What are photocopiers and what are they like?

The modern society is characterized by the rapid and active development of the technological sphere. With enviable constancy in the market of technology and electronics, new devices appear that greatly facilitate human life. One of these devices is a copier. Today in our article we will talk in more detail about the features and types of such equipment.

Generally speaking, the first copier (this is the correct name for the popularly known "copier") was invented by Chester Carlson. The device was invented at home. The principle of the first copier was as follows:

• at the first stage of his experiment, the inventor wrote in ink the date and place of the experiment on a glass sheet;
• then he rubbed a metal plate with a cotton rag, which had previously been covered with sulfur (thus, the metal plate became electrified);
• then the plate was placed under the glass sheet;
• the researcher turned on a bright lamp;
• Chester Carlson sprinkled lycopodium on a metal plate;
• at the last stage, the experimenter pressed the waxed paper to the plate.

As it turned out, this method works. This is how the world's first photocopy was obtained. Modern photocopiers work the same way. The once used lycopodium powder has now been replaced by toner. On the territory of the Soviet Union, the first copy machine was created in 1953 thanks to the efforts of V.M. Fridkin. In 1966, foreign Xerox copiers appeared in Russia. - it is from the name of this company that the popular name of the copier "copier" has gone.

Duplicating equipment carries out its work in several stages. Let's take a closer look at each of them:

• a bright halogen lamp illuminates the original document;
• the light reflected from the document creates an image on the drum (this procedure is possible thanks to the existing system of mirrors);
• positive and negative charges are formed on the drum surface;
• as the copied image is transferred to the paper, fine toner particles are magnetically magnetised to the illuminated area of ​​the drum;
• toner particles that are magnetised to the drum are transferred to a blank sheet of paper;
• the sheet of paper on which the toner has been applied heats up, and the toner particles melt and become absorbed into the paper.

This is how modern copiers function. Despite the fact that this process is by its nature rather complicated and multi-stage, it is carried out quite quickly - up to 40 identical copies can be produced in 60 seconds (the more exact number of copies depends on the specific model of the copier). Let's take a closer look at the main technical characteristics that are inherent in modern copying machines.

This parameter has a direct impact on how many dots the copier prints within one inch. The higher this indicator is, the higher the print quality the user can expect.

Speaking about the technical indicators of a particular model of the copier, the user should pay his particular attention to how quickly the device can print copies of documents. Speed ​​is especially important if you are purchasing a copier on an industrial scale.

As a general rule, this figure is 999 copies per cycle. However, depending on the needs of the user, this parameter can be adjusted.

Copiers on the market today offer users the ability to scale documents up to 25% - 400%. The technical characteristics described above are characteristic of every modern copier. At the same time, you can also find devices on the market with additional functionality: for example, automatic sheet feeding, setting via a personal computer, the ability to print from a phone, etc.

A wide variety of copiers can be found on the market today (for example, there are mini copiers, portable document copiers, and other models). For the convenience of users, photocopiers are traditionally divided into 3 main categories.

The obvious distinguishing feature of color copiers is the fact that they can copy documents while retaining the original color of text and images (eg photographs, charts, tables, etc.).

The most important advantages of digital copiers include the following characteristics:

• high-quality assembly, no unnecessary and unnecessary parts;
• high speed of work;
• variety of formats;
• variability of settings;
• no noise during operation, etc.

Analog devices are popular and in demand among consumers, since they are characterized by a low cost. Respectively, such units are available for purchase to almost every person (regardless of his social and economic status in society). Due to the budget price, analog copiers are characterized by some disadvantages: for example, low resolution copies.

In the process of choosing copying equipment, you should be especially careful and responsible. First of all, this is due to the fact that regardless of the model, this purchase will be expensive. Accordingly, in order not to regret your purchase in the future, you should take it as seriously as possible to its choice. Experts recommend taking into account several key parameters.

• Appointment. To begin with, you must decide for what purpose you will use the copier. The main technical characteristics and parameters of the device for home use and for the office will differ significantly. So, for example, a home does not need high speed and high performance.
• Paper size. Today on the market you can find copiers that copy documents of different formats: A5, A4, A3, A2, A1, etc. You should think in advance about which of the listed formats will be most relevant for you.
• Drum life. The higher this indicator, the higher the quality of the copier functioning. Thus, the figure of 60,000 pages is quite high.
• Chromaticity. Depending on the type of documents you will be copying, you may need a color or black and white printer.
• Manufacturer. If you want to be sure that the device you are purchasing complies with all state and international standards, and the process of its production was carried out taking into account all the latest technological developments, then you should give preference to proven brands that are trusted by consumers.
• Availability of additional functions. As mentioned above, modern copiers can have not only standard, but also additional functions (for example, have built-in Wi-Fi). It should be borne in mind immediately that the presence of such additional parameters automatically increases the cost of the product. Accordingly, you should evaluate in advance how relevant these or those additional functions will be for you.
• Dimensions. With regard to the size of the device, you should be guided only by the free space available to you in your home or office. It should be borne in mind that the size of the copier directly depends on what format it is intended for copying documents.
• Exterior design. Despite the fact that the functional characteristics of the units are of paramount importance, during the acquisition process you should also pay attention to the appearance of the device. Especially important in this sense is its ergonomics - this parameter directly affects how convenient and comfortable you will be using the device.
• Place of purchase. In order to buy a copier, you need to contact only official stores. Only in such outlets you will be offered branded devices, and not low-quality fakes. In addition, in the official store you can always turn to a specialized sales consultant for highly qualified and professional help.
• Price. The cost of modern copying machines depends on a large number of factors: a specific model, manufacturer, functional content, etc. In general, it is recommended to give preference to units from the middle price segment, as they correspond to the optimal ratio of price and quality.
• Consumer reviews. If you are attracted by a specific model of the copier, then you should not immediately go shopping for it. First of all, it is recommended to study customer reviews about the unit - this way you will find out how much the characteristics and properties declared by the manufacturer correspond to reality.

The rules for operating the device are quite simple. So, first you must connect the copier to the computer and turn on the unit. After that, you must install the ink cartridges and make sure you have enough powder or toner. It is also important to configure the appropriate parameters.

The step-by-step instructions for using the copier are as follows:

• place the paper in the dedicated tray;
• put the original document on the glass surface of the copier;
• cover the original document with a lid;
• click on the "Print" button.

Thus, the process of using the unit is quite simple, anyone can handle it.

In some cases, in the process of using the copier, various problems may arise: for example, the copier does not print, does not turn on, etc. In such situations, users have questions about what to do. So, first of all, it should be said that it is not worth starting to self-repair the unit if the warranty period and service are still valid. In this case, you need to contact the place of purchase of the copier for help and get a free consultation.

If the service does not work, then you can try to fix the problems yourself - the instruction manual will help you with this. So, for example, if the copier does not print, then you should make sure that it is connected to the main device (computer), that it is turned on, and that there is a sufficient amount of paper and ink.

In the next video, you will find a detailed overview of the XEROX WorkCentre 3025 printer.