A decision guide for organisations that rely on secure, high-volume A3 monochrome printing

When colour isn’t required, the real decision isn’t about print quality. It’s about speed under load, document security, scanning efficiency, and how reliably one device can support an entire department.

The bizhub 451i / 361i / 301i models are part of Konica Minolta’s bizhub i-Series A3 mono platform, designed to be secure by default and simple to use—even in busy, shared environments.

This guide helps you decide whether this series is the right operational backbone for your organisation, or whether you should size up or down.

Who This Series Is Built For (and Who Should Look Elsewhere)

A strong fit if you:

• Run busy departments (HR, finance, legal, education, government)
• Print large volumes of A4 and A3 monochrome every month
• Need enterprise-grade security without complex user training
• Rely heavily on scanning, copying, and document distribution
• Want to consolidate multiple smaller printers into one reliable hub

Probably not a good fit if you:

• Need colour output
• Print only occasionally or at very low volumes
• Want a compact, entry-level mono device
• Don’t have IT or managed print support

Choosing the Right Model: 451i vs 361i vs 301i

All three models share the same platform and feature set. The difference is speed and throughput headroom.

Where the bizhub 451i Series Delivers Real Value

1. Security That’s Built In, Not Bolted On

The bizhub i-Series treats documents as data, not just paper:

• Encrypted SSD with full-time data protection
• Secure print so documents only print when the user authenticates
• Multiple authentication options: password, IC card, biometric finger-vein authentication
• Optional Bitdefender antivirus scans all incoming and outgoing data
• Designed to support GDPR and data-privacy compliance

This makes the series suitable for environments where document leaks are a real risk, not a theoretical one.

2. Ease of Use That Reduces Training Time

The 10.1-inch tablet-style touch panel is a core productivity feature:

• Smartphone-like multi-touch interface
• Two interface styles: Home Screen (simple) for everyday users, Classic UI for power users
• Adjustable tilt up to 90°
• LED indicator lights to remind users to collect documents
• Optional voice guidance to assist visually impaired users

This matters in organisations with rotating staff or mixed technical ability.

3. Scanning That Actually Saves Time

With the Dual Scan Document Feeder (DSDF):

• Simultaneous scanning of both sides of a page
• High-speed duplex scanning
• Double-feed detection to avoid missing pages
• Automatic blank-page removal
• OCR to searchable PDF and Office formats (optional)
• Scan to email, SMB, USB, URL, or cloud destinations

For many teams, scanning efficiency—not print speed—is where the real ROI appears. 

4. Capacity Designed for Consolidation

• Standard 1,150-sheet paper capacity
• Expandable up to 6,650 sheets (or more with lower-weight paper)
• Large-capacity trays can be refilled without stopping jobs

Optional finishing:

• Stapling
• Booklet making
• Folding and hole punching
• Long paper / banner printing up to 1,200 mm

This allows one device to realistically replace several smaller printers. 

Environmental & Operating Efficiency

• Sleep mode power consumption as low as 0.5 W
• Energy-efficient Simitri toner
• High use of recycled materials
• Certifications including ENERGY STAR, Blue Angel, Eco Mark

Lower energy use and fewer devices contribute directly to lower total cost of ownership.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)