Epson relies on the experience and the experimentation of the user. Thick manuals there are none. Supplementary written work for the special functions are available as PDF on the CD and for download on the manufacturer's website.
Before the first insertion of print cartridges you should read the corresponding PDF-flyer in each case, the "operation" itself is quite delicate; in particular, the cartridges should be used only after asking!
Some features are only accessible via the HTTP interface of the device. It therefore makes sense to join the workforce to the network; even if you do not want to print as a workgroup. One should specifically look at the configuration of the network interface.
If you want to keep the printer in the network permanently, you should know what to set there. Most of the network protocols can and should be shut down for safety reasons.
Firmware updates you get also fast on the web frontend, now also on the Epson Software Updater via USB.
Epson is back and once again firmware update ready. Note that an update process may well last for 15 minutes.
Functions tested in detail:
1. Copy
The usual copy functions such as Duplex, 2 Pages to 1, etc. are available. Banner printing "1 page on n" or collage 's pages on 1 "will not be offered. There are various office functions such as fast paper selection, background removal, Ink Save Mode, etc.
In the now following tests the time for the paper transport has been considered. So it is "real" print times, not to the theoretical values from the benchmark laboratory:
a) full-surface A4 color copy of a photo from the original glass in normal quality 18 seconds; the same in B / W: 8 seconds (!)
b) A4 color copy from the document glass in "high" quality: 50 sec; B / W: 18 sec.
Usually you will want to copy documents with text and graphics via the duplexer (ADF), this following results were obtained:
c) duplex copy text A4 double page in b / w: 23sec, with "high-speed": 20sec
d) Duplex copy a color double page: 30sec
e) Duplex copy a color double-page spread in "high quality" (text + picture): 1: 29min
f) Duplex copy of b / w text-double page in "high quality": 35sec
Copies are themselves resolved in "normal" quality sufficiently high, only a little paler than the original.
The Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) packs up to 35 sheets at once - pretty neat.
2. Print via USB - Examples:
a) 11 double pages (= 22 pages) PDF, standard quality, color duplex: 4: 38min
b) 1 PDF page A4 with text + graphics in color: 14sec (in b / w: 7 sec)
c) 1 PDF page with text + graphics in color, but in "high" quality: 33sec
d) 20 pages PDF-sided printing in b / w (standard quality): 2: 20min
e) 1 full-face photo on A4 Photo Paper, borderless, medium quality: 1:54 min
f) Photo printing on photo paper A5, medium quality: 58 sec
g) 8 pages sided b / w text (Office, A4): 38 sec.
h) 3 double pages b / w text (Office, A4 Duplex): 56 sec.
Note: Small photo cards such as 4 "x 6" can not cut the paper tray; Such formats should be gedruckt- on larger paper and cut out later.
Highest quality photo printing is one of only four colors anyway can not expect, however, the results are quite handsome and rich for the desk of loosely.
3. Scan:
a) A4 page with graphics in 300dpi: about 9 seconds (file size as uncompressed TIFF 25 MB). 300dpi rich really for all applications, even for OCR.
b) A 600dpi A4 scan had been going much longer: good 45sec (approximately 100 MB TIFF).
c) A4 1200dpi managed the scanners in about 1:28 minutes (approx 400MB TIFF).
The quality was excellent in all scans. The issue with JPEG compression, as PDF, among others is also possible.
The scanner creates visually maximum 2400 dpi.
Mandatory Notice to all "children play": scan bills does not work even with Epson ;-)
Copying of printed up to the edge templates is no problem (Brother had there ever problems because an outer region of 1mm could not be detected by the scanner).
As with a normal copier large templates (eg Letter) to A4 or another format can be reduced.
Conclusion:
The functions and operation of the WorkForce WF-3640DTWF practices elegant and rarely used gimmicks. For this he is one of the fastest, perhaps even "the" fastest multifunction device in its class.
The promised printing speed according to ISO 24734 (19 A4 pages per minute) is credible and achievable. Other Manufacturer expect moonlight values (30-40 pages) which are physically impossible outside the laboratory.
The specified duty cycle of 20,000 pages (!!!) per month gives hope for a long life.
The big advantage especially for workgroups: that the device can simultaneously scan and print. Thus, no time is lost due to the cumbersome buffers printing.
It's even possible to scan while printing jobs to the PC or to make copies! Copies are then appended to the end of the print queue and output to the currently running print job.
You notice that Epson has vast experience in the construction of stepper motors. Loud and lengthy chatter in the paper can be forgettable. The volume falls within the ambit, even a phone call is not possible while the machine is printing.
For the full five star menu navigation should, however, somewhat simpler (less interleaved) are designed. In addition, the dualism between HTTP interface and the driver interface should be abolished. Currently one needs both to configure all functions.
Finding appropriate drivers should also be made somewhat clearer: Too many files scattered on various Epson pages confuse the user. Linux drivers are also available, but are very well hidden.
Overall, the unit still deserves an unqualified recommendation to buy.
Hints, tips and tricks for installation can be found as usual - in the comments :-)
