Xerox WorkCentre 3550: monochrome printing with local USB and network scanning review

Monochrome documents with two practical computer scan routes

The Xerox WorkCentre 3550 is an earlier monochrome laser multifunction printer with color scanning, automatic two-sided printing, a 60-sheet duplex document feeder and embedded analog fax. The reviewed US configuration is 3550/X, identified by Xerox's original configuration list as a 110 V print, copy, scan and fax machine.

Its useful connection choice is between direct USB Local PC scanning and configured network scanning. The network PC workflow specifically uses the Windows Network Scan Manager and scan driver. Wireless requires an optional adapter, and old software listings need checking against the computer that will actually use the printer.

USB scanning is explicitly supported

For the local route, connect the printer to the computer with USB and install the scan driver. The guide directs the user to Scan, Local PC, sidedness settings and the destination; My Documents is the documented default. A Not Available message calls for checking the connection and setup.

For a network PC, configure the printer and Windows utility first. Select Network PC, the relevant login and destination, then resolution, color and file format. This is more specific than simply seeing Ethernet in an interface list. Scan-to-FTP, SMB and email also depend on their own configured destinations and access policies.

The front USB memory function is separate from the computer cable. Saving a scan on a flash drive does not establish how a computer driver or network destination behaves.

Legal feeder support and glass support are different

The automatic feeder accepts originals from 69.9 by 145 to 216 by 356 mm at 50–120 gsm. It supports ordinary Letter, Legal and A4 originals, with automatic two-sided scanning. The sources do not establish whether that process uses reversing or a single-pass sensor arrangement.

The actual glass loading instructions confirm Letter and A4. A general 8.5-by-14-inch maximum scan area does not establish a Legal glass, so a bound Legal document needs a more specifically documented flatbed alternative. On this machine, use the glass for suitable single originals and the feeder for supported loose stacks.

Color scanning does not change the print engine's monochrome output. The declared scan rates are separate from print speed and vary between black and color acquisition.

Count 550 ordinary sheets and keep duplex separate

The standard package includes a 500-sheet main tray and 50-sheet bypass. Both accept ordinary Letter, Legal and A4, totaling 550 at the US specification's 20 lb, 75 gsm basis. A further 500-sheet drawer is optional, so 1,050 sheets describes an expanded arrangement.

Automatic Letter/A4 duplex is positively documented, including separate speed figures and the driver's long-edge or short-edge choices. The exact Legal automatic-duplex size path remains unestablished here. Match the actual media, source and driver settings rather than assigning every supported one-sided size to the duplex path.

The older guide uses 80 gsm for the same capacity counts and gives a narrower ordinary main-tray weight range. Respect the actual loading line and choose compatible stock instead of filling solely to a nominal headline.

Confidential jobs and fax need their own setup

Secure Print appears among the standard printing features. The Windows guide describes holding a job until its passcode is entered at the control panel. That routine has no stated requirement for the optional extra memory. Proof printing is a different function that holds remaining copies after producing a sample.

Embedded fax requires an appropriate analog telephone line and fax settings. It can coexist with either computer connection, but the telephone path is separate from USB or Ethernet. Native AirPrint and Mopria remain unestablished; a Mobile Express Driver name does not establish phone-native printing.

Envelopes use a five-item bypass routine

The original envelope instructions allow at most five, loaded short edge first with flaps up. Open the rear output and release the specified green fuser levers as directed by the guide, then select the actual envelope size, type and bypass source.

The driver settings override the panel for computer jobs. This specialty routine does not inherit the 550-sheet ordinary capacity or automatic duplex.

Use ordinary volume and complete-machine measurements

Xerox declares up to 35 one-sided Letter pages per minute and 33 A4. The later US sheet separately gives 17/16 for automatic duplex, slightly lower than the older guide. Current ordinary monthly guidance is up to 8,000 pages, while the 75,000 duty figure is a separate declaration.

The original supplied cartridge has a declared 5,000-page capacity; replacements are declared around 5,000 or 11,000 standard pages. Original editions differ on ordering codes, so verify the actual unit's region and supply identity.

The body measures 22.9 by 19.2 by 21.8 inches. Its 51.59-pound declaration excludes the cartridge, so it is not a complete working-weight limit. Leave operating and maintenance room, and compare a machine with an explicitly Legal-size glass if that document route is essential.