whereas the scan to email menu offers four Settings tabs (Quick Setup, Org./Sending Data Format, Color/Image Quality, Advanced Setup), the scan to USB menu offers two (Quick Setup and Functions). As with USB print, scan to USB does not support access to or the creation of sub-folders more than three levels down. This means that if a user has sub-folders on their USB below three levels they cannot print or scan to that folder.

Though the device also supports the printing of PIN-protected (encrypted) PDFs from a USB device, the process for doing so is confusing and unclear. There is no indication if a file is PIN-protected and if a user attempts to release this type of job, the device simply won’t print it and provides no explanation. In order to release PIN-protected jobs, the user must press the Functions key, navigate to page two, enter the encrypted PDF password, press OK twice, and then press print.

While a user can name a scan file before sending it, they must go to the second page of the functions tab, whereas several other devices support the ability to name the file right after the image is scanned. The device’s USB function also does not support auto-split by file size, which means that large scan files cannot be sent in separate emails.

LDAP/Local Address Book

Intuitive LDAP search Yes

Number of LDAP servers 4

Multiple destinations can be selected during a single search Yes

LDAP addresses can be stored to the local address book after retrieval Yes

Manually entered addresses can be stored to the local address book Yes

Users, not just administrators, can program destinations Yes

Store multi-destination types into a one-touch address book entry Yes

Favorites list available No

Up to four LDAP servers are supported. Destination addresses entered manually at the control panel can be added to the device-resident address book on the fly by end-users.

Job Build for Scanning

Mix pages from platen and DF Yes

Mixed-size original feeding Yes

Mixplex changes between batches Yes

Image quality changes between batches Yes




BuyersLab.com12

Continuous scan job build allows for the feeding of an original that exceeds the document feeder capacity in batches. In addition, different sections of the job can have different features, such as mixplex (simple and duplex) and image quality settings.

EASE OF USE—COPY

• Dynamic help menu

• Streamline workflow with the addition of 6 shortcut keys and 50 job programs

• Most of the selections for a typical copy job can be accessed from the Quick Setup tab

• The control panel can be angled in multiple positions

Control Panel

FEATURES

Proof/Sample copy Yes

Job review Yes

HELP

Level of guidance Average

Index of terms Yes

Context-sensitive Yes

Step-by-step instructions Yes

Provided as Text and graphics

Dynamic help is provided; users simply click on the “?” icon that appears on screen after a function is selected. Proof Copy and Preview Copy are available. Preview copy lets the user preview the image on screen, zoom in and move the image around with a fingertip, but no changes can be made. A job review image on the left side changes based on typical selected settings, but more advanced settings, such as Bates Stamp and bleed through, are not reflected in the image.

Display for Copying

TOUCHSCREEN/LCD

Dimension (diagonal) 9"

Color Yes

Default brightness Bright

Method of adjusting brightness In submenu

8




BuyersLab.com13

NAVIGATION

Typical interface for manufacturer Yes

Default screen Home

Commonly used features programmable from main screen Duplex/Paper source/Color mode/ Reduction/Enlarge-ment /Finishing

Enlarged text mode Yes

Alternate screens available No

Easy access when switching from main copy screen to an alternative screen NA

Ease of programming jobs from the main screen Intuitive

Ease of programming jobs from an alternate screen NA

Keys/Buttons labeled with text and icons Yes

Clarity of labeling Easily understandable

Slide/Swipe navigation Yes*

Paper/Toner status In Copy menu/On main screen

CUSTOMIZATION

Only administrators can customize No

Customized on a user-by-user basis Yes

Any screen can be customized No

Order of features can be rearranged Yes

Submenu features can be moved to main screen Yes

Number of one-touch programs 50

Ease of creating saved programs Intuitive

CLICK TESTS

Number to program typical job from main copy screen (multiple sets, with duplex, reduction and stapling) 8

Number to program the same job from alternative screen Not applicable

Number to program booklet job from main screen (multiple sets, from the second drawer) Not applicable

*Home screen supports swipe navigation.

Up to 50 jobs can be stored as job programs and made accessible from the Home screen to streamline workflow.




BuyersLab.com14

The Home screen shows a visual on toner status, while paper status can be seen as a visual if the paper selection button is selected from the Copy menu. The 9" touch-screen control panel tilts up and down freely. The accessibility button enlarges all text and icons on the display for the visually impaired. Each user can customize the location of each key on the main page and add settings to the main screen. Each user can also select their default home screen and language. As with the scan menu, the copy menu can be customized by adding up to six shortcuts from other menus to the main menu for easier access.

Most of the selections for a typical copy job can be accessed from the Quick Setup tab, including paper selection, zoom, density, duplex, combine and staple/punch.

