Different Types of Scanners: A Guide for Modern Document Management
The need for documents that contain transaction records drove the rise of several assisting machines. Printers provide original documents, and copiers offer multiple copies, but the scanner serves a unique purpose.
A scanner is a machine or device that captures a document using optics. After scanning, the device converts the document or photo into a digital image or data. The resulting digital image is a faithful copy, allowing people to save and reproduce paper copies digitally.
Scanners include several different types. The type of scanner you use depends upon your specific purpose or the needs of your business, especially if the device is meant for copier leasing services.
Understanding Scanner Classification
The six main types of scanners vary significantly in portability, method of capture, and final image quality.
| Scanner Type | Mechanism & Best Use | Key Feature/Note |
| 1. Flatbed Scanner | Scanning is made on a glass surface; a rolling beam moves underneath. | Best for flat, delicate documents like photos and books. |
| 2. Sheet-fed Scanner | The document is moved through a stationary beam via a feeder slit. | Ideal for scanning several loose sheets of paper quickly (batch scanning). |
| 3. Handheld Scanner | Designed like a wand; scanning is performed by moving the device slowly over the document. | Low quality; meant for convenience to the user in the field. |
| 4. Portable Scanner | Small, lightweight, and battery-powered. Stores data internally until transferred. | High convenience for people on the go who need to scan away from the office. |
| 5. Multifunctional Scanner | A hybrid device (MFD) that combines scanning with printing and copying (usually flatbed). | Preferred by businesses as it performs several tasks at once; highly convenient. |
| 6. Specialty Scanner | Made to scan only certain, unique documents (e.g., film negatives, large maps). | Generates more efficient data because these scanners have specialized software included. |
The Rise of Multifunctional Scanners and Copier Leasing
The Flatbed Scanner
The first type of scanner is the Flatbed scanner. It is called a flatbed scanner because the scanning is made on a flat glass surface with a lid placed on top. The document is placed face down, and a rolling mechanism moves under the glass. This is usually used when the document to be scanned is flat (photos, paper from books).
The Sheet-fed Scanner
The second type of scanner is the sheet-fed scanner. Although similar in look to a flatbed scanner, the document is fed through a slit. Instead of a moving beam, the document moves through the beam. Since the document is scanned one by one, this kind of scanner is usually used when the document is composed of several loose sheets of paper.
Multifunctional Scanners (MFDs)
Multifunction scanners are the new hybrid models because they now incorporate the capability to print or copy the scanned documents. Businesses nowadays prefer this form of scanner as it offers greater convenience and can perform several tasks at once. Typically, copier leasing businesses provide this device.
The changing needs of customers drive the rise of newer designs that incorporate most of the required tasks related to document scanning. Copier leases often integrate these advanced scanners into the devices they offer.
If you plan to get copiers for your Austin office, you can buy copiers or lease copiers in Austin. We can give you options for getting the copy machine that you want. You can contact our local copier leasing services department in your location.
For all services in Austin, call Clear Choice Technical Services:
- Phone: (512) 253-7000
- Our personnel for copier leasing in Austin will assist you.
- Additionally, if you look for copier repair services in Austin, you may contact our copier repair personnel at the same number.
