5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Flatbed Scanner | Drawbacks & Benefits of Flatbed Scanner

What is Flatbed Scanner ?

Flatbed scanner is a type of scanner device that scans documents to convert into digital informations that the computer can store. 

How does Flatbed Scanner work ?

It is composed of a lid and a glass panel where the user places the document above the glass and closes the lid. Within a fraction of minutes, both sides of the document will be scanned through a light capturing sensor. Since optical sensors are used here, the image enlargement in a flatbed scanner is highly accurate. 

Who uses Flatbed Scanner ?

Currently Hewlett-Packard, Microtek and Epson, manufactures different sets of flatbed scanners. It is especially preferred by businesses that needs to scan multiple documents double side simultaneously. However flatbed scanners are not always beneficial, there are reasons why it is only ideal for small businesses. Before making a conclusion if the flatbed scanners will be worthy, you must weigh its pros and cons. 

In this article, let's look at the 5 Advantages and Disadvantages of Flatbed Scanner | Drawbacks & Benefits of Flatbed Scanner. Through this post, you will know the pros and cons of using flatbed scanners.

Let's get started,

Advantages of Flatbed Scanner

1. Speed

Based on the models, flatbed scanners are able to scan documents with high speed. On average, if the pages contain only black texts it will take up to 1 minute for scanning 27 pages. For a colored page, it takes up to 11 pages per minute. As you can see, these scanners are made for achieving high speed document scanning.

2. Quality

Flatbed scanners are well known for their high accuracy. They are able to produce high quality images. Al though any type of scanner is able to produce digital information of images, they either represent low quality or damage the paper. Most flatbed scanners can scan documents perfectly without any after effects.

3. User Friendly

Flatbed scanners are extremely user friendly, even for newbie users. For using the flatbed scanner, the user only needs to place the document above the glass panel and close the lid. Then afterwards, by pressing the scan button the desired document is scanned. In fact it is more comfortable to use than other scanners. That is the reason why most homes and offices prefer to use a flatbed scanner for their official works.

4. Document Support

Using a flatbed scanner, you can scan all types of documents as far as it lies flat on the glass panel. It is especially useful for oddly-shaped documents. These include photographs, magazines and pages within a book. That too can be done conveniently in various size formats. Currently, flatbed scanners are able to support sizes up to 8.5x11.7 inches.

5. Non-Mechanical

Unlike a drum scanner, where the document moves through a feed roller in flatbed scanner there is no mechanical parts involved. It completely depends on the optical process. Hence, it is less vulnerable to tears making it ideal for scanning delicate and smooth documents.

Disadvantages of Flatbed Scanner

1. Cost

The average cost of a flatbed scanner is quite expensive. Even though in recent years prices are dropped significantly that eventually depends on the model and features. Therefore, for finding a comfortable flatbed scanner in terms of price, the user should research through local shops as well as the internet.

2. Physical Size

Flatbed scanners are usually large and bulky compared to other types of scanners. Hence, they take up lot of space from the room. However, this space requirement is not too much. Similar to a printer, a separate area of space must be allocated for a flatbed scanner.

3. Time Wastage

Al though flatbed scanners are well known for their high speed levels, they still take considerable amount of time for their operations. Especially when scanning multiple documents. Unless there is no lots of documents to scan, flatbed scanners are not considered to be a good option. 

4. Operations

Operating a flatbed scanner does involve lots of work since it cannot scan multiple documents at once. If there are large number of documents, each one of them must be scanned individually. Thus, it involves lots of effort from the user.

5. Film Support

Flatbed scanner has the capability to support and scan film negatives. But under the condition of having a transparent media adapter. However, all the old models of flatbed scanners cannot scan 35mm films. Therefore, there is no possibility in digitalizing old films.