Job Build for Copying

Mix pages from platen and DF Yes

Mixed-size original feeding Yes

Mixplex changes between batches Yes

Image quality changes between batches Yes

Subset stapling No*

*Staple can only be selected when starting the job build. Once the first image is scanned the user cannot go back and have the job stapled.

EASE OF USE—JOB MANAGEMENT

• Jobs can be moved to the top one slot at a time

• Scan jobs appear in a separate queue from print and copy jobs

• Only quantity can be modified for jobs in queue

6.5




BuyersLab.com15

Job List

GENERAL

Key type Hard

List type for jobs Combined (print and copy)

DETAILS

Username/ID Yes

Number of originals Yes

Number of output pages in a job No

Number of sets in a job Yes

Time remaining until job completion No

Jobs that are completed Yes

Jobs that are incomplete Yes

Date No

Time submitted/completed Yes

Filename Yes

Queue

FEATURES

Number of jobs that can be displayed To memory capacity

Move print/copy jobs Yes

Name of key Increase Priority

Increments To top and one slot at a time

Scan jobs appear in same queue with print/copy No*

Modify jobs (beyond quantity) No

JOB DELETION

User prompted/warned Yes

More than one job at once No

Only authorized users can delete No

*Scan jobs do not appear in the All tab. Users have to switch to the sending jobs tab to view scan jobs.

Several job type drop-down lists are available, including All, Copy, Print, Box Email, Removable Mem., Application and Report. A log tab is also available for completed jobs.

EASE OF USE—MULTITASKING

• A scan job experiences no slowdown when a print job is being output

• Interrupted job requires manual intervention to resume

5.0




BuyersLab.com16

Capabilities

Print jobs accepted by the device Based on resources

Secure print job can be released while a print job is output Yes

Able to send files to multiple destination types Yes

Access to display blocked for scan/copy jobs while scanning originals Yes

Slowdown in scanning during a print job No

Scan during a misfeed Yes

Copy reserves Based on resources

Settings auto-clear when programming ahead the next scan or copy job No

Default priority mode First-in, first-out

Other priority modes None

Prioritization of print jobs prior to submission No

A priority mode for one of the unit’s functions cannot be set because jobs are output on a first-in, first-out basis with no type taking precedence over another.

Interrupt Mode

Identical for a print or copy job Yes

Device continues to run interrupted job while the next job is programmed No

Auto-resumes interrupted job after how long Requires user intervention

EASE OF USE—FEEDBACK

• Highly detailed consumables status from embedded web server

• Highly customizable email alerts for users from embedded web server

• No support for print job deletion notification

UTILITY

Name and version number Job Status Monitor

CONSUMABLES STATUS

In feedback utility/embedded web server/fleet management utility All

Driver None

STATUS IN EMBEDDED WEB SERVER

Paper size Icon

Paper Paper type, capacity of tray, percent increments

Indicator Gauge and text

7.5




BuyersLab.com17

Toner 1% increments

Indicator Gauge and text

Drum NA

Waste toner container Ok or Full

Staple cartridge Ok or Empty

Fuser NA

ALERTS

Email Configured through embedded web server

Conditions covered Add Paper, Add Toner, Cover Open, Paper Jam, Low Toner, Almost Full Waste Toner Box, All other Errors.

Maximum number of recipients 3

Different alerts for different users/groups Users only

Productivity

PRINT PRODUCTIVITY

• Highly efficient job stream efficiency in black

• Fast first-print times for Word, PDF and Excel files

• Fast recovery time from daytime sleep

• Slow speeds when printing multiple sets in color and when printing single sets in color and black duplex modes

The device’s fast first-print times mean single-page files will print quickly. The device is also very efficient when printing jobs in multi-user environments where black and white pages are printed the majority of the time. However, speeds when duplexing single- and multiple-set files are slow in both black and color modes.

SHORT-RUN JOBS

Recovery Times | Competitive Average

Energy Save 13.91 16.93

Daytime Sleep 15.94 28.85

Recovery time in seconds indicates the time it took to warm up, process, RIP the image and deliver a single-page test document to the output tray. The unit was tested with the PCL driver.

6.0

5.0




BuyersLab.com18

First-Print Times by File Type | Competitive Average

Format Type Time in Seconds

Word DOC Black text 8.26 10.3

Excel XLS Color graphic/text 9.28 12.56

PowerPoint PPT Color graphic/text 10.38 11.57

Acrobat PDF Black graphic/text 8.26 9.9

First-print time indicates the time it took to RIP the image and deliver the first page of the test document set to the output tray. The unit was tested using the PCL driver.

