Copier Lingo: Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)

Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)
Allows you to copy documents without lifting the platen. Instead of placing each sheet individually on the glass, you simply load a stack of originals into the feeder, press start, and let the copier move each sheet on and off the platen. A feeder typically holds anywhere from one to 20 sheets at a time.

How a Personal Photocopier Works

Content courtesy of The Copier Blog

A photocopier is without a doubt one of the most important pieces of office equipment for any business. Unfortunately, the upkeep and cost of a fully sized multifunctional copier can put them out of reach for many smaller businesses. Luckily, the office-supply market has recently seen the introduction of affordable, personal-sized copiers. One of the best features of these personal copiers is their compact and lightweight frames which gives them the ability to be easily moved from one location to the next. Most personal copiers come equipped with an easy to grab handle so that a business owner or employee can easily move the copier from the office to a meeting or even back to their home. The beauty of these machines is that you can literally take them anywhere you would need to make a copy.

Drum and Toner
The personal copier condenses many of the features of a full-sized copier into a smaller more portable package. Within all copiers are two very important components: the drum and the ink toner. The drum is responsible for creating the image that is being copied while the ink toner is the medium via which the image is transferred to paper. When the copier's intense bright white light hits the paper that is being copied, the light is reflected off the white areas of the page while the rest strikes the drum below the paper. The areas where light hits the drum have their positively charged atoms neutralized while the areas that are blocked by the image on the drum keep their positive atoms. The toner is then attracted to the areas where positive charges are still intact while the areas where the neutralized atoms are present do not attract any toner.

The Printing Process
After the image has been embedded into the drum and the copy is ready to be made, the paper is heated very quickly. The heat applied causes the paper to have a stronger more positive charge than that which exists on the drum. This causes the toner to be attracted to the paper in the exact same pattern that has already been "etched" on the drum thus making a replica of the original image onto the paper. The heat basically causes the toner to fuse and stick to the paper much in the same way your hair is attracted towards a static balloon.

Although personal copiers work in much the same way as traditional copiers, they are often limited in their printing capabilities. Most personal copiers can only copy about four pages per minute and are limited to only copying documents letter-sized or smaller. Other features like automatic stapling, collating, and dual-sided copies are also common features usually not found in personal copiers.

All About Multifunction Printer, Scanner and Copier

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Article By Roberto Sedycias

Multifunction printers are the best for small offices and or the home. It is a real miracle - one unit that prints, copies and scans. It saves on space and money. One point has to be kept in mind that it does all these functions but not all of them well. If the requirement is for high grade scanning then this three-in-one model might prove to be inadequate. It is all right for moderate use and not for intensive application.

As regards the speed the printer might prove to be too slow for professional use. This is especially so in the case of color printers. While using a multifunction printer and trying to get some fast assignment completed then the rate of 22 pages per minute as against the crawl of 12 pages per minute does matter.

Multifunction printers that have more memory turn out to be more costly. This inadequacy becomes apparent when one tries to do three things together - scanning, printing and copying. If the requirement is heavy then it is best to opt for a multifunction printer that has 16 MB - to say the least.

The quality of the image depends on dpi or dots per inch. The standard (600x600) will suffice for printing but is unsuitable as regards quality of photo. Scanner resolutions must be noticed, as these are usually low in multifunction models. There is a wide gap as regards quality between interpolated and optimal resolution.

Multifunction printers that have to be fed with one page at a time can become a real headache and eat up the whole day. It is best to buy a multifunction printer that is fitted with a document feeder system that is automatic and at each go holds 15 sheets at the minimum.

It is advisable not to just pick a multipurpose printer off the store shelf, have it packed, pay and walk off with it. Always play around with it in the store giving a good amount of time and attention. Carefully scrutinize the specifications and see how the printer actually behaves when put to the test. Each operation should be tested separately. After all it must meet the specific requirements of the buyer - no matter how small it is.

Most of the multifunction printers are manufactured with the prime function of photographic output. But being three-in-one the other utilities are kept in mind.

