The birth of photocopiers has brought great convenience to human’s life. Today, we use it in our daily lives, especially in companies and large structures. And there are a lot different models on the market to meet the needs and budgets.
Copiers can be classified according to criteria such as the type of ink, the operating principle, and the printing technology.
Color copier and monochrome copier
The type of ink is the first criterion. modern photocopiers are capable of producing two kinds of documents, color and/or black and white.
Color copier
The results of the color copier can reach a quality close to the photograph, thanks to its high resolution: from 200 dpi for the low-end models to 1200 dpi for the high-end machines.
The print speed is slightly slower than a black and white model, but this is due to image quality. Generally, its speed can vary from 15 to 130 copies per minute.
In addition, you have to pay attention to the consumables (particularly toners) of color copiers, which represent a significant investment. So, it is advisable to assess beforehand the quantity of copies made and/or the frequency of use to know the real needs.
Monochrome copier
The monochrome, or black and white, photocopier is ideal for making copies of texts and images very quickly and inexpensively. If there is no need to make color prints or photocopies, this model is quite sufficient and meets the job.
The printing speed varies according to the machines, the higher it is, the more the machine costs. Nevertheless, its price remains lower than that of a color model.
To assess the ink requirements, it is best to know the approximate number of copies made each month. Indeed, if the monochrome toner is more affordable than the color one, it will have to be replaced much more often. The printing speed varies according to the models, and the higher it is, the more expensive the machine. Nevertheless, its price remains lower than that of a color model.
模拟复印机和数码复印机
There is also distinctions between analog and digital copiers.
Analog copier
The analog photocopier works on the principle of xerography, a traditional method. The reproduction of the documents is carried out by their recording on a continuous and quantifiable medium.
It has very classic basic characteristics present on all copier models:
- The equipment of several paper trays comprising different formats;
- Document printing orders;
- The document feeder;
- Consumables management with color and monochrome inks;
- Double-sided copying;
- Sorting of documents;
- Stapling of papers;
The analog photocopier is more economical than the digital machine (25 to 35% savings). Moreover, it is easier to install, and generally easier to transport, with small or large volumes.
Digital copier
The digital photocopier is a modern model that stands out from the analog model thanks to its more elaborate and practical functions. It only needs to optically scan the document to be processed once before copying it. Thus, he keeps it in memory and can reproduce it in several copies without having to scan it again.
This model provides far superior image quality throughout the print. Most models have 256 levels of gray and the ability to enlarge and reduce the document from 25% to 400%.
The digital copier can be connected to one or more computers with the network card, and perform the tasks of copying, printing, scanning and faxing, even sending by mail, like a multifunction model.
Laser printer and Inkjet printer
The technology used is one of the main selection criteria for a printer and two technologies dominate the market: inkjet printing and laser printing.
Laser printer
Laser printing uses a relatively sophisticated technology that uses the properties of static electricity.
It uses ink in the form of a powder called toner. A system of electrically charged rollers draws this ink to the desired location. Negatively charged, the toner takes on the roll the shape of the letters or the image to be printed. The sheet of paper, which is positively charged with electricity, sticks to the toner while the heat from the laser melts it, fusing it to the paper.
The laser photocopier is a professional device, resistant over time, and therefore capable of ensuring intensive long-term use. However, this allows large quantities of copies to be made and the costly aspect is therefore neutralized when we are talking about large print volumes.
Inkjet printer
The process of inkjet printing is completely different from that of laser. This is a technology based on the mechanical projection of liquid ink.
These devices use conventional ink cartridges of several colors. They are equipped with a print head with many nozzles. In a heat-raising process, these nozzles squirt tiny drops of ink onto the paper, precisely where you want them.
The use of a print head, which moves over the entire surface to be printed, results in a slightly longer copy time, but guarantees excellent color quality.
Conclusion
Monochrome printer and copier are much more economical to use. they offer quality resolution for primarily textual use. As for color machines, they are capable of reproducing documents in very high quality, close to photography.
Analog photocopiers make it possible to make large-volume copies, but they are increasingly being supplanted by digital machines, which operate on a network for collective and economical use.
The choice of printing technology will depend mainly on the type of use of the device. The laser printer is an excellent tool for printing considerable volumes while the inkjet printer will satisfy moderate quality-loving users.