Tested Model

Competitive Average

0 Seconds 5 10 15

Word DOC

PowerPoint PPT

Acrobat PDF

Excel XLS

Single-Set Print Productivity | Competitive Average

SPEED IN PPM PERCENT OF RATED SPEED

AUTO COLOR

1:1 17.1 18.6 53.4 58.6

1:2 9.7 14.8 30.4 46.9

BLACK

1:1 24.9 21.4 77.8 67.0

1:2 10.1 16.5 31.6 52.0

Productivity is tested using a 10-page mixed-color-and-black document and a 10-page black document. Efficiency (percent of rated speed) for each mode is derived by dividing the tested speed of the device by the rated speed and then multiplying by 100. The unit was tested using the PCL driver.

Single-Set Print Productivity (3-Page File) | Competitive Average


Auto Color 1:2 5.8 7.5 18.2 23.7

Productivity is tested using a 3-page mixed-color-and-black document. Efficiency (percent of rated speed) is derived by dividing the tested speed of the device by the rated speed and then multiplying by 100. The unit was tested using the PCL driver.




BuyersLab.com19

Job Stream | Competitive Average

DRIVER/MODE SPEED IN PPM PERCENT OF RATED SPEED

PCL

Auto Color 21.4 23.2 66.9 73.1

Black 28.1 26.0 87.8 81.4

POSTSCRIPT

Auto Color 22.1 21.5 69.2 67.5

Black 27.7 25.2 86.5 78.7

BLI’s job stream includes Word documents, Outlook email messages, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint, HTML and Acrobat PDF files, totalling 19 pages. This test simulates the type of traffic a typical device might experience in a real-world, multiuser environment. All files are sent to the device as a group, at which time the stopwatch begins; timing ends when the last page of the last file exits the device. Efficiency is determined by the percentage of the rated speed at which the device operates when producing real-world jobs. The closer the rate is to 100%, or if it exceeds 100%, the more efficient the device.

LONG-RUN JOBS

Average Multi-Set Print Productivity | Competitive Average

MODE SPEED IN PPM PERCENT OF RATED SPEED

AUTO COLOR

1:1 19.4 24.8 60.6 78.3

1:2 16.5 22.2 51.7 70.1

BLACK

1:1 28.2 26.7 88.0 83.7

1:2 21.5 24.2 67.1 75.7

Productivity is tested using a 10-page mixed-color-and-black document and a 10-page black document. BLI obtains the overall efficiency (percent of rated speed) for each mode by averaging the efficiency ratings (derived by dividing the tested speed of the device by the rated speed and then multiplying by 100) for each run length (1, 5 and 10 sets). The unit was tested using the PCL driver.

SCAN PRODUCTIVITY

• Among the fastest scan speeds in all modes tested

• Compression in compact PDF color mode dramatically reduces file size and is much smaller than the average of other models tested

• Compression not available in black, but file size is still much smaller than the average of other non-compressed files

9.5




BuyersLab.com20

Scan Speed in IPM | Competitive Average

FULL COLOR

1:1 67.2 52.8

2:2 111.8 67.8

BLACK

1:1 67.5 55.7

2:2 111.8 72.0

Testing is conducted with a 10-page file scanned in default mode at 300 dpi in PDF format.

Scan File Size in KB | Competitive Average

FULL COLOR

Default compression 564 1006.82

Best compression 139 266.39

BLACK

Default compression 118 195.14

Best compression Not applicable 34.5

Testing is conducted with a single-page file scanned at 300 dpi in PDF format.

COPY PRODUCTIVITY

• Fast first-copy times and single-sided set black set copy times

• Slow speeds when copying multiple sets in color and black

• Slow speeds when copying single sets in color and black duplex modes

Fast first-copy times in black mode mean walk-up users can expect to have their jobs copied quickly. However, the device was slower than average when copying both short-run and long-run jobs for both single-sided and double-sided documents.

SHORT-RUN JOBS

First-Copy Times in Seconds | Competitive Average

AUTO COLOR

Platen 9.44 9.85

Document Feeder 10.64 10.98

BLACK

Platen 5.61 7.37

Document Feeder 6.39 8.90

3.5




BuyersLab.com21

Single-Set Copy Productivity | Competitive Average


AUTO COLOR

1:1 16.1 18.1 50.2 57.2

1:2 9.3 13.2 29.0 41.7

2:2 11.1 16.7 34.7 52.8

BLACK

1:1 25.5 22.0 79.6 69.1

1:2 9.8 15.5 30.8 48.6

2:2 11.3 18.6 35.4 58.4

Productivity is tested using a 10-page mixed-color-and-black document and a 10-page black document. Efficiency (percent of rated speed) for each mode is derived by dividing the tested speed of the device by the rated speed and then multiplying by 100.

