Introduction

The Ricoh Aficio SG 3100SNw is a compact A4 desktop colour multifunction printer (MFP) built around Ricoh’s “GELJET™” print technology (a viscous pigment-based ink) and designed for small offices or work-groups that need full-colour print/copy/scan capability, networked connectivity (including wireless), duplexing and reasonably high speed in a small footprint. 
Although it is now discontinued in many markets, the device remains an interesting example of ink-based (rather than toner) colour MFPs for business use. I’ll explore where it shines, its strengths and its limitations.

Key Features & What Makes It Stand Out

Here are some of the standout features of the SG 3100SNw:

• GELJET colour print technology: The SG 3100SNw uses Ricoh’s GELJET viscous-ink system. These inks are pigmented, dry fast, resist smudging and are suitable for two-sided printing without smearing. 

• High resolution output: The device supports print resolutions up to “3,600 × 1,200 dpi equivalent”. 

• Decent speed for its class: Up to 29 pages per minute (ppm) in full colour or black & white (A4) in high-speed mode. 

• Duplex printing standard: Automatic two-sided printing is built in, which helps with paper savings and more professional output. 

• Compact size, network & wireless ready: With wireless LAN (802.11 b/g/n) included (the “w” in the model name), plus Ethernet and USB, the SG 3100SNw is network-ready. Its dimensions are relatively compact and its weight modest (~15 kg) for an MFP. 

• Versatile media handling: The bypass tray (optional) supports heavier media (up to ~256 g/m²) and custom lengths for things like banners or signage. 

• Eco-friendly/low power standby: The unit is ENERGY STAR compliant, with a very low energy-save (standby) power draw. 

• Business-oriented MFP functions: While the basic model focuses on print/copy/scan, it supports document handling suitable for many business workflows.

Detailed Specifications

Here are more detailed specs you’d want to know when evaluating the SG 3100SNw:

Print / Copy / Scan Specs

• Print/copy speed: Up to 29 ppm for A4 colour or mono in high-speed mode. 

• First-page out time: Black & white ~5.5 seconds or less; Colour ~7 seconds or less. 

• Resolution: Up to 3,600 × 1,200 dpi equivalent. Standard printable resolution for colour prints. 

• Copy resolution: Up to 600 × 600 dpi (mono/colour) typically. Zoom from 25% to 400% in 1% increments. Maximum copies up to 99. 

• Scan resolution: TWAIN scan resolution up to 1,200 dpi (for scanned originals) as per spec sheets. 

Paper Handling

• Standard paper tray: 250 sheets. (Standard capacity) 

• Optional paper supply units: Up to 2 × 250-sheet trays can be added; plus optional 100-sheet bypass tray. Max capacity up to ~850 sheets.

• Output capacity: Standard 100 sheets output (face up/down selectable) in driver settings. 

• Supported paper sizes: Up to Legal (8.5" × 14" in US/Letter markets) and via bypass even longer banner stock (up to 8.5" × 51" in some markets) and heavy stock up to ~256 g/m² via bypass. 

• Duplex printing: Standard automatic duplex unit built-in. 

Interfaces & Connectivity

• Standard interfaces: USB 2.0, 10/100Base-TX Ethernet, Wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n). 

• Supported network protocols: TCP/IP (IPv4/IPv6) among others.

• Supported OS: Windows XP/Vista/7/Server 2003/2008, Mac OS X v10.5 or later. 

Physical / Environmental / Maintenance

• Dimensions (W × D × H): ~399 × 436.5 × 329.5 mm (15.7" × 17.2" × 12.9"). 

• Weight: Approx. 15.3 kg (33.8 lb) for main unit. 

• Warm-up time: ~35 seconds or less (from main power to print ready). 

• Power consumption: For example standard operating ~30W; Energy Saver standby ~3–4W depending on region. 

• Monthly duty cycle: (As given in some spec sheets) up to ~10,000 prints/month for the unit. 

Consumables & Print Yield

• Cartridges (regular yield): Black around 2,500 prints; Cyan/Magenta/Yellow around 2,200 prints each (in one region’s spec).

• Supports genuine Ricoh/GELJET cartridges; also supports high-density media and features such as the waste ink collector unit. Maintenance kits such as ink collector are required periodically. 

Performance & Business-Use Insights

Colour Quality & Output

Thanks to the GELJET pigment-based ink system and high resolution (3,600 × 1,200 dpi), the SG 3100SNw produces high quality colour prints with sharp text and vibrant graphics. The fast-drying inks enable duplex printing and immediate handling without smearing—an advantage over many standard ink-jets. Reviews noted that heavy media up to ~256 g/m² (or ~140 lb index) is supported via bypass, enabling heavier stock like brochures or signage. 

