What does PPM mean, and how is it measured?
PPM stands for pages per minute and measures printer speed. It is calculated by dividing the total number of pages printed by the time it takes to print them. PPM compares different printer speeds and determines the most suitable task for each.
What categorizes a printer as high-speed?
Several factors contribute to high ppm printers:
Print engine:
The print engine is the core component of a printer that determines its speed. High-ppm printers often have advanced print engines designed to process and print pages quickly.
Print technology:
Different print technologies have varying speeds. Laser printers are usually faster than inkjet printers. They use a laser beam to rapidly move toner onto the page. However, high-speed inkjet printers are also available on the market.
Paper handling:
High-ppm printers typically feature efficient paper handling mechanisms to minimize paper jams and maximize continuous printing. These include large paper trays, high-capacity input and output trays, and automated duplex printing. This means it can print on both sides of the page.
Processing power:
The printer’s internal processing power affects its printing speed. High ppm printers often have powerful processors and sufficient memory to handle complex print jobs and large data files efficiently.
Connection:
A high ppm printer may offer fast connection options, such as USB 3.0, Ethernet, or wireless. This ensures that data is sent quickly from the computer to the printer, preventing potential issues.
Print resolution:
The print resolution refers to the level of detail and clarity in the printed output. High-ppm printers can maintain high print resolution while printing quickly, ensuring both speed and quality.
High-speed printers can vary depending on the context and the specific type of printer technology. Here are some examples of printers known for their high printing speeds in their respective categories:
- Laser printers are renowned for their breakneck printing speeds. Laser printers are widely used in business and office settings. They come with varying speeds, ranging from 30 to over 100 pages per minute. Such speeds are considered high speeds. These printers can quickly print large volumes of text and graphics precisely.
- Production printers are specialized for high-volume printing. They are used in commercial printing shops, print-for-pay businesses, and other professional printing settings. Printers can achieve breakneck printing speeds. This can range from 100 to several hundred pages per minute (ppm). The exact number varies depending on the model and configuration.
- Inkjet printers: Advancements in inkjet technology have led to the creation of high-speed inkjet printers. This is an improvement, as inkjet printers had traditionally been slower than laser printers. These printers use advanced print head arrays and high-performance inks to achieve fast printing speeds.
- Multifunction printers (MFPs): Multifunction printers combine printing, scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing capabilities into a single device. High-speed MFPs can print at speeds of 30 ppm or higher. These printers are commonly used in busy office environments where efficiency and productivity are critical.
Black and white versus color: which is faster?
Compare black and white (monochrome) printers to color printers when seeking high print-per-minute (ppm) capabilities. There are a few key factors to consider:
- Speed disparity: Monochrome laser printers typically have higher print speeds per minute (ppm) ratings than color printers. Color printing requires combining several colors, usually cyan, magenta, yellow, and black. This creates a large variety of hues, which takes more time.
- Application and usage: The choice between black and white or color printing depends on the printer’s intended use. A high ppm black and white printer is the best choice for printing text documents, forms, and black and white graphics. It is also more cost-effective than other types of printers.
A high ppm color printer is more suitable for printing marketing materials, presentations, and other items that require vivid colors. If you often print such things, this type of printer is the ideal choice. - Print quality is another factor to consider. Black and white printers can typically achieve higher resolution and sharper text output because they use only black toner or ink. Color printers can produce high-quality prints, but the text may appear slightly lower in quality due to the color mixing involved.
- Cost Considerations: Color printing generally incurs higher costs due to the need for multiple color cartridges or toners. Color printers often require individual color cartridges, and if one color runs out, it needs to be replaced separately, which can be expensive. Black and white printing, on the other hand, involves only a single cartridge or toner, resulting in lower ongoing costs.
Printers can be categorized into different categories based on their speed, measured in pages per minute (ppm). The specific types may vary slightly depending on the source or industry, but here are some standard classifications:
Personal/Home Printers:
- Low ppm: Up to 10 ppm
- Moderate ppm: 10 to 30 ppm
Small Office/Workgroup Printers:
- Moderate ppm: 10 to 20 ppm
- High ppm: 20 to 40 ppm
- Very High ppm: 40 to 60 ppm
Business/Enterprise Printers:
- High ppm: 20 to 40 ppm
- Very High ppm: 40 to 60 ppm
- Ultra-High ppm: 60+ ppm
Production Printers:
- High ppm: 60 to 100 ppm
- Very High ppm: 100 to 200 ppm
- Ultra-High ppm: 200+ ppm
Is your organization missing out on the productivity advantages a high-PPM printer can deliver?
High-PPM (pages per minute) printers are ideal for organizations that require fast, reliable output and consistent performance. The definition of “high speed” depends on industry standards, printer technology, and your specific needs.
To determine if a high-PPM printer is suitable, consider the monthly print volume, document types, turnaround requirements, and budget. Organizations with shared devices, heavy workloads, or urgent printing often gain the most from high-speed printers.
BDS helps organizations in New England and Florida find the right high-PPM printer for their workflow and performance needs. Our local teams in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine, New York, and Florida deliver expert guidance, quick service, and customized solutions.
Call BDS now to equip your business with a high-PPM printer.