LONG-RUN JOBS

Average Multi-Set Copy Productivity | Competitive Average


AUTO COLOR

1:1 18.9 24.1 58.9 76.3

1:2 16.0 21.0 50.1 66.4

2:2 17.6 22.9 55.2 72.3

BLACK

1:1 28.3 26.9 88.4 84.2

1:2 20.9 23.5 65.4 73.8

2:2 22.9 25.3 71.4 79.2

Productivity is tested using a 10-page mixed-color-and-black document and a 10-page black document. BLI obtains the overall efficiency (percent of rated speed) for each mode by averaging the efficiency ratings (derived by dividing the tested speed of the device by the rated speed and then multiplying by 100) for each run length (1, 5 and 10 sets).

Image Quality

PRINT QUALITY

• Well reproduced light backgrounds

• Bright saturation and smooth photographic images

• Consistent color output throughout testing

• Dark, fully formed characters, broad grayscale range, distinct fine lines and bold solids

• Slightly yellowish flesh tones

8.5

9.0




BuyersLab.com22

The KYOCERA TASKalfa 3252ci earned very good marks in both the color business graphics and photographic images categories. Samples drawn at scheduled points during the evaluation were consistent from start to finish. Saturation was bright and light backgrounds were well reproduced. Halftones were visible over almost the entire measured range. Flesh tones, however, were slightly yellowish.

Organizations that purchase the device will be happy with how it produces output in black mode. In text documents characters are clearly readable and dark while lines are consistent with distinct separation. The unit’s shading capability is excellent and grayscale is visible over the entire measured range. Solids in marketing materials will instantly garner attention. The device will more than meet the needs of general offices.

Color Print Quality

BUSINESS GRAPHICS VERY GOOD

Coverage of solids Slight mottling

Saturation Bright

Fine detail Average

Reproduction of light backgrounds Well produced

PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES VERY GOOD

Flesh tones Slightly yellowish

Smoothness Above Average

Fine detail Average

Halftone range 10% to 100%

Black Print Quality

TEXT EXCELLENT

Characters Fully formed

Darkness Above average

Sharpness Above average

Curves/Serifs Smooth

LINE ART EXCELLENT

Closely spaced fine lines Distinct separation

Line thickness Consistent

Circles Fully formed

Stair-stepping of diagonal lines None

HALFTONE RANGE EXCELLENT

Range (10% to 100%, in 10 increments) 10% to 100%

Separation between levels All

HALFTONE FILL EXCELLENT

Smoothness Above average

Banding None

SOLIDS VERY GOOD


Coverage Slight mottling




BuyersLab.com23

Print Density | Competitive Average

Cyan 1.32 1.09

Magenta 1.22 1.18

Yellow 0.98 0.90

Black 1.51 1.48

Density of a printed image with blocks of all solid colors, based on the average of two readings each for cyan, magenta and yellow, and four different locations on the output for black. The higher the reading, the darker the image.

Gamut Variance Readings

TEST POINT DELTA E RATING

31,250 1.71 Excellent



125,000 2.89 Very Good

AVERAGE 1.95 Excellent

Delta E is a colorimetric measurement assessing the distance between colors. The readings reflect the average shift of four specific color points within the color gamut from the previous measured point.

Color Gamut




BuyersLab.com24

COPY QUALITY

• Bright saturation in business graphics

• Natural flesh tones in photographic images

• Sharp, dark characters, distinct fine lines and bold solids

The output of business graphics was very good in copy mode. Output exhibited bright saturation and consistent coverage of solids. The device delivered good color output for photographic images, with natural flesh tones and minimal graininess, as well as halftones visible over almost the entire measured range.

In black mode, the device should more than suffice for the copying needs of general office environments. Text was sharp, dark and clearly readable and the device displayed smooth transitions from light to dark shades. Fine lines exhibited distinct separation, and bold solids will help marketing materials stand out.

Color Copy Quality

BUSINESS GRAPHICS VERY GOOD

Coverage of solids Consistent

Saturation Bright

Fine detail Average

Reproduction of light backgrounds Average

PHOTOGRAPHIC IMAGES GOOD

Flesh tones Natural

Smoothness Minimal graininess

Fine detail Average

Halftone range 10% to 90%

Black Copy Quality

TEXT VERY GOOD

Characters Fully formed

Darkness Above Average

Sharpness Above Average

Curves/Serifs Average

LINE ART VERY GOOD

Closely spaced fine lines Distinct separation

Line thickness Consistent

Stair-stepping of diagonal lines None

HALFTONE RANGE VERY GOOD

Range (15% to 100%, in eight increments) 15% to 100%

Separation between levels All

7.0




BuyersLab.com25

HALFTONE FILL VERY GOOD

Smoothness Above average

Banding None

SOLIDS VERY GOOD


Coverage Slight mottling

Copy Density

COLOR ORIGINAL TESTED COPY AVERAGE

Cyan 1.33 1.09 1.28

Magenta 1.29 1.09 1.23

Yellow 0.99 0.91 1.84

Black 1.91 1.32 1.51

Density of a printed image with blocks of all solid colors, based on the average of two readings each for cyan, magenta and yellow, and two different locations on the output for black. The higher the reading, the darker the image.