The scanner function is of great importance. There are two main types technologies involved in manufacture of scanners. CCD or charge-coupled-device performs better as regards quality of image especially when dealing with books. On the other hand the other technology of CIS or contact-image-sensor makes the machine more durable. Other points to consider are sheet-fed versus flat-bed machines.

The flat-bed ones allow scanning of thicker objects. Try to include in the purchase package an OCR or optical-character-recognition. It converts the pages that are scanned into text documents that can be edited. This will save a lot of time - running into hours - if the original soft copy is misplaced. For those who want to store old photographs purchase with this multipurpose printer attachments that will enable scanning of slides and films.

The speed of making copies can never be up to the mark unless the unit has these gizmos. Always bear in mind that documents have to be lifted and replaced innumerable times. Apart from speed other areas of importance are user friendliness and storage of memory. But with all the attachments included it will be child`s play to manage multiple copies; only few buttons will have to be pressed.

HP Wants ColorLok Paper Worldwide

Content courtesy of The Copier Blog

Hewlett Packard has been pushing for a higher-quality printing experience for everyone and last week they announced a step in that direction. JK Paper Ltd., the largest cut-size paper manufacturer in India has committed to supporting the ColorLok paper standard.

"JK Paper Ltd. is proud to adopt ColorLok technology in our paper. Our company produces high-value paper, and this commitment continues our history of innovation while improving the printing experience for our customers," A.K. Ghosh, Vice President of Sales for JK Paper, said in a statement.

By using ColorLok paper in their product lines, companies can print with more vivid colors and bolder blacks that do not show through to the other side. The paper offers a faster drying time and optimal results, making it very customer-friendly.

JK Paper is making ColorLok paper available to 40% of the Indian market. This means the new technology standard will soon be available in ten paper companies worldwide. The Colorlok program was announced at Paperworld in 2008 and has since been gaining global momentum. The technology is applied to recycled paper, giving it the ability to produce the same quality as most non-recycled papers. This allows companies to not only meet customers' needs but to also help the environment.

Multifunction Printers (MFP)

Digital copiers use modules to combine the functions of copiers, network printers, scanners, fax machines, and even e-mail devices into a single piece of equipment. Multifunction Printers (MFP) are available for businesses of all sizes -- from home offices to large enterprises. The cost, output quality, and other included features vary greatly from model to model, but generally they all perform the same functions -- Print, Scan, Fax, and Photocopy. You'll find that copiers for the commercial/enterprise markets utilize laser printing technology while in the personal/small business area, ink-jet printer technology is more widely used. While they may cost less ink-jet printers don't typically deliver the performance and color saturation demanded by larger businesses. That's rapidly changing though. Enterprise copiers using ink-jet technology have recently been introduced and are gaining some acceptance.

Paper Supply

Content Courtesy of BuyerZone: Your Office Equipment Resource Center

Each paper tray, cassette, pedestal, or paper feed unit is a separate paper source. The number of sources is important if you want to be able to copy onto different paper stocks, such as letterhead, legal size stock, or transparencies, without reloading the machine. Paper sources typically hold a minimum of 50 to 100 sheets, and the largest-capacity units can hold up to 3,000 sheets.

Typically, copiers include at least one fixed-size and a couple of adjustable-size paper trays. Unfortunately, heavy paper stock often jams if you load it into a standard paper tray. To get around this problem, most copiers include a bypass tray, a special tray that provides a straight paper path for heavy paper and labels.

Feeders

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An automatic document feeder (ADF) allows you to copy multi-page documents without having to lift and lower the cover for every sheet you copy. Instead, you drop a stack of originals (up to 50 pages) into the feeder, press start, and the ADF automatically pulls each page through.

If you copy lots of double sided originals, you should invest in a recirculating automatic document feeder (RADF), which can flip pages inside the machine for simplified double-sided copying.

Copier Lingo: Account Codes

Account Codes
To help keep track of who is using a copier, users must punch in an individual or department code before making copies.

Copier Lingo: Copies Per Minute (CPM)

Copies Per Minute (CPM)

The number of 8 1/2 x 11 inch pages a copier can output per minute. Most color copiers list four CPM speeds: black and white, one color, two-color, and four-color. Four-color speeds are the slowest, typically ranging from 3 to 10 CPM except on high-end machines (which can run as fast as 40 CPM).

