Photocopiers are categorized based on functionality, size, paper size, volume, connectivity, and technology.Functional types include multifunction models that print, scan, fax, and copy in color, as well as basic black-and-white models that are cost-effective.
Size options range from compact desktop units to larger office machines. A3 photocopiers handle larger paper sizes, while A4 models are standard. High-volume copiers are designed for bulk copying with high speed.
Connectivity options include network and wireless features. Laser copiers provide higher quality and speed at a higher cost, while inkjet copiers are budget-friendly and suitable for lighter use.
Various types of photocopiers have emerged rapidly over these few years.
In this article, we will discuss the numerous types of photocopy machines and their features in detail.
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Also Read: Office Printer & Copier Trends
Why Is The Photocopier Important?
A photocopy machine has become essential and a staple in modern-day offices, primarily due to the many roles a copier can play in the workplace.
Photocopiers are used to copy documents at an increased rate while also doubling as printers. This is important if you own a large business and constantly need to print and copy documents.
Thus, before purchasing a photocopier, you should consider all the features that each photocopy machine has and decide which will be better suited for your needs.
Types Of Photocopiers
Many types of photocopiers offer different functions to their users, and because they are versatile, they are classified in various ways.
We will highlight the most common types of copiers, their features, and the kinds of usage they are best suited for.
Multifunction Photocopy Machine
Over the years, copiers have developed to a level where they can print, scan, fax, photocopy colour images, copy front and back, 3-hole punch documents, and carry out many other functions.
Multifunction copiers make businesses more efficient and increase work productivity and employee output by preventing the wasting of valuable employee time carrying out mundane tasks.
Read More: Advantages & Disadvantages of Multifunction Printer
Black And White (Mono) Photocopiers
The original photocopier is a black-and-white copier, which is the standard copier used in schools, businesses, and offices.
The typical compact black-and-white photocopiers are the cheapest; however, the larger copiers can cost about RM15,000 (when you consider the expected workload, capacity, and size).
Colour Copier Machines
A colour copier is an office machine that can print in colour and copy in black and white. They are often used for printing marketing materials such as flyers, posters, brochures, and presentations.
Colour copiers typically use four colours of toner – cyan (c), magenta (m), yellow (y), and black (k), allowing them to create a variety of colours on the CMYK spectrum.
Colour copiers are better suited for small offices where too much copying and printing is not a day-to-day business necessity.
Black & White Vs Colour Copier Machines
Price is a key factor in deciding whether to buy a black-and-white or a colour copier.
Colour copiers cost more due to the advanced technology used in manufacturing them. They are also more expensive to maintain because they use four different toners.
On the other hand, the black and white copier is cheaper to purchase and maintain. It also tends to be faster at printing and copying documents.
If you run an average-sized business that doesn’t print coloured documents frequently, you should opt for a black-and-white copier.
Desktop Photocopiers
These are usually A4-only copiers that can fit on a desktop and can either be very basic or multifunctional.
They have almost the same features as the larger copiers, except that they have limited tray capacity and a slower print speed than their bigger counterparts.
Regardless, this choice of copier is great for small and medium-sized businesses where high-volume printing and copying aren’t frequent.
Office Photocopiers
This is usually a big photocopier and can print and copy a large volume of documents at a very high speed.
Office copiers have a wide variety of features, such as scanning, copying, and faxing. They can also come with advanced features like sorting, stapling, hole punching, and binding.
A3 Photocopiers
An A4 copier is a typical choice in offices because it is more conventional, but in some offices, an A3 photocopier is required to print and copy posters, spreadsheets, or marketing materials.
An A3 copier is slightly more multifunctional and slightly larger than an A4 copier.
Digital Photocopiers
Digital photocopiers are modern-age copiers that have superseded analogue copiers.
These photocopiers are multifunctional; meaning they can scan, fax, print, photocopy, and have larger paper capacities.
High-Volume Photocopier
In a larger-sized business, a photocopier that copies 20-30 pages per minute can be considered slow. These businesses should go for a high-volume photocopier that can reproduce at least 50 pages per minute.
High-volume photocopiers are typically used in reprographics departments or print rooms, where they are regularly used to print a large number of documents daily.
Network Photocopier
In an office where several computers are connected to one photocopier, a networked photocopier is ideal.
A network photocopier is a copier that can be connected via your network and lets all the employees or users in an office wirelessly scan and print their documents.
Laser Photocopiers
This is the most expensive type of photocopier because of the advanced technology used in its production and its high-end performance.
Laser copiers print and copy documents faster than other copiers. Although they are more expensive, in the long run, they are highly economical due to the longevity of their toner cartridges.
