Photocopier

A photocopier (also known as a copier or copy machine, and formerly known as a Xerox machine) is a machine that swiftly and inexpensively copies documents and other visual images onto paper or plastic film. Xerography is a dry process that uses electrostatic charges on a light-sensitive photoreceptor to attract and then transfer toner particles (a powder) onto paper in the shape of an image in most current photocopiers. Heat, pressure, or a combination of both are used to fuse the toner to the paper. Other technologies, such as inkjet, can be used by copiers, but xerography is the industry standard for office copying.

Xerox debuted commercial xerographic office photocopying in 1959, progressively replacing Verifax, Photostat, carbon paper, mimeograph machines, and other duplicating devices.

In the commercial, education, and government sectors, photocopying is frequently employed. Photocopiers are still commonly used in 2015, despite forecasts that they will become obsolete as information workers increase their usage of digital document creation, storage, and distribution and rely less on distributing physical bits of paper. During the 1980s, several high-end machines began to converge towards what became known as a multi-function printer: a device that integrated the functions of a photocopier, fax machine, scanner, and computer network-connected printer. 

During the 1990s, low-cost machines that can copy and print in color dominated the home-office market as their prices progressively dropped. High-end color photocopiers that can handle high-volume printing and large-format printing are still an expensive alternative reserved for print and design firms.

History

Chester Carlson, the creator of photocopying, was a patent attorney who also worked as a researcher and inventor on the side. His position at the New York Patent Office required him to make several copies of crucial documents. This was a painful and time-consuming process for Carlson, who was arthritic. He was inspired to experiment with photo conductivity as a result of this. Carlson experimented with "electrophotography" in his kitchen and registered for a patent for the process in 1938. He used a sulfur-coated zinc plate to make the first photocopy. On a microscope slide, the words "10-22-38 Astoria" were written, which was then placed on top of more sulfur and exposed to intense light. A mirror image of the words remained after the slide was removed. Carlson attempted to sell his invention to a few companies but was unsuccessful because the process was still in its early stages. People did not see the need for an electronic machine at the time, and multiple copies were most commonly made at the point of document origination, using carbon paper or manual duplicating machines. Carlson was turned down by over 20 companies between 1939 and 1944, including IBM and General Electric, both of which did not believe there was a significant market for copiers.

Photocopier Applications

It is almost unheard of to find an office that does not have a copy machine. Even in this day and age of paperless communication, the copy machine is still a valuable piece of office equipment that helps to make office life run a little more smoothly. Photocopiers can be used for a variety of tasks, including faxing medical charts and printing meeting agendas, in addition to their original purpose of making copies.

High-Volume, High-Quality Copies

The simplest copy machines are only used to make copies. They can be used to copy photographs or documents of various sizes, and the tops are hinged to allow you to copy books, binders, and other bulky materials. Copies can be made in either black-and-white or full color.

More Than a Copy Machine

With the advancement of technology, it has become possible to do more with a single machine. Photocopiers can now do more than just make copies, but their capabilities are entirely dependent on the make and model.

Other Necessary Copy Machine Features

Other functions of photocopiers help to streamline rather mundane tasks. You can instruct the copy machine to collate documents in a specific manner, for example, to make them easier to distribute as packets. You can also have your documents stapled or three-hole punched.

The Benefits of Photocopiers

Simple and Convenient

Photocopying is a quick and easy way to duplicate various types of paperwork. There isn't much for the machine operator to do other than feed in the document to be copied, turn on the machine, and press a button. Any number of copies specified will be produced quickly by the machine. The user can also specify the size of the copies, making them larger or smaller than the original.

Process of Cleanliness

Photocopiers produce clean copies of the material being copied. The ink from the copier does not smear on the person using it. Other methods of copying that were popular before photocopiers could be messy. For example, the use of carbon paper may transfer ink from the paper to the person using it.

Both Sides Printing

If a photocopier is set up properly, it can copy both sides of a document. If you have a document with input on both sides, you can instruct the photocopier to make a two-sided copy. This feature expedites the printing process and is a cost-effective option because it reduces the amount of paper required per copy.

Photocopiers with digital technology

Digital technology is used in newer photocopiers, whereas analog technology was used in older photocopiers. Scanners and laser printers are combined in digital photocopiers. This improves the quality of the photocopied image. In addition, the photocopier can scan documents and save them in a queue while printing other pages. Some photocopiers have high-speed scanning capabilities that can be integrated with email. Documents can also be made available on a local area network using these scanners.