For business use where colour documents, marketing collateral, in-house signage or full-colour proposals are needed, the SG 3100SNw meets many requirements. The built-in duplex and fairly high speed make it suitable for work-group tasks rather than just occasional colour prints.

Speed & Productivity

At up to 29 ppm colour/mono in high-speed mode, the machine offers respectable productivity for a small office MFP. First page out times (5.5s B&W, ~7s colour) mean minimal wait for users. In real world operation, the speed combined with duplex and network/wireless connectivity means the device can serve multiple users and handle moderate volume fairly smoothly.

Network & Wireless Flexibility

The inclusion of wireless LAN makes the SG 3100SNw a good fit for flexible office layouts, branch offices, or areas where wired cabling is impractical. It supports network printing (Ethernet) and USB host device connections. This makes it suitable for shared use, hot-desking, or mixed wired/wireless deployments.

Media Flexibility

The ability to load heavy stock via bypass, plus support for custom banner lengths (in some regions) increases the device’s versatility beyond standard office letter/A4 printing. This means departments like marketing, retail signage, catalogue printing, or in-house creative teams can use it for more than just memos. Combined with the high resolution, you get decent output for both internal and external-facing materials.

Cost & TCO Considerations

While the SG 3100SNw offers many business-friendly features, there are business trade-offs. Consumables (colour cartridges) will cost more than basic mono printers; while the unit supports moderate volume, ultra-high volume printing (tens of thousands of pages per month) may push its limits. Also, as an ink-based MFP rather than a toner-based laser, media handling and long-term durability under heavy use may differ. It’s important to calculate cost per page (including cartridges, maintenance kits like the waste ink collector, power consumption, etc.) in your region.

Suitable Business Use Cases

Here are business scenarios where the SG 3100SNw excels:

• Small to medium offices that require full-colour printing/copying/scanning with duplex, but cannot justify large enterprise MFDs.

• Work-groups or branch offices where wireless connectivity and flexible placement are desired, and a moderate print volume is expected.

• Marketing, retail or creative departments that want the ability to print out colour collateral, signage or in-house materials without outsourcing. The heavy media bypass support is a plus here.

• Offices with space constraints — the compact footprint and relatively lightweight design make it suitable for desks or small print areas.

• Cost-conscious colour print users — compared to full high-end colour laser MFDs, the GELJET-based SG 3100SNw offers an affordable colour multifunction solution with many features.

Considerations and Limitations

• For very high volume printing (e.g., thousands of pages of colour per day), a higher-capacity laser colour MFD with larger paper trays, finishing options (staple/booklet) and service contracts might be more appropriate.

• Although the unit supports duplex and heavy media, the bypass tray is optional for heavy stock; base configuration may be more modest.

• Being discontinued in many markets means support, parts and consumable availability may vary; firms should check with local Ricoh support for ongoing service.

• While offering scanning, the SG 3100SNw is not as feature-rich as dedicated scan servers/MFDs; if heavy scanning workflows are needed then alternatives may be considered.

• The cost per colour page (ink + maintenance) may still be higher than mono output — colour usage should be planned wisely.

Summary & Final Thoughts

The Ricoh Aficio SG 3100SNw is a well-rounded colour multifunction device aimed at small offices or workgroups that need more than just basic mono printing. With its GELJET technology, decent speed (29 ppm), duplex printing, wireless/network connectivity and high resolution colour output, it provides capable business-grade colour printing/copying/scanning in a compact footprint.

From a business-use standpoint, its sweet spot is the “mid-tier” print environment: where colour documents are frequently needed, internal production of marketing materials or signage is beneficial, and space/network flexibility matter — but where a full large-scale enterprise MFD might be overkill.

If you’re considering it for purchase (or already have one), some due-diligence items:

• Check local availability of consumables (cartridges & waste ink units) and service support.

• Estimate your colour page volumes and cost per page (including ink + maintenance) to ensure financial viability.

• Confirm you have optional bypass tray or additional paper feed units if you expect heavy media or large tray capacity needs.

• Consider scanning and finishing requirements: if heavy scanning or finishing (stapling/booklet) is needed, evaluate whether the SG 3100SNw meets those workflows or whether a larger MFD is required.

In conclusion: if your business needs colour multifunction printing and copying in moderate volumes with flexible connectivity and good output quality, the SG 3100SNw is a compelling choice — especially in environments where space, wireless connectivity and media versatility matter.