Copier Lingo: All-In-Ones

All-In-Ones
Devices, also known as multifunctional devices (MFDs), that perform more than one function in a single unit, such as copying, faxing, scanning, and printing.

Copier Lingo: Catch Tray

Catch Tray
Collects finished copies emerging from a copier.

What is Flexographic Printing?

Content courtesy of The Copier Blog

Originally flexographic printing was called aniline printing and was considered rudimentary at best to the majority of the printing world. Labels that required a higher quality print job have generally used the offset printing process. However, in recent years, great strides and advancements have been made in the field of flexographic printing presses, flexographic printing plates and even the inks used in the process. However, the greatest advancement in flexographic printing has, without a doubt, been in the improvement of photopolymer printing plates and laser-etched ceramic anilox rolls. These breakthroughs have not only allow for full color picture printing, but finer etched presses as well. In the hands of a skilled operator, flexographic printing can rival that of a lithographic printing process.

Flexographic Printing Overview
Flexographic printing is frequently used for printing on plastic, metalic films, foil, cardboard, acetate film, brown paper, white paper, and several other materials commonly used in packaging. The flexo printing process itself is similar to rotary printing in that it employs the same basic principles. In general terms, flexo printing utilizes a flexographic plate commonly made out of rubber or plastic with a raised image or text that is attached to a roller. A second roller applies a specific amount of ink while a third roller keeps the substrate (the material to be printed on) pressed firmly against the flexographic plate while it passes between the two.

Platemaking
There are a varying number of methods which can be used to create the printing plates used in flexography. The first method of plate development uses a light-sensitive polymer in conjunction with a light negating film placed over the polymer. Both are then exposed to ultra-violet light and the polymer hardens where the light passes through creating the imprint on the plate. This process is not very popular as the remaining polymer does not harden but instead has the consistency of chewed bubble gum. The plate will then need to be washed away in a tank of solvent while brushes scrub the plate to help facilitate the process.

The second and simplest method uses a computer guided laser to burn the image onto a printing plate. This direct laser engraving process is simply called digital platemaking. The third and rather more complex method is to go through a series of molding processes. The first step of the molding process is to create a metal plate out of the negative of the image or text we wish to print. This metal plate is placed in an acid bath and then used in a second step to create a mold out of bakelite board, glass, or even plastic. Once this second mold has cooled it will be considered a master mold and will be used to press a rubber or plastic compound to create the final printing plate.

Printing
As mentioned above, a flexographic print is made by creating a mirrored 3D master of the required image in a rubber or polymer material. This 3D image is then put onto what is called the anilox roll which holds a specific amount of ink since it is covered with thousands of small dimples. This anilox roll will feed the printing plate ink in a uniform and controlled thickness. The ink itself is transferred from the ink roll which has been partially submerged in an ink tank. A substrate is then compressed between the plate and the impression cylinder and the printing job takes place. In order to avoid a final product with a smudgy or bumpy texture, there needs to be insurance that there will never be an excessive amount of ink on the printing plate. To achieve this a scraper is used called a doctor blade. The blade simply scrapes any excess ink from the anilox roller before it can ever be applied to the printing plate.

Flexographic Inks
Currently there are five types of inks that can be used in flexography. Solvent-based inks, water-based inks, electron beam curing inks, ultraviolet curing inks, and two-part chemical-curing inks. Formulation of these inks requires a detailed knowledge of the physical and chemical properties of the raw materials composing the inks which I won't go into. The most important factors when determining which ink to use is how the ink will react with the substrate as well as the environment. Flexographic printing inks are primarily formulated to remain compatible with a wide variety of printing substrates.

In recent years, flexo printing has been steadily improving in number of users, quality, and price. Flexographic printing is preferred over other methods as the ink dries quickly which allows for the machine to run at high speeds and the final product has a smooth finish with crisp detail. Water based inks in flexo printing has also increased in popularity due to the reduced emissions of volatile compounds which benefits the environment and the overall health of everyone in the printing industry. If these trends continue, one day flexographic printing may ultimately replace more expensive printing processes.

