Kyocera TASKalfa 3051ci — Features, Specs, Performance & Business Use 

The Kyocera TASKalfa 3051ci is an A3 colour multifunction (print / copy / scan / optional fax) engineered for busy workgroups that need dependable colour output, robust media handling and fast document capture without moving to a large production press. Positioned in Kyocera’s TASKalfa family, the 3051ci balances workplace durability and professional output — making it a common choice for mid-sized offices, branch locations and in-house reprographic teams that want to bring short-run colour jobs under IT control. Below is a deep look at the machine’s features, specifications, real-world performance, business strengths and deployment considerations.

Quick technical snapshot (the essentials)

• Print / copy speed: up to 30 pages per minute (ppm) (A4) in colour and mono.

• Print resolution: native 600 × 600 dpi with advanced interpolation to produce finer output (Kyocera lists enhanced modes up to 9,600 × 600 dpi equivalent). 

• Scan: single-pass duplex scanning available with high capture speeds (device families in the series support rapid duplex rates). 

• Monthly duty cycle: rated up to 150,000 pages (depending on spec sheet / reseller listing) — designed for heavy departmental workloads. 

• Paper capacity: standard configurations commonly ship with around 1,100–1,750 sheets (multiple 550-sheet cassettes + MPT) and are expandable with optional trays and finishers. 

• Consumable yields: typical toner yields quoted ~25,000 pages (black) and 15,000 pages (C/M/Y) at 5% coverage for many TASKalfa 3051ci cartridges.

These core figures explain the 3051ci’s appeal: A3 capability, stable colour, and duty ratings that suit continuous office use.

Design, user interface & paper handling

Physically, the TASKalfa 3051ci is a floor console (A3) with a relatively compact footprint for the class and modular options for finishing and additional trays. The front control surface is a large colour touchscreen that runs Kyocera’s intuitive UI: customizable shortcuts, job previews and one-touch scan/print functions reduce training time for non-technical staff.

Paper handling is a strong suit. The machine supports a wide range of sizes (A6 → A3 and banner lengths depending on configuration), automatic duplex as standard, and multi-tray setups that let departments assign dedicated paper stocks (e.g., A3 bond, envelopes, heavy cardstock) to individual trays. Optional finishers provide staple, hole-punch and booklet-style finishing for distribution-ready materials. Because the trays and front covers are user-accessible, routine maintenance and replenishing toners or clearing jams are straightforward for onsite staff.

Print quality & media flexibility

At its heart, the 3051ci uses Kyocera’s proven LED imaging and fine toner chemistry to deliver crisp text and reliable colour for office and marketing materials. The native 600 × 600 dpi engine, combined with Kyocera’s image processing, produces fine line art and legible small type — important for schematics, charts, invoices and technical documents. Interpolated modes and driver options further smooth gradients and photos for client-facing collateral. For most corporate and branch-level print needs (presentations, brochures, posters up to A3), the output is professional without requiring dedicated proofing gear. 

Media handling is broad: the device reliably feeds heavier stocks and envelopes (within spec), and some configurations support extended banner printing or specialty media. That flexibility makes it suitable for marketing teams that occasionally need point-of-sale signage or for architects printing small A3 plans on demand. 

Speed, throughput & scanning performance

The 30 ppm rating is a realistic working number for typical office text documents and mixed print jobs; dense full-colour pages, A3-sized prints, and heavy duplex jobs naturally reduce effective throughput. Kyocera designs the TASKalfa series to sustain higher monthly volumes with robust feeding systems and serviceable parts — so the machine won’t struggle under intermittent bursts of heavy use. Real-world first-page times are competitive (single-digit seconds for many modes), which matters for walk-up users who frequently need quick proofs. 

On the scanning side, the TASKalfa line’s duplex feeders (single-pass on many models in the family) provide fast two-sided capture for records management and mailroom workflows. Scanning integrates with standard office destinations (SMB/FTP/email/USB), and Kyocera supports searchable PDF/OCR workflows via bundled software — useful for document digitization projects and paper-to-digital processes. 

