Lexmark MX310dn — Features, specifications, performance and business use

The Lexmark MX310dn is a compact monochrome A4 multifunction printer (MFP) built for small workgroups and offices that need dependable black-and-white printing plus scanning, copying and optional faxing — all in a small footprint and at a competitive price point. It’s part of Lexmark’s MX300 series family designed to bring enterprise-style processing and paper handling into departmental and branch environments where space and budget are constrained. Below I examine the MX310dn’s design, features, hardware specifications, real-world performance, operational costs and the business workflows where it fits best.

Design, build and user experience

Physically the MX310dn is compact and workgroup-friendly. The machine has a small desktop footprint and an easy-to-use 2.4-inch colour LCD for status, menus and job previews. Paper and toner are accessed from the front, making routine maintenance simple even when the device is placed in tight spaces. Lexmark builds the MX310dn to be straightforward to install on a network and to integrate with common document flows used by SMBs (scan-to-email, SMB/FTP drop, and networked printing). 

The control surface is intentionally minimal — enough for quick job configuration and status checks without overwhelming casual users. For IT, the device supports standard management protocols and a familiar Lexmark management stack, which simplifies fleet monitoring and toner/consumable tracking.

Key features — what stands out

• Reliable monochrome throughput: The MX310dn prints at mid-tiers speeds in its class — Lexmark markets it at up to 33–35 pages per minute (ppm) depending on measurement conditions and regional SKU. That makes it fast enough for everyday departmental document tasks.

• True duplexing and duplex scanning: Automatic two-sided printing is standard; the device also supports decent scanning rates so teams can scan multi-page documents without constant manual flipping. 

• Enterprise-grade print quality: Up to 1200 × 1200 dpi rendering and Lexmark’s Unison™ toner provide sharp text and consistent black-and-white graphics, which is important for legal pages, invoices and forms.

• Solid performance hardware: The MX310dn includes a multi-core processor and 256 MB standard memory (factory configurations vary by SKU), providing responsive handling of print jobs, particularly in multi-user queues. 

• Flexible paper handling: Standard input is 250 sheets (plus a 50-sheet multipurpose feeder on many configurations) and the machine can be expanded with additional trays to raise capacity for heavier departmental use. 

Detailed specifications (practical summary)

Below are the core specs IT and procurement teams typically need to decide whether the MX310dn fits their environment:

• Model family: Lexmark MX310 series — MX310dn denotes the duplex/network-ready monochrome MFP. 

• Functions: Print, copy, network scan (colour scanning supported), optional fax (region/SKU dependent). 

• Print speed: Up to 33–35 ppm (A4/Letter depending on region/testing standard). First-page-out as fast as ~6.5 seconds. 

• Resolution: Up to 1200 × 1200 dpi (effective) for crisp text and graphics. 

• Processor & memory: 800 MHz dual-core processor (varies by SKU) with 256 MB standard memory (some regional SKUs may ship with different memory configs). 

• Paper capacity: Standard 250-sheet input; multipurpose feeder (50 sheets) standard in many bundles; optional 550-sheet tray and other stackers available to increase capacity up to ~850 sheets in typical configurations. 

• ADF / Scanning: Duplex scan capable; scan speeds depend on mode (mono faster than colour). TWAIN/ISIS support for integration with capture systems. 

• Interfaces: Gigabit Ethernet, USB 2.0, optional wireless variants on some SKUs. Standard network protocols supported (IPv4/IPv6, SNMP). 

• Duty cycle / monthly volume: Rated for office workloads; typical recommended monthly volume around up to 6,000 pages for reliable operations (consult local datasheet for exact recommended monthly volume). 

• Supplies: Lexmark Unison™ toner cartridges, available in standard and high-yield variants — check regional part numbers for page yields. 

(Exact numbers and accessory options can vary by region and SKU; always confirm against your local Lexmark datasheet before procurement.) 

