What kind of device is a photocopier? characteristics and application of copier

Almost every person knows that this is a photocopier. This is a copy machine that is found in almost every office. Its only purpose is to make copies of documents (most often A4 standard), drawings, photographs, etc. However, few people know the basic characteristics of a copier, and some people have even heard about it for the first time. Let's try to analyze in detail what this device is, how it works and how to use it correctly.

Where does the name "copier" come from?

Xerox or Zirox is the first company that began producing copiers back in the second half of the 20th century. At first, the company was a monopolist in this area, so the brand name became a household name. Nowadays, “copiers” are devices that combine the functions of a printer, scanner and copier. Multifunctional devices are capable of printing even color images, provided that this function was originally included in them by the manufacturer.

Types of copiers

Before purchasing a copier, you should understand some nuances that directly affect the pricing of copiers and the possibility of purchasing them:

• the amount of money allocated by the buyer for the purchase of the device;
• the device has the necessary functions;
• refusal of additional functions if necessary.

It is always necessary to remember that the number of functions of a device directly affects its price. If the copier has the ability to create color copies, then the cost will increase significantly compared to a machine that produces only black and white. The same rule works exactly the other way around - if a copier can make 100 copies per day, it will have a much lower price than a device that creates 1,000 copies.

There are 3 main types of copiers:

1. Analog.

Copiers of this type are ideal for those who have a very modest budget and who do not make it their life’s goal to equip their workplace with high-tech devices. These copiers cope well with their main function; if handled with care, they will “live” for a long time, and their price can hardly be called high.

The disadvantages include not entirely accurate copies (although it is hardly possible to discern flaws with the naked eye), lack of high resolution in the final results, etc.

For 2021, the cost of such a “handsome guy” fluctuates around 7-8 thousand rubles.

1. Digital.

This is exactly the case when one small device simultaneously contains:

• scanner;
• Printer;
• fax, etc.

In addition to the obvious capabilities in terms of sending files via fax, creating scanned copies, etc., the quality of the final result is very high. This is especially felt when comparing copies received from an analog copier and a digital one.

Also, digital copiers have much fewer “unnecessary” parts, which is why they are much quieter during operation, and their settings are very variable. Again, in comparison with analog. This type of machine can make copies not only in A4 format, but also business cards and large-format documents. The price of such a device is 22 thousand rubles. This is the minimum for black and white copiers.

In the vast majority of cases, digital copiers cost several times more than their analog counterparts. When comparing two similar copier models, you should be prepared that the price of a digital model can be 4 times higher.

1. "Colored".

This device has no analogues. Color copiers have an impressive range of positive aspects, and their disadvantages are entirely insignificant:

• high functionality of the highest quality (scanner, fax, etc.);
• Possessing not only standard printing, but also laser printing;
• amazing speed of work;
• scanning, printing – the results obtained have no analogues;
• the ability to change everything down to the last bolt (the size of the future copy, its quality, matrix resolution, removing defects “on the fly” and much more).

It is impossible to list everything that this machine can do, because it is not for nothing that this type of copier is “elite”. The cost for an inkjet color copier starts from 50 thousand rubles and is unlikely to have an upper price threshold for a laser one. 120 thousand rubles would be a reasonable price for an excellent laser copier with all sorts of functions in a wide variety of areas.

Also, if you have the desire and a round sum in your pocket, there are compact and efficient copier models that fully cope with their tasks. There are only two disadvantages, but very serious ones:

• they deteriorate extremely quickly;
• their cost is very high.

Purchasing such devices is not practical. And often, the cost of such luxury devices is unlikely to be affordable by an ordinary person.

How to choose an MFP for home use

The rating of photocopiers for the home allows you to determine which models are the most functional, high-quality and best-selling. But he does not take into account the needs of the future owner. And when choosing an MFP, you need to focus on them too:

• To print text documents, a black and white printer with a minimum of functions and simple controls is sufficient.
• If you need to give access to several users from different PCs, be sure to ensure that there is a function to connect to the router.
• To print drawings and design projects, you need a device with good color rendering quality.
• If you plan to print and process photographs, be sure to take an MFP that provides good display quality not only on regular paper, but also on photo paper.

The best brands of photocopiers are Xerox, HP and Canon. These companies specialize in the production of MFPs and provide a large selection of models.

Specifications

A copier is a technically complex digital device that has certain characteristics.