IT Administration

IT ADMINISTRATION—SETUP

• Drivers can be installed simultaneously and at the same time as feedback utility

• Automatic configuration of accessories

• Drivers cannot be pushed out to multiple PCs

• No support for one-to-one or one-to-many cloning

Installation

DRIVERS

Method On the same disc

Multiple drivers can be installed simultaneously Yes

Installed with feedback utility Yes

File size of driver download Not applicable

Can be pushed out to multiple PCs No

Auto-configuration of accessories No user intervention required

5.5

6.5




BuyersLab.com26

DISCS INCLUDED

Number 1

Contains Drivers, software, manuals

Auto-launches Yes

OTHER FEATURES

Auto-creation of port Yes

Install utility has built-in test page printing Yes

One-to-one/One-to-many cloning No

Remote server connection test button Yes (SMTP and LDAP)

Network browsing for scan-to-folder setup Yes

LDAP support for programming destinations remotely to the local address book No

Multiple utilities can be installed simultaneously Yes

From how many discs 1

Allows for remote access while in sleep mode Yes

IT ADMINISTRATION—UTILITIES

• Easy navigation of the embedded web server and fleet management utility

• Job history cannot be exported

Embedded Web Server

FEATURES

Logically organized/easy to use Yes

Supports searching LDAP No

Ability to add addresses No

Favorites/Frequently used settings Yes

Device can be restarted remotely Yes

Can access and save settings when device is in use Yes

Can access in sleep mode Yes

JOB LISTS

Print Yes

Scan Yes

Copy Yes

Current jobs Yes

History available Yes

History can be exported No

Details provided in queue Job No., Time, Type, Job Name, User Name, Status

5




BuyersLab.com27

The web utility is easy to navigate, with functions clearly labelled and selectable from the left side window.

The device’s web utility was found to offer above average overall ease of use. Access codes can be assigned so that print, scan and copy usage can be restricted and tracked by user and group. However, any user can access the device’s address book and program destinations in default settings, a capability that should be reserved for administrators. This can be changed to administrator access only under the device’s security settings. Administrators also cannot export job history, a capability available on many competitive machines. The embedded web server also does not enable programming of destinations via LDAP searches, so administrators cannot remotely add or edit destinations from the LDAP servers. Such a capability, while rare, can be a valuable time saver that prevents errors in destinations that must be entered manually.

The web utility provides detailed counters, as well as printing and sending logs.




BuyersLab.com28

Fleet Management Utility

Name/Version number KYOCERA Net Viewer

Types of devices supported A4, A3 connected devices

Discovery via SNMP/IP broadcast/Active Directory Yes/Yes/INA

Discovers third-party devices Yes

Discovers non-networked devices No

Flags devices with errors Yes

Alerts administrators about errors via email Yes

Different email alerts can be sent to different people Yes

Administrators can remotely see/manipulate control panel Yes

Supports remote access to device’s service mode No

Provides map view of devices/access to embedded web server No/Yes

Supports remote firmware upgrades/driver installation/remote embedded application installation for OEM’s devices No/ No/No

Restrict user access to color output No

Restrict user access to scanning No

Service logs/device error history No/No

Number of included report templates INA

Plug-ins available INA

KYOCERA Net Viewer enables device discovery and the management of Kyocera and compatible hardware on the network. Administrators can sort devices by name or IP address and specify which information on monitored devices is shown. KYOCERA Net Viewer also allows administrators to create groups of products based on reporting or error notification requirements. Within a “report group”, an administrator can receive reports via e-mail outlining a variety of device statistics at defined time intervals including printed page volumes and consumables levels. It also supports the discovery of third-party devices. However, it does not support remote access to the device’s service mode, remote firmware upgrades, or remote driver installation. In comparison, some competing machines can search for new firmware either from the control panel if connected or from the web page.

KYOCERA Net Admin is a free server-based solution that gives network administrators and help-desk staff control of all network-enabled printers and MFPs. It installs in minutes and is particularly easy to navigate, with well-marked tabs and support for drag-and-drop actions. It allows users to remotely configure and automate the distribution of print drivers, monitor their status, manage individual or groups of devices, clone settings to like devices and check on levels of consumables. Optional plug-ins offer print queue management, print job reporting and full-featured print accounting. KYOCERA Net Admin can also capture copy, scan, and send meter data. In addition, job history and status reports can be generated in HTML, PDF, or CSV formats and saved to the network. And Administrators can create reports, which they can add "subscribers" to, so that they receive the reports when they are scheduled to be run. Although total pages output data is available, the utility does not show a breakdown of copy, scan, or send meter data for third-party devices. In addition, there is no mechanism to limit end-user access to devices.




