Photocopier, printer or MFP: what’s the difference?

Sindoh Malaysia · Updated

A multifunction printer (MFP) prints, copies and scans in one machine, and often faxes. Most office “photocopiers” or “photostat machines” sold today are MFPs. A plain printer only prints.

The terms people use

  • Printer: prints documents sent from computers and phones.
  • Photocopier / copier: copies paper documents. In Malaysia many people call it a “photostat machine”.
  • Multifunction printer (MFP): prints, copies and scans, and often faxes, in one device.

Why offices choose an MFP

An MFP replaces a separate copier, scanner and printer, so there is one machine to maintain and one supply of toner. It can also scan straight to email or a network folder, which most offices now use daily.

Are Sindoh copiers MFPs?

Yes. Every model in the Sindoh Malaysia range is a multifunction printer that prints, copies and scans. See the range.

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Quick answers

What is a photostat machine?

In Malaysia, “photostat machine” is a common name for a photocopier. Most office photocopiers sold today are multifunction printers that also print and scan.

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