Software, security & integration

Kyocera packages the 3051ci with enterprise-grade connectivity and software options. Standard network features include Gigabit Ethernet, PCL and PostScript drivers, and support for mobile printing standards (AirPrint, Mopria) on many installations. Kyocera’s Command Center RX web admin, device management and accounting tools allow IT to push firmware, monitor meters, set user authentication and track print usage for cost allocation. 

Security features are typical for the class: user authentication (PIN/card release), secure print (hold and release), protocol hardening (IPsec/SSL), and optional secure erase for internal storage on devices outfitted with HDD options. For compliance-conscious environments (legal, HR, finance), these features allow administrators to enforce confidential printing and maintain audit trails. Many resellers also support Kyocera’s integrations to ECM systems and SharePoint connectors for streamlined document routing. 

Reliability, serviceability & TCO

The TASKalfa brand emphasizes reliability and low total cost of ownership. The 3051ci’s modular design keeps the most service-intensive parts accessible; user-replaceable toner units and front-loading maintenance items shorten on-site service times. Consumable yields (roughly 25k black / 15k colour at 5% coverage on typical Kyocera kits) and separate drum/fuser lifecycles allow predictable supply planning — important when modelling cost per page.

For larger deployments, most organizations bundle the device into a managed print services (MPS) contract that covers supplies and SLAs; this often yields the best TCO by stabilizing monthly costs and ensuring fast service response. Energy-saving modes, quick warm-up and efficient toner systems also reduce operational costs versus older technologies.

Business use cases — where the TASKalfa 3051ci fits best

1. Mid-sized departmental printing: HR, procurement, and operations departments that need reliable A3/A4 colour and heavy duty cycles find the 3051ci a solid central device. 

2. Branch offices / satellite consolidation: Regional sites that previously outsourced colour jobs can reduce turnaround and cost by handling short-run flyers, reports and posters in-house. 

3. Marketing & design proofs: Quick proofs and small batches of marketing collateral can be produced on demand (note: not a replacement for contract proofing for press-grade colour matching). 

4. Records conversion & capture: Fast duplex scanning and OCR integration makes the device useful in mailrooms and records digitization projects. 

Drawbacks & limitations to consider

• Colour-critical proofing: While very good for office and client-facing materials, the TASKalfa’s colour pipeline is not a substitute for dedicated proofing presses and high-end colour management workflows. If you need contract-grade colour fidelity, budget for profiling and calibration or a proofing device. 

• Footprint & noise: The 3051ci is a floor-standing A3 console and takes more space than small desktop A4 MFPs; it’s best located in a print room or copy area rather than directly on open office desks. Some configurations (with finishers and additional trays) require a dedicated installation area. 

• Age of platform: The TASKalfa 3051ci was introduced as part of Kyocera’s earlier TASKalfa generation; check your reseller for current firmware, driver support and whether a newer model (if you require the latest cloud integrations) would be preferable. 

Deployment tips & best practices

1. Right-size the configuration: Choose trays and finishers that match your regular workflows — don’t over-spec to save upfront cost, but don’t under-spec and create constant user friction. 

2. Use genuine consumables: Authentic Kyocera toners and maintenance kits maximize uptime and protect warranty coverage. 

3. Implement secure print: For regulated documents enable PIN/card release workflows and keep an audit trail.

4. Plan service & spares: For mission-critical environments buy a service contract and keep common spares/toners in stock to avoid downtime during busy periods. 

Final verdict

The Kyocera TASKalfa 3051ci is a robust A3 colour MFP that delivers a practical mix of speed, reliability and media flexibility for departmental and branch environments. It’s well-suited to organizations that need dependable on-demand colour, solid scanning/capture workflows and predictable operating costs. If your business seeks to consolidate colour jobs in-house, speed up turnaround for marketing/operations, or scale scanning workflows, the 3051ci remains a sensible and cost-effective choice — provided you match the device options and service plan to real usage patterns. 

Sources & further reading
Manufacturer brochures, datasheets and reseller spec pages for the Kyocera TASKalfa 3051ci; Kyocera user and operation manuals and reseller product pages that list duty cycles, speeds and consumable yields. Example sources: Kyocera/TASKalfa brochures and datasheets and supporting reseller pages.