1 - Types
Copiers are of two types – analog and digital. The basic difference between the two is that while analog copiers make a copy of the document prior to each print, the digital copiers scan the document once and print a number of copies out of it. So analog copiers take slightly longer when it comes to printing subsequent copies, and require less time to print the first copy.
Also, analog copiers cost less than their digital counterparts and have lower cost per copy. They allow for mechanical sorting and are best for smaller jobs of 1 - 2 copies at a time. Their spare parts are at times difficult to obtain since analog copiers are fast becoming obsolete.
The future is definitely going digital with falling prices of digital copiers, even though at the moment they are a shade expensive. Digital copiers have fewer moving parts than analog copiers due to which there are fewer mechanical problems and they make less noise. Most digital copiers operate as a combination of a scanner and a printer - as they scan the page and then print it. This facilitates the printing of multiple copies faster than analog copiers.
However, some digital copiers may not scan and print. Some permit you to access a number of functions, such as duplexing (printing on both sides of paper), automatically numbering pages, networking, zoom and copy, electronic sorting and printing watermarks (such as; "confidential" or "copy") onto copies and adding a date stamp.
However, the cost per copy for digital copiers is higher as is the cost of replacement parts.
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2 - Features
Copiers range from simple ones with just the basic black and white copy function costing less than $200 to full-featured color copiers with every imaginable function costing more than $10,000. You may want to opt for hybrid copiers that allow for a little color copying, along with mostly black and white copying and at times may come equipped with fax, scan or print functions. This may work out to be more cost-effective.
So it becomes imperative before choosing a copier to determine the usage and the price so that you are not left with a copier that is loaded with features you do not need. It is best to make a list of the features you need and then check and test all the features of the copier before buying.
Some of the core features of copiers are enumerated below:
2.1 - Color
Color copiers are 20 – 30% more expensive than black and white copiers that have similar features, speeds and duty
cycles. Color copiers operate in two distinct ways. They may either print all the four colors – cyan, magenta,
yellow and black – at the same time or they may print one color at a time, in phases. The high-end copiers can
print all four colors at a time and are hence faster. They also offer greater print accuracy. However, you may use hybrid
copiers if you do not need the services of a full-scale color copier. This helps you save on paper, toner, developer and
fuser oil when you switch between black and white and color modes.
2.2 - Speed
Copier speed is an aspect you must check else you would be left for an inordinate amount of time waiting for that copy to
come out. Copier speeds are measured in cpm (copies per minute), ppm (pages per minute) or opm (outputs per minute) with
regards to letter-size paper. They may range from as low as 3 cpm to more than 100 cpm. About 22-25 cpm is usually adequate.
2.3 - Resolution
The resolution indicates the level of detail in the copy. It is measured in dpi, i.e. dots per inch. The higher the
resolution, the better it is. A resolution of about 600 dpi is adequate for most copying needs. The black and white
and color resolutions may at times vary, especially in copiers with other functions such as; scanning and printing.
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2.4 - Duty Cycle
Duty cycle refers to the number of copies that can be made. It is usually indicated as monthly duty cycle. The monthly duty
cycle is an important indicator of your usage and can range from less than 10,000 pages to more than 100,000 pages for the
very high-end models. However, it can come down significantly if you print color on a large scale.
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2.5 - Energy Consumption and Auto Shut-off
Always opt for machines that utilize less power and carry power utilization certificates, e.g. Energy Star. Many
copiers come with Auto shut-off functions to save energy by shutting-off after the copy job is done. This is a very
useful function especially if the copier has been lying about unused for long time intervals.
2.6 - Warm Up Time
While copier speed is usually adequate, it may be ineffective if you intend to mostly copy one page at a time. If so,
you may want one that has a faster first copy speed and warm up time. The first copy speed refers to time taken for the
first copy and is measured in seconds, e.g. 8 sec, 9.6 sec, 22 sec, etc. Digital copiers take longer for the first copy
as they scan the copy and then print. The warm up time is different from first copy speed but is measured in seconds,
e.g. 510 sec. Digital copiers take more warm-up time than analog copiers.