Print quality and real-world performance

For text-heavy office work — contracts, invoices, forms, letterhead and memos — the MX310dn delivers consistently sharp output. The 1200-dpi rendering combined with Lexmark’s toner chemistry keeps thin strokes and small fonts legible, which matters in legal and financial documents where readability is critical. Graphics, charts and grayscale images reproduce cleanly for internal presentations and reports; monochrome halftones aren’t as rich as colour devices, but they’re more than sufficient for most business uses. 

Under multi-user load the device’s processor and memory keep job queues moving; first-page-out times are short, which reduces perceived wait for employees sending small, urgent jobs. Duplex printing and the automatic feeder mean frequent multi-page jobs are handled with minimal operator effort. In moderately heavy environments, the optional higher-capacity paper trays and high-yield toner reduce service interruptions. 

Scanning, workflows and software integration

Lexmark equips the MX310dn with the staples of modern document workflows: network scanning to email/folder, TWAIN/ISIS drivers for capture suites, and support for searchable PDF creation when used with OCR software. These features let departments automate accounts payable, HR onboarding and client file capture with straightforward integrations into existing ECM or DMS systems. Lexmark’s fleet and device management tools also let IT monitor usage, push configuration changes and track consumable levels remotely. 

For offices that need more advanced capture (zonal OCR, complex indexing), pairing the MX310dn with a dedicated capture server or third-party software is common; the MFP handles the front-end scanning while backend software performs indexing and routing.

Consumables, maintenance and total cost of ownership

One of the MX310dn’s business strengths is predictable operating cost. Lexmark’s Unison™ toner and available high-yield cartridges help lower cost-per-page for heavier mono workloads. Routine maintenance parts (drum, fuser, rollers) have discrete life cycles and are inexpensive relative to enterprise devices. When comparing TCO to other small-office MFPs, factor in expected monthly volumes, toner yield selection (standard vs high-yield), optional accessories (extra trays, finishers) and service contracts. Leasing or managed print programs are popular for organizations looking to stabilize monthly costs.

Security and manageability

Lexmark includes standard security features appropriate for shared devices: user authentication and access control, network encryption (TLS), secure print and administrative password controls. For regulated environments, the MX310dn can be configured within a secure print workflow and monitored via Lexmark management tools. IT teams should still apply standard protections — network segmentation, strong admin credentials and firmware updates — to keep devices hardened. 

Best fit — who should buy the MX310dn?

The MX310dn is a solid fit for:

• Small to medium workgroups that need a reliable, fast monochrome MFP for printing, scanning and copying. 

• Branch offices and receptionist areas where space is limited but document workflows (scan-to-email, print) are frequent. 

• Cost-sensitive teams whose output is primarily black-and-white — legal, accounting, education and logistics departments often benefit from lower colour spend.

• Organizations standardizing printers — Lexmark’s management tools and fleet capabilities make it easier to administer multiple devices centrally.

It’s less appropriate for teams that require colour print or heavy finishing (booklets, stapled/bound production runs) or for very high-volume production printing measured in tens of thousands of pages per month.

Pros & cons — quick summary

Pros

• Compact, dependable monochrome MFP with good balance of speed and features (duplexing, scanning).

• High-quality monochrome output (1200 dpi) and Lexmark Unison™ toner consistency. 

• Manageable TCO with high-yield cartridges and straightforward maintenance. 

Cons

• Limited to monochrome; not suitable where colour documents are regularly required.

• Basic touchscreen and UI compared with larger MFPs — fewer embedded apps and custom workflows out of the box.

Final thoughts

The Lexmark MX310dn is a pragmatic, no-nonsense monochrome MFP for offices that prioritize reliability, print quality and predictable costs over colour capability. Its mix of solid print speeds, duplexing, scan integration and enterprise-grade toner technology makes it a strong contender for small to medium teams, branch locations and departments that need to centralize black-and-white printing and basic document capture without a large capital outlay. Before purchase, confirm the specific regional SKU, accessory options (extra trays or finishers) and the preferred cartridge yield to ensure you configure the device to match your expected monthly volume and TCO goals.

Selected sources: Lexmark product pages and datasheets for the MX310 series, technical spec PDFs and reseller spec summaries.