Inkjet Photocopiers
Inkjet copiers are best for home offices, offices with little heavy-duty copying, and offices where the photocopier is not used frequently.
A flaw of this type of copier is that print quality can be quite inferior, and the print speed is a bit slower than that of other photocopiers.
Inkjet Vs Laser Photocopiers
As a business, you should consider three key factors when deciding between an inkjet photocopier and a laser photocopier: quality, speed, and price.
Any market analysis will show that the laser copier has the best print quality and speed, but it can easily set your business back a couple of thousand dollars.
If you’re a big business that constantly photocopies and prints a large volume of documents, you should opt for the laser printer.
On the flip side, an inkjet copier can go for as low as RM100++, though the quality may not be the best. If you run a small office and don’t print and copy as many copies, it is financially safer to go for a cheaper copier.
Wireless Photocopiers
In recent times many photocopiers now come with built-in wireless technology. These types of photocopiers are fitted with transceivers that allow them to communicate with a local Wi-Fi network.
Wireless photocopiers can also have a Wi-Fi module fitted in place of the traditional network card that connects the copier to a wired LAN network. This makes no difference in the communication and connection between the copier and the computer.
What Are The Features Of A Photocopier?
Recently, photocopy machines have offered a range of functions that aim to help users achieve more in the work environment.
Aside from the classic multi-functions of the photocopy machines like printing, scanning, faxing, and photocopying, there are new functions of a photocopier that you can choose from like:
- Stapling
- Hole punching
- Binding
- Duplex printing/scanning
- Touch screen display
- Image editing
- Wireless, Bluetooth, or USB connectivity
This list can go on and on because your office can use various features to increase productivity.
Top Brands Of Photocopy Machines
Deciding what copier to buy can be a bit overwhelming because there are so many brands of copiers and even more models made by said brands.
So here are a few reliable brands and some of their models that can aid your decision:
FUJI XEROX
Fuji Xerox is an American household brand and company known for its wide range of copy machines. One of its most popular models is the Xerox 560 Photocopier.
See the list of popular Fuji Xerox Copiers.
RICOH
Ricoh is an excellent service provider for great printers and copiers. They provide valuable services, and their copiers are very cost-effective.
Ricoh SP 5300DN laser printer is one of the best picks for its high-volume capabilities and low running costs. Many also seek it out for its speed, print quality, USB printing options, and security features.
See the list of popular Ricoh Copiers.
CANON
This is a Japanese company that was one of the pioneers of the copier. As a result, it is very popular in the field of photocopying.
A few examples of their machines are Canon Imagerunner Advance Multifunction Copiers- C3530i and Canon Multifunction A3 Copiers – Imagerunner Advance C3525i.
KONICA MINOLTA
Konica Minolta is a Japanese company that has been in the copier-making business since 1960. Uniquely, its copiers are sold under one platform called “Bizhub,” such as its multifunction Bizhub C750i copier.
SHARP
Sharp is a Japanese company that has been around since 1912 but got into the copier business in 1972.
Some of their best copiers include Sharp Ar 6031n A3 All-in-one Desktop Photocopier and Sharp Colour Digital Multifunction Copier – Mx 315nv.
TOSHIBA
This is another Japanese company established in the late 19th century. It is a forerunner in the copier industry.
One of their commonly found copiers includes the Toshiba Studio 232 Photocopier Machine.
Which Photocopier Do I Need?
Picking the right photocopier for your business or home office can sometimes be overwhelming, so here are some things you should consider when making that decision.
How many copies would you make monthly?
Lower-end copiers are designed to produce 1,000 copies per month. If your business doesn’t do much photocopying, they are worth the investment, whereas higher-end copiers produce upwards of 50,000.
To choose the right photocopy machine, you need to know how many copies you need. Also, it is not recommended that you reach the maximum number of copies per month to achieve a longer life span for your copier.
Do you need a colour copier or a black and white copier?
Your copying equipment should, first and foremost, meet your company’s daily needs. Most companies only need black-and-white copiers, but this could differ by industry.
It goes without saying that black-and-white printing is more cost-effective than coloured printing, so if you don’t need coloured copies, a black-and-white copier might be better.
What print speed and quality do you need?
From 10,000 to about 30,000 copies per month, businesses should focus on MFPs that deliver at least 40 ppm. Under 10,000 copies, businesses can settle for a print speed of between 25 and 35 pages per minute (ppm). If a business regularly prints more than 40,000 copies a month, then 60 ppm should be sufficient.
Summary
The photocopier has become a business staple, and as such, you should invest wisely in a good quality copier that best suits your needs and fits nicely into your budget.
If you are looking to rent a copier that is suitable for your needs, check out our copier rental packages. We offer various types of photocopier machines. Contact us for a quotation.