BuyersLab.com29

Security Features

• Standard encrypted secure print and encrypted PDF mode

• Optional hard drive overwrite and encryption

• Optional ID card authentication methods

• Administrators can limit or restrict access to color, the control panel and USB

AUTHENTICATION

Network user authentication at control panel Standard

Windows Yes

Novell NetWare NDPS NA

LDAP No

Kerberos Yes

802.1x wireless Yes

SMTP Yes

POP before SMTP Yes

Biometric No

ID Card Optional

HID Yes

Common Access Yes

Other Equitrac, SCM, RFIDEAS, ELATEC

Registered department or user ID codes Standard

Number 1,000

ACCESS CONTROL

Restrict color Standard

Control panel lock/disablement Standard

Restrict access to address book Standard

Restrict USB port Standard

Restrict direct printing Standard

Restrict other Any function using User ID (Print restriction totals, scan)

HARD DRIVE

Encryption Optional

Maximum level 256-bit AES

Overwrite Optional

Method

Customer can choose One-time Overwrite-Erase or the U.S. Department of Defense DoD 5220.22-M (Three passes)

Maximum number after a job 3 times

Maximum number at end of lease 3 times

Lock No

Removable No

Password-protected mailboxes Standard

Data auto-deletion in mailboxes Standard

JOB TRACKING

Job logs Standard

Digital signature No

Verify document came from device NA

Verify document came from specific user NA

9.0




BuyersLab.com30

JOB PROTECTION

Encrypted secure print Standard

Secure print Standard

Encrypted scanning Standard

Maximum level AES 128 bit

For scan to USB Yes

Unauthorized scan/copy protection block (watermark) Optional

Compatible with same-brand devices Yes

Compatible with third-party devices No

NETWORK SECURITY/PROTOCOLS

Protocol disablement Standard

Port disablement Standard

IP address filtering Standard

MAC address filtering No

HTTPS Standard

Self-signed certificate Yes

Certificate signing request Yes

IPsec Standard

IPv6 Standard

Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Standard

S/MIME encryption INA

SNMPv3 support Standard

Transport Layer Security (TLS) Standard

Trusted Platform Module (TPM) INA

CERTIFICATIONS

Common Criteria Pending (under evaluation)

EAL level EAL 3

Capabilities certified Based on IEEE2600.1

FIPS 140-2 Optional

Level 2

IEEE 2600 Pending (under evaluation)

OTHER

Administrator password length Up to 64 digits (UTF-8)

Password-protected web server Yes

Additional features NA

Third-party features NA

NA: Not applicable




BuyersLab.com31

User Maintenance

• Innovative design allows used black toner bottles to be used as waste toner containers

• Soft close drawers absorb any shock and prevent drawer and paper misalignment

• Extensive and dynamic instructions on control panel display for clearing misfeeds and replacing toner

• Lighted paper path for clearing misfeeds

• Simple procedures for replacing toner

Adjusting Paper Drawers

Process for user-adjustable drawers Simple

Length guide Slides

Width guides Slide

Locking mechanism for guides Yes

Auto-detect paper size Yes

Easily accessible paper type selections Yes

Finding media selections for bypass On main screen

Loading Media

DRAWERS

Rollers or guides that could get in the way No

Easy-to-see limit indicators in drawers Yes

Locking guides to prevent shifting Yes

Users must confirm paper type No

Clearing Misfeeds

Process Simple

LOCATIONS

Number in front 2

Number on right 5

Number on left NA

Clearly accessible misfeed areas/Drawers pull out far enough to allow access Yes

Easy to identify locations inside Yes

Lighted paper path Yes

Auto-purging of non-misfed sheets No

8.0




BuyersLab.com32

INSTRUCTIONS

Level of guidance on display Extensive

Provided on display as Text/Graphics/Animation/Video

Step by step Yes

Method Dynamic

Replacing Toner

GENERAL

Process Simple and clean*

On-the-fly change No

INSTRUCTIONS

Level of guidance on display Extensive

Provided on display as Text/Graphics/Animation/Video

Inside of cover/door Yes

On packaging Yes

PART NUMBER(S)/ITEM CODE(S)

Shown on display No

Inside of cover/door No

On packaging Yes

On cartridge(s) No

*Users can only change the toner bottle when prompted to do so.

Replacing Other Consumables

Imaging units/Drums Service-replaceable

Waste container Simple

Fuser Service-replaceable

Method NA

Document feeder roller Service-replaceable

Feed roller Service-replaceable

Transfer roller Service-replaceable

Ozone filter Service-replaceable

An expired black toner bottle can be used as a waste toner container, reducing waste and storage requirements for the customer. A Summer 2016 Outstanding Achievement in Innovation winner, making the change is a cinch; users only need to remove the toner bottle, flip it around and insert it into the waste toner container compartment at the front of the device.




