Back in the day, there were no automatic document feeders on copiers, just a platen (glass table) that you would place the original on, and then make the copy of the document. It was, as I called it, “one on and one off,” meaning you could only place one document at a time on the glass platen. What a drag.
It was not until a few weeks ago that I was prompted by a client to investigate a Contex HDiFLEX scanner. The HDiFLEX is not your ordinary color scanner. In my opinion it’s a throwback to old analog copier days, but with really awesome scan technology.
The Contex HDiFLEX has a stationary platen that allows you to place a document as large as 18×24 inches. The 18×24-inch platen comes in handy for the color scanning of marked up check plots (12×18). In addition, the HDiFLEX will also scan a 24 x36-inch maximum image with multiple scans. Contex includes scanning software that can enable a “stitching” of the 24×36-inch document. Basically, you’re scanning one half of the document on the first scan and then the other half with the second scan. The final scan is one 24×36-inch document. Thus, you don’t need to invest in a 36-inch wide scanner as long as you don’t have a bulk requirement for 24×36-inch scans.
I was also fascinated that the HDiFLEX has the ability to scan informational carvings, fabric, and structured surfaces. Contex touts that they have a unique LED technology that will control how structured surfaces are illuminated and captured. Just the other day, I had one of my accounts give me a call to schedule an appointment on the HDiFlex. The main feature they wanted to know more about was the high resolution scanning of shapes.
I’ve never thought to scan a flower or plant, but why not? Why can’t graphic designers scan a seashell, a stone, a fossil or a pompamora pebble? Thus, they would have the ability to incorporate these earth made items into creative graphics.
One additional item to note is the HDiFLEX’s ability to function as a book scanner. Since there is a non-moving platen glass, you can set the book on the platen and flip the pages. There’s also a handy counter that will count the pages for you as you scan.
Having a niche-type product in your arsenal such as the Contex HDiFLEX can help increase your margins and your sales. What I’ve also so noticed is that companies that have a need for niche-type products such as the HDiFLEX also value IT services.
There’s quite a bit more to the Contex HDiFLEX. If you’re like me and need to know more, please follow this link. If you need expert help please contact my friends at National Azon.
Good selling!
