Canon imageRUNNER 2945i MFP A3: The High-Speed A3 Powerhouse for Demanding Offices

Introduction: What is the Canon imageRUNNER 2945i?

The Canon imageRUNNER 2945i is a high-performance A3 Monochrome Multifunction Printer engineered for medium to large workgroups with demanding print volumes. It represents a significant step up in speed and productivity, offering robust printing, copying, scanning, and faxing capabilities in a single, efficient device.

Built for environments where time is critical, the iR 2945i combines blistering fast print speeds with advanced workflow features and versatile connectivity, making it an ideal centerpiece for busy offices, corporate departments, and specialized fields that rely on large-format documents.

Key Features & Specifications at a Glance

In-Depth Feature Breakdown

1. Blistering 45 PPM Performance

This is the defining feature of the iR 2945i. A print speed of 45 pages per minute transforms document workflows, drastically reducing waiting time and boosting overall office productivity. This is essential for:

• Corporate Head Offices: Handling high-volume report printing for multiple departments.

• Legal and Financial Firms: Producing massive case binders, financial reports, and A3 legal exhibits at high speed.

• Government Agencies: Managing large-scale document processing and archival.

• In-plant Print Rooms: Serving as a primary machine for internal black-and-white document production.

2. Advanced Large Touchscreen & Workflow

• 10.1-inch Colour Touchscreen: The large, intuitive, tablet-like interface is a significant productivity booster. It allows for easy navigation, custom shortcut creation, and visual previews, making complex tasks simple for all users.

• Advanced Document Handling: With optional finishers, the 2945i can automatically staple, punch, and fold output, creating professional, ready-to-distribute documents directly from the printer.

• Powerful Scanning Solutions: Features like Scan-to-Cloud, Scan-to-Email, and Scan-to-Folder are enhanced with the ability to process large jobs quickly, including automatic duplex scanning for double-sided originals.

3. Comprehensive Connectivity Suite

The 2945i is built for the modern, connected office.

• Wired Network: Gigabit Ethernet provides a fast, reliable backbone for network printing and scanning.

• Wireless LAN (Wi-Fi): Offers placement flexibility and easy access for employees on laptops and mobile devices.

• Wi-Fi Direct: Enables a secure, direct connection between a mobile device or laptop and the printer without needing a network. Perfect for quick, confidential printing from a smartphone or for guests.

4. Toner, Consumables, and High-Volume Economy

• Toner Cartridge: Canon Cartridge 146

• Approximate Yield: Standard-yield cartridge yields approx. 11,000 pages. The ultra-high-yield Cartridge 147 yields approx. 22,000 pages.

• Drum Unit: The separate drum unit (Canon DR-755) has a long life of approximately 55,000 pages.

• Cost-Per-Page: The high-yield toners and long-life drum are designed for high-volume use, resulting in one of the lowest cost-per-page in its class, providing substantial long-term savings.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

1. Paper Jams in High-Capacity Trays

• Cause & Solution: High-volume printing increases the chance of paper feed issues.

  • Follow On-Screen Guides: The large touchscreen provides precise, animated instructions for clearing jams from any location.

  • Paper Quality and Condition: Use high-quality, 20 lb. bond paper recommended by Canon. Avoid damp, curled, or damaged paper, especially in the high-capacity cassettes.

  • Check Feed Rollers: After heavy use, the paper pick-up and separation rollers can wear out and may need replacement by a technician, causing frequent misfeeds.

2. Wi-Fi Direct Connection Challenges

• Cause & Solution: Users often mistake it for a standard Wi-Fi connection.

  • Enable on Printer: Navigate to Device Settings > Network Settings > Wi-Fi Direct Settings on the touchscreen and ensure it is enabled. Note the SSID and password.

  • Connect on Device: On your phone/laptop, go to Wi-Fi settings, select the printer’s direct network name, and enter the password. Remember, your device will be disconnected from the internet while connected via Wi-Fi Direct.

3. Print Quality Degradation (Faint Prints, Streaks)

• Cause & Solution: High throughput can accelerate consumable wear.

  • Low Toner: Replace the Canon 146/147 toner cartridge.

  • Worn Drum Unit: Ghosting (repeating faint images) or fine black streaks indicate a DR-755 drum unit near the end of its life.

  • Professional Service: For persistent issues like broad streaks or smearing, the fuser unit may need service or replacement—contact a Canon technician.

4. Scan to Folder Authentication Failures

• Cause & Solution: A common issue in networked environments.

  • Verify Credentials: Passwords for the network share may have expired or changed. Re-enter the username and password in the printer’s address book.

  • Check Path Syntax: Ensure the network path (e.g., \\server\sharename) is correct and the shared folder permissions allow the printer to write files.

What is the primary difference between the Canon 2930i and the 2945i?

The main difference is speed and duty cycle. The imageRUNNER 2930i prints at 30 ppm, while the imageRUNNER 2945i is significantly faster at 45 ppm. The 2945i also has a larger standard paper capacity and a higher recommended monthly volume, making it suited for more demanding environments.

What toner does the Canon imageRUNNER 2945i use?

It uses the Canon 146 Cartridge (standard yield, ~11,000 pages) and the Canon 147 Cartridge (high yield, ~22,000 pages). For a machine of this speed, the Canon 147 is highly recommended to minimize downtime and cost-per-page.

Can the Canon 2945i scan directly to Google Drive or OneDrive?

Yes, it can. The 2945i supports Canon’s cloud connectivity, allowing you to configure and scan directly to various cloud storage services like Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, and others directly from the touchscreen interface.

How do I print from my Android phone to the Canon 2945i?

You have two excellent options:

1. Mopria Print Service: Ensure your Android phone has Mopria enabled (often built-in). With the phone on the same Wi-Fi network as the printer, simply select the print option and choose the 2945i.

2. Wi-Fi Direct: Connect your phone directly to the printer’s Wi-Fi Direct network and use Mopria or the Canon PRINT App for printing and scanning.

Is the Canon 2945i a good printer for an architectural firm?

Absolutely. Its high-speed A3 capability is perfect for quickly producing large-format site plans, elevations, and sections. The fast, high-quality scanning also makes digitizing old blueprints and drawings efficient, and the large paper capacity reduces the need for frequent reloading.

Final Verdict

The Canon imageRUNNER 2945i is a true high-volume A3 powerhouse that delivers exceptional speed, advanced workflow features, and robust connectivity. Its 45 ppm engine, large intuitive touchscreen, and comprehensive paper handling options make it a strategic asset for any busy office that cannot afford to be slowed down by its printing infrastructure. If your business demands professional-grade speed and reliability for both A4 and A3 documents, the imageRUNNER 2945i is a top-tier investment.