BuyersLab.com33

Other Routine Maintenance

Charger cleaner No

Lens cleaner No

Users are prompted on display to use a cleaner at periodic intervals (for optical area) No

Users are prompted on display to clean the platen at periodic intervals No

Features

FEATURES—SPECIFICATIONS

• Highest maximum paper capacity of the competitive group

• Above average paper weight support from the drawers and bypass tray

• Optional DSPF is a rarity among competitive devices

MEMORY

Standard/Maximum 4-GB RAM

Hard drive Standard 320-GB and 8-GB SSD

MEDIA HANDLING

Standard/Maximum 1,150/7,150 sheets

Bypass 150 sheets

Standard/Maximum paper sources 2/5

Minimum/Maximum weights through drawers 14-lb. bond to 166-lb. index

Minimum/Maximum weights through bypass 14-lb. bond to 166-lb. index

Minimum/Maximum paper sizes 5.5" x 8.5" to 11" x 17"

Number of sources that support envelopes All*

DOCUMENT FEEDER

Type Optional RADF; optional DSPFs

Capacity 50/140/270 sheets

Minimum/Maximum paper weights 13-lb. bond to 90-lb. index; 13-lb. bond to 120-lb. index

Minimum/Maximum paper sizes NA

OTHER

Tandem print Yes

ID card copy Yes

Wireless interface Yes

*While the envelope guide is available in drawer 1, it can be used in all the drawers.

10

10




BuyersLab.com34

The optional 500-sheet internal finisher offers a stacking capacity of 500 sheets and a multi-position staple capacity of 50 sheets, as well as optional hole punching. The optional 1,000-sheet finisher offers a stacking capacity of 1,000 sheets and multi-position staple capacity of 50 sheets, along with optional hole punching. The optional 4,000-sheet finisher features a 4,000-sheet stacking capacity and multi-position stapling of up 65 sheets, along with an optional booklet folder and tri-fold unit.

Hard Drive Storage

Method Via print/scan/copy

Accessing files At device/Via embedded web server

Thumbnail views Yes

Capabilities Delete/Edit/Move

The full specifications record for this device is available on bliQ.

Accessibility

Accessibility handle No

Audible alerts Yes

Braille label kit INA

Dedicated mode keys INA

Document feeder can be positioned on a desk No

Enlarged display mode for scan/copy menus Yes/Yes

Method of opening paper drawers Handle

Remote operator software No

Tilting control panel Yes

Number of angles INA

Swiveling control panel No

Voice guidance (audible instructions) INA

Voice operation (responds to commands) INA

INA: The vendor declined to provide this informationNA: Not applicable


http://www.buyerslab.com/bliQ/Search/



BuyersLab.com35

FEATURES—SOLUTIONS NOT RATED

The device provides standard WiFi-Direct and NFC support for Android mobile devices. The device is also HyPas-enabled and ready to run not only Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print and Kyocera Mobile Print, but also all of the 60 plus business applications KYOCERA now offers.

KYOCERA’s HyPAS Platform offers both Java-based and Web Services-based software development kits. According to KYOCERA, this approach provides a more open and flexible developer environment which enables integration with systems that are already implemented in a customer’s enterprise.

Key apps include DM Connect powered by OmniPage OCR, which automates document processing with OCR, forms recognition and 2D barcode reading. PinPoint Scan 3 provides secure personal scanning; users can scan to a series of preconfigured destinations after entering a PIN and all data are encrypted to protect sensitive information. Designed for enterprises with high security standards, PrivateScan lets authenticated users scan documents only to their own email address. KYOCERA’s PanelPlus application allows dealers to customize the scanning features right on the control panel of a customer’s MFP touch screen. This reduces and simplifies complex scanning tasks becasue one-touch buttons can be pre-programmed for a streamlined environment. Available MFP connectors include Google Connector, AccuSender powered by Biscom and Square 9 Connector.

Full specification records, Solutions Briefs and Solutions Test Reports are available on BLI Solutions Center.

FEATURES—ENVIRONMENTAL NOT RATED

FEATURES

Specified capable of running 30/50/100% post-consumer recycled paper Yes

Instant/Quick fusing No

Automatic duplexing Standard

Toner-save mode Yes

RoHS-compliant Yes

Hardware remanufacturing program for this product No

Prepaid label to return cartridges/bottles No

Ability to program environmental features over a fleet Yes

ECO-LABEL CERTIFICATIONS

ENERGY STAR Yes

Other ECMA-370/The Eco; EPEAT level pending


http://www.buyerslab.com/bliQ/Product/ShowSpecItem?spec=86268



BuyersLab.com36

RATED ENERGY CONSUMPTION LEVELS (watts)

Ready/Idle 40

Energy Save 40

Sleep 0.9

During printing 600

FASTEST PROGRAMMABLE TIMES TO ENTER LOW-POWER MODES (seconds)

Ready/Idle INA

Energy Save 180

Sleep 600

Walk-up users can change these settings Yes

INA: The vendor declined to provide this informationNA: Not applicable

More extensive information, including test results, can be found in the device’s Environmental Test Report.