1. The very first and most important parameter is print resolution, which is measured in dpi. This parameter tells you how many dots the copier can print on one inch (more is better). However, it is important to note that resolution cannot improve the quality of the original, but it will allow you to print a copy that is as close as possible to it.
2. Speed ​​is the second important parameter. The higher the speed, the faster the operator will be able to get the finished result. This factor plays a decisive role when it comes to choosing a copier for use on an industrial scale. For large companies, where documents are printed in huge quantities, very fast photocopiers are needed, capable of making 30 or more copies per minute. For home use, this parameter is of secondary importance.
3. Number of copies per cycle. With regular use and printing documents on a large scale, the operator has the opportunity to set cycle settings. The standard value is 999 copies per cycle.
4. Scaling the source document is an additional functionality that could previously be present in more expensive models. Although most modern copiers currently have the function of changing the copy scale from 25 to 400%.

What is a special photocopying machine?

A narrow-profile device for duplicating existing documents is called a copier. The equipment is used, as a rule, in office establishments. This device comes in two types.

1. With movable glass for surgery. Here the glass moves along the lamp, which illuminates the source. In this case, the glass may extend beyond the device itself.
2. If the model has a fixed glass, then only the lamp moves. In this case, the device can even scale the transferred image

The device works on this principle. After pressing the button, automatic adjustments occur with the same format as the original. 90 seconds after stopping copying, the machine automatically returns to the settings that were before it was turned on (heated). 15 minutes after copying stops, the machine usually goes into energy saving mode. It returns to the ready state after pressing again after 30 seconds.

Let's look at the stages of working on a photocopier.

1. After switching on, the device warms up for at least 20 seconds.
2. After this, you need to lift the cover at the top of the device and place the original on the glass (markings are used for correctness).
3. Blank sheets are placed in the tray.
4. You can click on the print button. If you need to make several copies, there is also a corresponding option on the keyboard for this. Their number should not exceed one hundred pieces.

Copying equipment for starting a business

A photocopier can be a great tool for a business startup. Here we do not mean office equipment, but a free-standing and autonomously operating photocopying unit. Its name is a vending copier.

Unlike its analogue, where the photocopying point also requires an additional employee, this type of device has the following advantages:

• 24/7 work;
• no need to hire staff (and no salary costs);
• smaller occupied volume of working space.

The technique works on the following principle: after paying a certain fee (we are talking about an automatic photocopier with a bill acceptor), the client independently sets the parameters and receives the required number of copies. Even a user who is far from information technology can do this - all explanatory information and an algorithm of actions are displayed on the display.

Many models of similar equipment allow for double-sided printing, printing from media and recording onto it. There are also those who will give out change without any problems. Of course, depending on the manufacturer, the equipment will differ in both size and additional options.

One of the most necessary functions is the presence of a built-in GSM module, which will allow you to remotely control the following:

• out of paper (change or toner);
• sending a report at a certain frequency;
• carrying out operations (from loading paper to collection);
• device operation error.

Most often, all information will come in the form of SMS messages. The owner will only have to monitor the amount of loaded paper and the presence of toner in the cartridge. Maintenance of the device should be carried out at the selected time.

In order for the device to pay for itself, you need to choose the right place to install it. The most successful solution would be an educational institution, social and tax services. At the same time, you should not be afraid of damage to property - each such device is equipped with anti-vandal protection.

Paid copy machine and other vending office devices

With the help of a device such as a vending copier, you can organize a fairly successful business. There are always enough visitors to government agencies and offices who need to make copies of documents by paying a certain fee. Such vending machines appeared in our country quite a long time ago, and they are still in demand. They are characterized by ease of maintenance, a minimum set of raw materials loaded into the device, and also small dimensions.

Doctors' recommendations

There are also medical recommendations that can help reduce the harmful effects of the device:

• The room must be well ventilated.
• It is advisable to use an air ionizer.
• Maintain humidity levels between 55 and 60 percent.
• Install the photocopier at a distance one and a half to two times greater than SanPiN norms.
• Carry out maintenance of the copier in a timely manner.

Based on the results of all these recommendations, the conclusion suggests itself: a copier is a completely household device, but not the safest one. Fumes from chemicals involved in the printing process can lead to cancer and various types of allergies. Some employees of organizations where copiers are installed at their workplaces complain of increased fatigue, irritation of the nasopharynx and eyes, and fatigue from the constant noise of the device.

But despite the fact that copiers emit many harmful substances, the real danger to humans is their increased concentration in the air and, as a result, in the body. But if you follow the recommendations outlined above, using a copier at home will not cause any harm.

Functional

The specified characteristics are standard. Almost every copier has them, although modern models may have greater capabilities:

1. Single or double sided printing.
2. Automatic sheet feeding.
3. Setting up via PC.
4. Print from a flash drive or phone.
5. Wi-Fi control.
6. Copying two-sided documents.
7. Adjusting image contrast.
8. A memory block that allows you to save certain settings.
9. Energy saving mode or automatic shutdown when not in use for a long time.