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Some offices prefer to prioritize pure print performance over copying and scanning in an office.
If your teams are printing large volumes of reports or marketing materials every day, and they already have other systems handling scanning and document workflows, a multifunction printer (MFP) can feel unnecessary.
A single-function device like the Lexmark CS963 could be the solution.
We’ve worked with businesses that need an all-in-one device, and ones that opt for a dedicated print engine. This review is designed to help you decide if the Lexmark CS963 A3 color printer is the right fit for your workflow.
We’ll walk through its features, strengths, tradeoffs, cost considerations, and who will benefit most from it.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Lexmark CS963?
- Lexmark CS963 Basics
- Key Features
- Pros and Cons
- How Much Does the CS963 Cost?
- Who Should Buy the CS963?
- Is the Lexmark CS963 Worth It?
- FAQ
Short Answer: Is the Lexmark CS963 Worth Considering?
The Lexmark CS963 is an A3 color printer that prints up to 55 ppm. It’s designed for large workgroups that need fast, high-volume printing without scanning or copying functions. Its biggest strengths are its speed, media flexibility, finishing options, and ability to bring more print work in-house.
What Is the Lexmark CS963?
The Lexmark CS963 is a high-speed A3 color printer (not a multifunction device) built for organizations that need fast, reliable output at scale.
With print speeds up to 55 pages per minute, it’s ideal for departments that print constantly and are time-sensitive.
Unlike the CX series, this model focuses primarily on printing performance (single-function).
This model excels in high print-volume environments where scanning is handled elsewhere.
Lexmark CS963 Basics
- Print Speed: Up to 55 ppm color and black-and-white
- Monthly Duty Cycle: Up to 270,000 pages per month
- Recommended Monthly Print Volume: 7,000 – 50,000 pages
- Paper capacity: Up to 4,750 sheets max
- Print Resolution: 1200 x 1200 dpi
- Media Support: Up to SRA3 and 12 x 18"
- Base Model Weight: 8 lb.
These specs position the CS963 as a high-volume print engine for large teams and centralized print environments.
Below is the Lexmark CS963
Lexmark CS963 Key Features
High-Speed Output for Print-Heavy Workflows
The CS963 offers a fast print speed, which directly impacts productivity.
With 55 ppm output and fast first-page-out times, it keeps large print jobs moving without delays.
This makes it valuable for:
- Centralized departments
- Internal print rooms
- Schools and universities
- Finance and reporting teams
- Organizations printing large daily volumes
Simple UI and Easy Maintenance
Even though it’s a fast device, the CS963 is designed to stay approachable.
The 4.3-inch color touchscreen is easy to navigate for print jobs, settings, and device status.
While it’s not as app-heavy as MFP devices, it still supports:
- Cloud-connected workflows
- Print management tools
- Integration with broader document systems
That simplicity also carries into maintenance.
Features like:
- One-handed toner replacement
- Easy-access service areas
- Clear status alerts
help reduce downtime and make it easier for teams to keep the printer running without constantly involving IT.
A3 and SRA3 Media Flexibility + Professional Output
The CS963 supports:
- A3 (tabloid) printing for reports, spreadsheets, and presentations
- SRA3 (Supplementary Raw Format A) for extra bleed space, booklets, and marketing materials
This allows teams to produce larger, more polished documents in-house instead of outsourcing them.
It also offers professional color features, including PANTONE® calibration, which helps keep color output consistent across branded materials and visual documents.
Optional finishing includes:
- Stapling
- Hole punching
- Booklet creation
- Folding
- Offset stacking
With these output options, the CS963 can help businesses that want to bring more print production in-house.
Enterprise-Level Security
Like all Lexmark 9-Series models, the CS963 uses the Secure by Design framework. It includes built-in security features such as:
- Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
- Secure boot
- Encrypted data handling
- Network security protocols
- Certificate management
- Audit Logging
This helps protect sensitive documents and aligns with enterprise IT requirements.
Lexmark CS963 Pros and Cons
How Much Does the CS963 Cost?
The CS963 is configurable, so you can add components such as input and finishing options. The final cost will depend on what accessories you pick and whether you decide to add software subscriptions and service agreements later.
If you want to know the long-term cost (true cost of ownership) of your printer, though, you’ll have to look at factors such as:
- Finishing modules
- Additional trays
- Service agreements
- Software
- Installation
While it may cost more upfront than smaller office printers, it can reduce outsourcing costs and improve efficiency for high-volume environments.
Who Should Buy the CS963?
Best fit
- Centralized print environments
- High-volume departments
- Schools and universities
- Finance teams
- Marketing teams producing large print runs
- Businesses with separate scanning solutions
Not ideal
- Small offices
- Teams needing scanning or copying
- Low print volumes
- Businesses needing an all-in-one device
Is the Lexmark CS963 Worth It
The Lexmark CS963 is a powerful A3 color printer built for organizations that need speed, volume, and professional output without the added complexity of a multifunction device.
Its biggest strengths are its 55 ppm performance, media flexibility, finishing options, and consistent color output.
For print-heavy environments, it’s a strong solution that can reduce bottlenecks and bring more work in-house.
FAQ
Is the CS963 a multifunction printer?
No. It is a print-only A3 color printer, designed for high-volume output.
Does the CS963 support A3 and SRA3?
Yes. It supports both, allowing for large-format documents and extra space for bleed, crop marks, and trim.
Who is the CS963 best for?
It’s best for high-volume environments that already have scanning solutions and need faster, dedicated printing.
See If the CS963 Fits Your Print Environment
If your team is printing high volumes daily and doesn’t need scanning or copying, the next step is to compare your print volume, finishing needs, and workflow setup to the right configuration.
Use our Product Configurator to compare the CS963 with other Lexmark and Xerox A3 printers based on your volume and media needs.
Not sure if a print-only device is the right move? Request a quote, and we’ll help you determine whether the CS963 or an MFP is the better fit.