Analog vs. Digital

Today most of the copiers on the market are digital—they have hard drives just like your computer. But analog machines are still available. Older analog copiers have an advantage in simplicity over newer digital models. With one click of a button, your copying project begins. single button. However, digital black and white and digital color copiers are packed with a lot more features that businesses have come to rely on these days. Digital copiers, also called multifunction printers (MFPs), produce less noise than analog copiers, have fewer moving parts meaning fewer maintenance problems, and can produce more detailed photocopies.

For most businesses, it just makes little sense to invest in analog copiers these days. Most copier manufacturers have stopped producing new analog models and as costs have come down, there is little price difference between analog and digital copiers with similar features. For most companies the only compelling reason not to invest in a digital copier is the worry about technological challenges. That's why Progressive Copier Systems provides training for our customers. Even people who are technologically-phobic find digital copiers easy to use once they understand how it works.

Controlling Expenses

Many businesses find they have a glaring need for a copier but don't have the budget for a capital outlay. In this case, a copier lease may be the best option. It allows businesses to pay a fixed monthly cost without the large upfront costs. Progressive Copier Systems works with businesses to provide a cost-effective lease option.

Additionally, investing in used copiers is a great way to significantly cut your costs. These machines are typically very new and they've been completely overhauled to match new factory settings. You get the benefits of a new copier at a cost affordable price. Leasing a used copier can make a copier affordable for even the most cost-conscious business executive.

In today's business world, choosing the right copier can be confusing. The professionals at Progressive Copier Systems will be glad to sit down with you to help you find the right choice to fit your needs and budget. You can visit our website or feel free to give us a call at (619) 593-1000

The Home Office Copier

The home office copier is a much appreciated convenience placed in your hands. No more rushing to the office or copy shop just to print a copy or two of an important document. Printing a copy has now been made affordable especially to those people who have small businesses. So why not purchase a personal copier of your own? But wait, choosing a home copier should depend on your needs. Whether you are a small, medium or a large scale type of business, there are certain factors that you might want to go over before you buy your own home office copier. You may be glad to know that there are many options when it comes to these machines, including multifunction devices. Call Progressive Copier Systems today (619) 593-1000

The History of Xerography

Content courtesy of The Copier Blog

Chester Floyd Carlson (February 8, 1906 – September 19, 1968) was an American physicist, inventor, and patent attorney born in Seattle, Washington.

Carlson invented Xerography
Carlson was originally a patent attorney, a part-time researcher and an inventor. He is best known for having invented the process of electrophotography, which produced a dry copy rather than a wet copy, as was produced by the mimeograph process. Carlson's process was subsequently renamed to xerography, a term that literally means "dry copy."

Necessity is the Mother of Invention
His job at the patent office in New York required him to make a large number of copies of important papers. Carlson, was arthritic and found using mimeograph machines, Verifax, and carbon paper copying a painful and tedious process. Being an inventor, he worked to invent a solution to his physically difficult job.

His Kitchen was his Lab
It took 15 years of experiments with photoconductivity to come up with a . He used his kitchen for his "electrophotography" experiments, and, in 1938, he applied for a patent for the process.

First Photocopier Ingredients: Zinc and Sulfur
He made the first photocopy using a zinc plate covered with sulfur. The words "10-22-38 Astoria" were written on a microscope slide, which was placed on top of more sulfur and under a bright light. After the slide was removed, a mirror image of the words remained.

No market for Copiers before the 1960s
Carlson tried to sell his invention to some companies, but failed because the process was still underdeveloped. At the time, multiple copies were most commonly made at the point of document origination, using carbon paper or manual duplicating machines, and people did not see the need for an electronic machine. Between 1939 and 1944, Carlson was turned down by over 20 companies, including IBM and General Electric—neither of which believed there was a significant market for copiers.

Xerox finally finds Copier Market
Xerox was founded in 1906 in Rochester, New York as "The Haloid Company", and originally manufactured photographic paper and equipment. The company subsequently changed its name to "Haloid Xerox" in 1958 and then simply "Xerox" in 1961. Xerox came to prominence in 1959 with the introduction of the Xerox 914, the first plain paper photocopier using the process of xerography developed by Chester Carlson.

