Flatbed scanners, also called desktop scanners, are undoubtedly the most versatile and the most widely used of all large format scanners. They can scan pages of a book without having to detach the pages. They are also found to be economical for scanning dried botanical specimen. The medium does not move in the flatbed scanner, unlike in the case of a drum type scanner, and so the scanning speed is not limited by the medium-feed speed, which also rules out any chance of the original getting damaged at the feed rollers. The thickness of medium is also adjustable in a flatbed scanner. However, they require a large table size, and the scanners are not easily carried around. Also, though many small images may be scanned simultaneously in a large format flatbed scanner, the resolution for scanning very small images (such as 35mm film) is often insufficient. Flatbeds with resolution of up to 600dpi (dots per inch) will perform satisfactorily in digitalizing photo prints, paintings and art documents. Scanning film may require up to 2400dpi to show the details in an enlarged print. Flatbeds are not as efficient as drum scanners when it comes to working with long textiles. But for the vast variety of applications, they are the best choice.

Leading manufacturers of large format flatbed scanners in the USA include ACTion Imaging Solutions (formed by the merger of ANAtech, Colortrac, and Tangent), Altek Corporation, Hewlett-Packard, Purup-Eskofot Inc., and Vidar systems. Cruse provides high-end reprographic scanners with the best quality of image and admits scanning media of maximum thickness. However, it is neither intended, nor affordable, for home application. Fujifilm brings out very excellent flatbed scanners for a wide range of applications, including the digitalizing of photo prints and films. The resolution of these flatbeds is comparable with that of drum-type scanners, and the versatility is unmatched. Epson, Screen and CST are other manufacturers of flatbed scanners.

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