Xerox AltaLink B8245: A Powerful Black-and-White Printing for High-Volume Workplaces

The Xerox AltaLink B8245 is a black-and-white multifunction printer built for medium to large offices that print in volume. It runs at up to 45 pages per minute, handles up to 50,000 pages a month, and starts at about $12,050.

TL;DR

The B8245 is a high-speed monochrome machine from Xerox’s B8200 series, aimed at busy workgroups that don’t need color. A 10.1-inch touchscreen runs ConnectKey apps, including AI tools that redact, summarize, and convert handwritten notes. Finishing options such as stapling, hole-punching, and booklet-making add flexibility, though they also add size and cost. Small offices and low-volume users will pay for capacity they never use, so leasing or a smaller model is the better route for them.

Key takeaways

• Its duty cycle reaches 200,000 pages a month, with a recommended volume of up to 50,000, and the first page prints in 3.7 seconds.
• Three AI apps come preinstalled with free starter credits: auto-redaction for sensitive text, a document summarizer, and a note converter that turns handwriting into editable Word files.
• Security covers network intrusion protection, data encryption and overwrite, document-level safeguards, and firmware verification at setup, with Xerox working alongside McAfee/Trellix and Cisco.
• Paper handling includes two 520-sheet trays, a tandem tray that brings capacity up to 3,140 sheets, and a 100-sheet bypass tray.
• At 286 pounds and roughly 24 by 28 by 44 inches, it needs real floor space, and the Wi-Fi kit adds about $139.

Are you overwhelmed by the many options for choosing the right printer or copier for your office? With close to four decades of experience specializing in Xerox products, we understand the challenges and know what it takes to select the perfect solution.

The Xerox AltaLink B8245 is a high-performance black-and-white multifunction printer (MFP) designed for medium- to large-sized offices that demand reliability, speed, and efficiency. In this review, we’ll cover its specifications, key features, accessories, pros, cons, costs, and who this machine is best suited for.

Key Specifications

The AltaLink B8245 is part of Xerox’s B8200 series, built for offices that need high-volume, high-speed black-and-white printing. Key specs include:

• Print Speed: Up to 45 pages per minute (ppm)
• Monthly Duty Cycle: Up to 200,000 pages
• Recommended Monthly Volume: Up to 50,000 pages
• Print Resolution: 1200 x 2400 dpi
• Copy Resolution: 600 x 600 dpi
• First-Print-Out-Time: 3.7 seconds (B&W)
• First-Copy-Out-Time: 4.1 seconds (B&W)
• Base Weight: 286 lbs
• Starting Price: Around $12,050

With these specs, the B8245 is ideal for busy offices needing fast, reliable printing without color requirements. Its robust duty cycle ensures it can handle large workloads consistently.

ConnectKey Technology & App Gallery

Like other AltaLink MFPs, the B8245 features Xerox ConnectKey Technology, which transforms it into a smart workplace assistant. Its 10.1-inch customizable touchscreen allows quick access to productivity tools and cloud services.

Three AI apps come pre-installed with initial free credits:

• Xerox Auto-Redaction App: Automatically redacts sensitive information in documents
• Xerox Summarizer App: Condenses lengthy documents into concise summaries
• Xerox Note Converter App: Converts handwritten notes into editable Word files

Additional apps from the Xerox App Gallery can enhance workflow automation, document scanning, and mobile printing — perfect for finance, healthcare, legal, and corporate offices.

Advanced User Experience

The AltaLink B8245 reduces repetitive tasks with:

• Adaptive Learning & Automation: Creates 1-Touch shortcuts for frequent tasks
• Smart Reminders: Prompts users to use previously set shortcuts
• Personalized Interface: Prioritizes frequently used apps for quicker access

These features save time and simplify daily office operations.

Security Features

Security is a priority for the B8245, using a four-point approach:

• Protection against network intrusions and unauthorized access
• Secure data encryption and overwrite
• Document-level safeguards
• Firmware verification during setup

Xerox partners with McAfee/Trellix and Cisco to enhance security with whitelisting and identity management, making it suitable for offices handling sensitive information.

Configurations & Finishing Options

The B8245 offers multiple configurations:

• Single-Pass Duplex Automatic Document Feeder (DADF)
• Two 520-sheet adjustable trays
• High-capacity tandem tray (up to 3,140 sheets)
• Bypass tray (up to 100 sheets)

Optional accessories include RFID card readers, envelope trays, and USB keyboard/shelf kits. Finishing options include:

• Dual Offset Catch Tray
• Office Finisher with stapling, hole-punch, or booklet maker
• Business Ready Finisher
• C-Fold/Z-Fold Unit
• Integrated Office Finisher

Adding accessories or finishers increases machine size and cost but enhances functionality.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

1. All-in-One Solution: Combines printing, scanning, and copying in one device (fax optional).
2. High-Volume Capability: Handles up to 50,000 pages per month, built for long-term reliability.

Cons:

1. Large Size: 286 lbs, requiring ample office space (24.4” W × 28.5” D × 44.5” H).
2. No Color Printing: Only prints in black-and-white, limiting use for marketing materials or color documents.

Cost Considerations

• Base price: ~$12,050
• Optional Wi-Fi kit costs ~$139 

Leasing and trade-in options are available to reduce upfront investment. Accessories and finishers increase cost but can significantly improve workflow capabilities.

Who Should Consider the AltaLink B8245?

Ideal For:

• Medium to large offices with high-volume printing needs
• Businesses requiring advanced workflow automation and ConnectKey apps
• Offices needing finishing options like stapling, hole-punching, or booklet-making
• Long-term printing investment

Not Ideal For:

• Small offices or low-volume users
• Businesses requiring color printing
• Those lacking sufficient space or electrical infrastructure

Efficient, Secure, and Built for Volume

The Xerox AltaLink B8245 is a reliable, high-volume black-and-white multifunction printer designed to streamline office workflows, secure sensitive data, and handle demanding print volumes. Its combination of ConnectKey technology, advanced AI apps, and flexible finishing options makes it a solid long-term investment for medium- to large-sized businesses.

For offices seeking an all-in-one solution that keeps productivity high, the B8245 is an excellent choice as long as color printing is not required.