Value

The KYOCERA TASKalfa 3252ci, configured with the 1,000-sheet external finisher, DSPF, searchable PDF, and hard drive overwrite and encryption, is among the lowest priced models in its speed range. Given its outstanding overall performance, excellent reliability and image quality, and robust feature set, the device makes for an excellent value proposition.

9.0


http://www.buyerslab.com/bliQ/Search/Index



BuyersLab.com37

SUPPORTING TEST DATA

Test Environment: This product was tested in BLI’s environmentally controlled US test lab, which replicates typical office conditions.

Test Equipment: BLI’s dedicated test network, consisting of Windows 2008 and Microsoft Exchange servers, Windows 7 workstations, 10/100/1000BaseTX network switches and CAT6 cabling.

Test Duration: A single product is tested for two months, five weeks of which consists of a durability test during which the product is run at its manufacturer-rated maximum monthly duty cycle, with 25 percent of the test volume comprised of copy jobs and 75 percent comprised of print jobs. BLI’s daily test usage is designed to replicate real-world use over an eight-hour workday, and as such includes a mix of various-size documents, simplex and duplex modes, and a mix of short, moderate and long run lengths, and on/off cycles, throughout the day. The durability evaluation also includes testing of the document feeder/scanner in simplex and duplex modes for an additional 10 percent of the monthly maximum volume, evenly divided over the course of the test.

Tested Configuration: KYOCERA TASKalfa 3252ci base unit, plus 270 Sheet Dual Scan Document Processor (DP-7110), PF-7100 paper-feed unit, AK-7100 bridge unit and DF-7120 finisher.

Test Procedures: BLI’s lab testing includes both BLI proprietary and industry-standard test procedures and documents. In addition to a visual image quality evaluation, optical density of primary colour (CMYK) solid fill output is measured using a densitometer, and colour gamut and consistency are evaluated using a colour spectrophotometer. The reliability test is conducted using Georgia Pacific and Boise paper in the US, and UPM, Data Copy and Mondi paper in the UK. In both labs, 30 percent of the paper is recycled. The media used for image quality testing is Georgia Pacific Printing Paper (24 lb., 96 brightness) in the US and UPM Future ImageTech 100 gsm in the UK.

Competitive Group: The analysis in this report compares the tested device to a group of all other currently available like models (e.g., color vs. color, copied-based vs. copier-based) in the same speed range (5 ppm up and down from the speed of the tested device) with support for the same media size. For test performance categories, the results are compared with those of currently available tested models in the group, whereas for feature set and pricing, the comparison is made against all currently available models in the group, whether tested or not. The pricing analysis is for devices comparably configured with accessories and the most common options.

About Buyers Laboratory LLC: Buyers Laboratory LLC (BLI) is the world’s leading independent provider of analytical information and testing services to the document management industry. For over 50 years, buyers have relied on BLI to help them differentiate products’ strengths and weaknesses and make the best purchasing decisions, while industry sales, marketing and product professionals have turned to BLI for insightful competitive intelligence and valued guidance on product development, competitive positioning and sales channel and marketing support. BLI also offers private, for-hire testing services that help manufacturers develop and market better products and consumables.

Note: This report is based on BLI testing one representative test sample at a specific point in time. BLI is not responsible for differences in performance that may be the result of lot-to-lot variation, changes in production and machine modifications implemented by the manufacturer, service issues or any other reason beyond BLI’s control. Test unit serial #: A7PU011003796.


BUYERS LABORATORY LLC

The Leading Independent Office Products Test Lab and Business Consumer Advocate

North America • Europe • Asia • BuyersLab.com©2016 Buyers Laboratory LLC. Duplication without permission is prohibited.

DateGerry Stoia, CEO

Awarded to

KYOCERA Document Solutions America, Inc.for the performance of the

KYOCERA TASKalfa 3252ci in BLI’s in-house durability test

This is to certify that when subjected to a 125,000-impression and 12,500-scan Buyers Lab durability test, the KYOCERA TASKalfa 3252ci

proved to be a highly reliable product.

August 2016

©2016 Buyers Laboratory LLC. Reproduced with permission.

Buyer Lab Highly Recommended MFP

Technology

Transcript of Buyer Lab Highly Recommended MFP