Determining Your Copier Volume

Content courtesy of Copy Machine Blog

If you’re looking to buy, rent, or lease a copy machine, it’s important to figure out your expected copy volume. This will help you determine which kind of copier (or copiers) will best suit your office.

In this way, choosing a copier is much like choosing a car. If you’re planning to make frequent trips across the country, you’ll want a car able to stand up to a lot of mileage, and — if you’re leasing — it would be wise to secure a generous service agreement as well. Alternatively, if you’re only going to be driving to the supermarket once or twice a week, a top-of-the-line vehicle might be a waste of money.

How can you calculate your volume? If you already have a copier, this is as easy as examining the counter, which you can typically find beneath the glass. To obtain an estimate without a copier, we recommend looking at the receipts from your copy shop, in addition to checking out your month-to-month paper consumption.

After you’ve come up with a predicted volume, most experts advise inflating this number by 15 percent or more. This will factor in your business’s potential expansion, as well as manufacturers’ tendencies to overestimate their product capabilities. If your machine will be working as an office printer or fax, consider inflating your figure even more.

Note: If your expected monthly volume is under 700 copies, you probably don’t need an expensive industrial copier. Save some money by investing in a smaller office copier instead.

Copier Stands

A copier is a delicate machine that requires proper handling. While some copiers stand on their own without support, others need a copier stand. Copier stands keep your machine steady and secure, and also hold other accessories like paper. Copier stands come in many sizes and shapes. Please feel free to call Progressive Copier Systems at (619) 593-1000 if you need any assistance in determining which size fits your make and model.

Things To Consider Before Buying A Small Business Copier

Courtesy of The Copier Blog

Small business owners need to be able to advertise and produce certain papers in bulk. So the purchase of a copier is a natural step for up and coming small businesses. With a lot of home copiers coming in combinations of printers and fax machines, and many business copiers being large and full of unnecessary features, the decision on which copier to buy can be confusing. Here are a few things to look for in a small business copier that will save time and money.

Black and white or color?

The decision between a black and white or color copier really depends on the business. Color copying takes longer, requires more ink, and the copier is more expensive when first purchased and in the long run. At the same time color copying is essential if the copier is going to be used to make fliers or banners to promote the business. Color fliers look more professional and eye-catching. If the copier is just going to be used to print off memos and paperwork, then go with a black and white only copier, and if advertising is going to be done, go with color.

Paper handling and response time

The whole point in purchasing a copier is to save time, so buying a copier that needs single sheets fed through or a paper tray that needs to be refilled three times a day defeats that purpose. To make your copier efficient make sure it can handle at least 250 pieces of paper in the copy tray to minimize refills. Copiers are also notorious for their warm up times, and a long warm up time can also defeat the purpose of owning a copier in the first place. Some copiers today offer a short warm up time of around one minute for larger copiers and even ten seconds for smaller personal copiers.

Versatility

A good copier doesn't just copy papers. A copier worth buying can also can handle index cards, transparencies and other heavier media. Versatility in a copier is a must, and it is essential to buy a copier that can handle everything you throw at it. A good feature to look for is a flatbed copying surface so the copier can copy pages from books and manuals as well.

Money saving features

Higher end copiers can have features that make up for the large initial price. One important feature to look for is duplexing, which is printing on both sides of the page. If used correctly, this feature can literally cut paper costs in half. Some copiers can also switch from color printing to strictly black and white. By doing a little research on which features are needed for a specific business a lot of costs can be cut by purchasing the right copier.

Like a computer or printer a copier is a big purchase for a small business, and an important one in taking said business into the technological age. With the right copier for that specific business the work load can be lessened and former tedious tasks can be made simple.

