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PFU has launched the RICOH SP-2230 and RICOH SP-2240 document scanners, adding lower-cost, USB-only options to its SP Series for PC-based scanning.
The new models are aimed at organisations that run document capture through a dedicated PC and do not need Ethernet connectivity or PC-free scanning. They sit below the network-enabled RICOH SP-2230N and SP-2240N introduced earlier, offering a cheaper option for the same type of office workflow.
Retail pricing is GBP £358 for the SP-2230 and GBP £456 for the SP-2240. Both models connect by USB only, clearly distinguishing them from the N versions in the same range.
Workflow focus
The scanners are intended for businesses that want routine digitisation without paying for network features they may not need. PFU has kept the paper handling and image processing features of the higher-specification models while removing Ethernet connectivity and DirectScan support.
The SP-2240 scans at up to 40 pages per minute and the SP-2230 at up to 30 pages per minute. Each model has an 80-sheet automatic document feeder and a compact footprint for desks where space is limited.
The scanners support a wide range of media types and weights, from 27gsm till receipts to 413gsm folders, as well as standard office documents, plastic cards and A3 sheets folded in half.
Mixed batches can be fed together without pre-sorting by paper type or weight. The devices also include lag detection to help protect original documents during scanning.
Image quality
PFU is positioning image capture quality at the centre of the launch, linking the products to its longer history in document scanning. The new models use PFU Clear Image Capture technology in the hardware, while the bundled PaperStream IP driver processes scanned images on the connected PC.
The software sharpens characters and reduces background colour, shading, patterns and marks. PFU says this combination is designed to produce cleaner images for optical character recognition and reduce the need for manual correction after capture.
Automatic paper size detection and image rotation are also included. These functions are intended to reduce user intervention in everyday scanning jobs and keep files consistent when batches contain different document formats.
Software options
The two scanners are also being pitched as straightforward tools for front-line office use. PaperStream ClickScan lets users scan and save documents either from a right-click menu on a PC or from a button on the device itself.
For more structured document workflows, the scanners can also be used with other software in the PaperStream range. This supports data extraction and transfer into downstream business systems.
The launch reflects a common split in office hardware demand between networked devices for shared use and simpler peripherals tied to individual workstations. With USB-only connectivity, PFU is targeting customers that want lower purchase costs and simpler setup for fixed-location scanning tasks.
Ricoh, PFU's parent company, operates in about 200 countries and regions and reported worldwide sales of 2,608 billion yen, or about USD $16.4 billion, in the financial year ended March 2026. PFU, founded in Japan in 1960, focuses on document imaging products and IT infrastructure support services.
Yasunari Shimizu, President and CEO of PFU (EMEA), said the launch is aimed at organisations that do not need network connectivity or PC-free scanning.
"The SP-2230 and SP-2240 give customers a more affordable option for PC-based workflows, while retaining the reliable performance, high-quality image capture and ease of use for which RICOH scanners are known," he said.