2.7 - Max Capacity & Paper Trays
If you want multiple copies at the same time, it is imperative to check out the maximum sheet capacity, i.e. total number
of sheets you can feed in at a time. If it is too less then the machine may run out of paper and it may be tedious to keep
feeding paper. Also check if the number of paper trays for sources and outputs and their capacity is convenient for your
purpose. This may be important if you intend to copy papers of different sizes without reloading often. E.g. 650, 7700, etc.
2.8 - Max Media Size
Determine the maximum size of paper you wish to copy and see if the copier facilitates it. The maximum media size is
usually mentioned alongside the maximum sheet capacity, e.g. 8.5” x 14”, 8.5” x 11”, etc.
2.9 - Media Types
Copiers, especially the high-end ones, can copy different media types such as transparencies, plain paper, labels, three dimensional objects, envelopes and bound documents. However, if you intend to copy only plain paper, you may not opt for one with this feature as it increases cost.
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2.10 - Duplexing
Duplexing allows the copier to print on both sides of the paper. It is usually present in most models, except the lower-end
ones. If you intend to print on a large scale then paper cost becomes a factor, hence you may opt for a machine which has
duplexing feature.
2.11 - Automatic Document Feeder
The Automatic document feeder holds a stack of sheets and feeds them into the glass enclosure of the copier one-by-one
for copying. This allows for faster copying and is very convenient when you have to copy a number of pages and don’t
wish to stand by the copier. If you are copying a lot of two-sided documents, you may opt for a machine that has a
re-circulating document feeder, as it automatically feeds in both sides. Ensure that the capacity is as per your
requirements. It is usually about 50.
2.11 - Automatic Document Feeder
The Automatic document feeder holds a stack of sheets and feeds them into the glass enclosure of the copier one-by-one
for copying. This allows for faster copying and is very convenient when you have to copy a number of pages and don’t
wish to stand by the copier. If you are copying a lot of two-sided documents, you may opt for a machine that has a
re-circulating document feeder, as it automatically feeds in both sides. Ensure that the capacity is as per your
requirements. It is usually about 50.
2.12 - Copy Ratio & Image Editing
Many copiers allow you to shrink or enlarge the image or text before copying, according to the paper and your preference.
This copy ratio varies across low-end and high-end models. E.g. 25% - 400%. Some machines also allow you to do some basic
image editing before copying along with making the copy lighter or darker.
2.13 - Sorting & Finishing
Many high-end copiers offer sorting and finishing features. The copies may be sorted into different bins or may be sorted
by placing them at right angles or off-sets. Some copiers also offer options such as stapling, binding, etc. after copying.
These features are very useful for large volume copying.
2.14 - Memory
Digital copiers operate by scanning the document and then printing them. So, speed and detail of copying often depends
upon the RAM; memory of the copier. If you intend to opt for one with advanced features, networking capabilities and
multifunction options such as printing, scanning and faxing, then make sure that the copier has adequate memory to meet
the requirements without affecting the speed.
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2.15 - Networking & Security
Some copiers, especially the multifunction ones include networking capabilities and this is very useful. Ensure that the copier’s networking preferences are compatible with your network. Some copiers have security options whereby codes are set for access and copying to prevent unauthorized copying and to analyze usage patterns. Large organizations would find this very useful. |
2.17 - Maintenance
Digital copiers have fewer moving parts than analog copiers and this reduces the maintenance problem a little.
However, it is preferable to know the maintenance dos and don’ts of the model you choose. Also along with the
warranty, you should check out exactly what is covered under the warranty and for how long. Finding the replacements
parts for some of the older models may be a problem. So you must ensure that the replacement parts are available.
Also ensure that toners, which provide the color, especially color toners are readily available.
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3 - Summary
Copiers offer many more advanced features such as erasing, image centering, color adjustment, and color balancing,
but these are usually available only with the high-end models. Some copiers also offer modules to connect printers,
scanners and fax machines. Space is often a consideration when choosing copiers, especially for home and small offices.
So you may want to check out the dimensions of the copier. Copiers are available in every size and shape with myriad
features and their variations. Keeping in mind, the price, the usage and features required while making the purchase
decision, would make choosing the copier a manageable task.
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