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What is a Digital Copier?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

With several different types of copy machines on the market today, the digital copier is often the best choice for business use. Designed to work on the basis of scanning documents, the digital copier produces a high quality printed document, is often easier to maintain than other types of copiers, and can be very cost efficient to operate. Here are some of the advantages to choosing a digital copier for the workplace instead of other types.

Many copiers operate with an older process that is sometimes referred to as analog copying. Essentially, this older method involves the use of an internal mirror that copies the image of the master document onto a drum. Using static electricity, the analog copy machine utilizes particles of toner to create an image of what is found on the drum, uses a heat element to dry and fix the toner into place, and then produces the copy on a sheet of paper.

Digital copy machines may be a better choice for some businesses.
Digital copy machines may be a better choice for some businesses.

Digital copiers work slightly differently. The document is digitally scanned and saved into memory. A laser is used to imprint the information on the drum, toner is applied, and the document is printed. Once the image of the document is securely in memory, most forms of the digital copier allow the document to be printed from the memory or in some cases transmitted electronically to other digital devices that are capable of receiving the transmission.

Digital copiers are able to print a copied image onto a new sheet of paper.
Digital copiers are able to print a copied image onto a new sheet of paper.

There are several advantages to the digital copier. One of the most important is that many digital copiers are multi-functional. Hard copies of the original can be produced, or electronic copies may be transmitted to fax machines or even as text to an email address. This can eliminate many steps in the communication process for a company that operates multiple locations. Also, this can eliminate the need to mail hard copies of the document to several different physical sites, both within the departments of the company as well as outside the physical location of the company.

Digital copiers are typically easier to maintain than other types of copiers.
Digital copiers are typically easier to maintain than other types of copiers.

Next, the digital copier produces a superior copy of the master document. The increased print quality means that the copies will be essentially indistinguishable from the original document. That is not always the case with other types of copy machines.

Last, the cost of operating a digital copier is lower, especially if a great deal of copying is done. Several factors help to keep the cost down. First, there are fewer moving parts to break down. This means the potential for a digital copier to need work is decreased. In addition, the ink that is used for digital copiers usually produces more copies per cartridge than analog copiers. While the digital copier will cost more on the front end than other types of copy machines, the lower cost of day to day usage will soon make up the difference in price and begin to actually save money over the long term.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including EasyTechJunkie, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including EasyTechJunkie, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Terrificli

@Soulfox -- another advantage is that a lot of these digital copiers can be set up to receive faxes digitally and not print them unless requested by a user. This cuts down on wasted paper and ink due to junk faxes coming through the printer.

Here's another advantage when using one for faxes. Some of them simply take faxes and post them to a network so they can be accessed and viewed by any computer with access to that network. In those cases, the fax might not have to be printed at all. That cuts down even more on paper and ink usage.

Soulfox

Here is another advantage of a digital copier -- the multipurpose ones are almost always used as either network or standalone printers. In either case, the digital copier can eliminate a traditional printer and that means you're getting rid of an entire piece of office equipment in your office. The savings are quite obvious, particularly if you happen to rent one of these machines from a supplier that supplies toner as part of its prepaid maintenance plan.

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    • Digital copy machines may be a better choice for some businesses.
      By: vetkit
      Digital copy machines may be a better choice for some businesses.
    • Digital copiers are able to print a copied image onto a new sheet of paper.
      By: Roman Samokhin
      Digital copiers are able to print a copied image onto a new sheet of paper.
    • Digital copiers are typically easier to maintain than other types of copiers.
      By: bertys30
      Digital copiers are typically easier to maintain than other types of copiers.