Have you ever wondered why copiers are now commonly referred to as MFPs or MFDs? MFP stands for "multifunction printer," MFD stands for "multifunctional device" and are terms that have become increasingly popular in recent years. In this blog post, we'll explore the reasons behind this shift in terminology and what it means for the world of office technology.

First, let's take a step back and look at the history of copiers. The first copiers were invented in the early 1900s and were primarily used for making copies of documents. Over time, copiers became more advanced and were able to perform additional functions, such as scanning and faxing. However, these functions were often performed by separate machines, which could be cumbersome and expensive.

In the 1990s, a new type of machine emerged that combined the functions of a copier, scanner, and fax machine into a single device. These machines were called "multifunction printers" or MFPs for short. The term "printer" was added to the name because these machines are also capable of printing documents, making them even more versatile.

So why the shift from "copier" to "MFP"or even "MFD"? One reason is that the term "copier" no longer accurately describes what these machines are capable of. While they still make copies of documents, they can also perform a wide range of other functions, such as scanning, faxing, and printing. The term "MFP" or "MFD" reflects this versatility and better describes what these machines can do.

Another reason for the shift in terminology is that the lines between different types of office technology have become increasingly blurred. In the past, copiers, printers, scanners, and fax machines were all separate devices. However, with the rise of MFPs, these functions are now often combined into a single machine. As a result, it made more sense to refer to these machines as "multifunction printers" rather than by their individual functions.  Now, we are seeing an increase in digital document workflow, processes and management.  This has caused a shift from the primary function being a printer to the primary function being a scanner, which is why the term MFD or Multifunctional Device is becoming more popular.

In conclusion, the shift from "copier" to "MFP" to "MFD" reflects the increasing versatility of office technology and the blurring of lines between different types of machines. While the term "copier" may still be used in some contexts, "MFP" has become the preferred term for describing a "printing device" and "MFD" for more versatile and multifunctional devices. So the next time you're in the market for a new office machine, remember to look for an MFP or an MFD that can handle all your document needs in one convenient package.

The words copying and scanning often get used interchangeably in office environments. Generally speaking, this isn’t really a big deal. Most people understand what others mean based on the context of what they say. Plus, most people don’t need to be printing, copying, and scanning experts for their job. They just need the right tools in place to get their job done.

If you are looking for an article about collectible paper weights, this is not it.  This article is about understanding the terminology behind copier and printer paper weights.   In researching this article, I did find the Paperweight Collector's Association at paperweight.org.

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