Copier Toner

Many of us often refer to toner as dry ink. The truth is that toner has nothing to do with ink (a pigmented liquid) at all. Toner is a powder that is plastic-based and negatively charged. The blackness of copier toner comes from pigments blended into the plastic particles while being manufactured. In a copier, the toner stored inside a cartridge is stuck on larger, positively charged beads. As toner-coated beads are made to roll over the drum, the toner particles are more attracted by the positively charged ions on the unexposed areas on the drum’s surface than the weakly charged beads. Later, the same particles are attracted even more towards the electro-statically charged paper. The plastic in the toner lets the user keep it from jumping ship once he/she has finally got it on the paper. Now all that is needed is to apply heat to the toner. Once the temperature rises, the plastic particles melt and fuse the pigment to the paper. The fuser adds the finishing touch.

First Xerox Commercial

Have you ever had an important job running on your copier and when you see the finished product, you find lines running through your copies? There are several common causes. After more than 20+ years in the business, the copier repair professionals at Progressive Copier Systems have seen just about everything and we offer these tips to help you get crisp, clean copies every time.

There are several common causes of copies with lines through them. The vast majority of these problems can be addressed with a simple cleaning. If this doesn't help, our technicians are available to help get your copier running smoothly.

The first thing you'll want to do is clean the glass where you put your originals. A dirty platen glass can cause black streaks and smudges to appear. Make sure to use lint-free towels and isopropyl alcohol. Also, always make sure everything dries completely before using your copier.

Sometimes, dirty or extra toner can get caught in the exit area where your copies come out of the copier. There are usually fine, soft brushes attached to the copy machine that will sweep away dirt particles from exiting copies but these brushes can get dirty. Remove them by gently pulling them away from the copier and clean them with mild soap and water. Replace them after they are fully dry.

The next thing to check is the drum unit. It's the round, shiny unit. The first thing to do is to make sure the copier is unplugged. Warning: The drum unit is very sensitive and can be easily scratched or damaged. Make sure you remove any watches and rings before you begin.

Using a soft mylar brush, gently remove any dirt or surface dust on the drum and then check the machine. If your copier is still out-putting streaked or lined copies, unplug the machine and clean the drum with isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free towel. Let the drum dry completely before plugging your copier back in and turning it back on.

The last area that could cause problems is the fusing section. It's prone to dirt and toner build up but because of the electrical wiring and complexity, you'll want to make sure a certified technician is the only one to examine your fusing section. The fusing section is prone to dirt and toner build up and can create lines across your copies.

Of course the easiest way to avoid problems is to schedule regular maintenance of your copiers. Progressive Copier Systems can help. Our expert San Diego copier repair technicians are trained and certified to provide maintenance and repair to help protect your investment for years to come. Visit our website at http://www.progressivecopier.com for our on-line maintenance and repair specials or call us at (619) 593-1000

Copier Hard Drive Security

Do you have a copier? A printer A fax? Do you use it most days to copy or print confidential information? Well here is some rather worrying news that you ought to be aware of.

The majority of people don’t realize that most scanners, copiers, faxes and multifunctional printers , certainly ones manufactured since the early 2000′s have hard drives in them. These hard disks copy and store every single piece of information that you put through them. This includes anything that you have scanned, anything that you have copied, printed or in some cases even faxed.

Now, consider this – When you replace or upgrade a PC or laptop, people usually (as its been drummed into them by people like me) remove the hard disk, erase the data or destroy the disk before either recycling the machine, giving it away, selling it on or dumping it. What happens when the lease on your copier expires and you upgrade it? Do you clear its hard drive before you return it? I’m guessing, like most people, you don’t.

Recently in America, when an undercover team looked into a number of places that re-sell used copiers and the like they recovered thousands of documents, images, photos, bank statements, accounts records etc from the many hard drives that were left, untouched, in the old copiers – all of which were waiting to be resold. Imagine if everything that you have ever printed, photocopied or scanned could be seen by someone else? A competitor perhaps? Or even more worrying, an undesirable? It could have devastating results for both you and your business.

Progressive Copier Systems is all about total care for all things that concern your copier systems. If you do have a copier that has seen better days that you are thinking of recycling and you want the data erased, get in touch and we will help you to clear it. We'll be glad to help you learn more about copier hard drive security.

Digital Color Copiers

Color copiers support color printing and work much like a computer scanner connected to a laser printer. A color copier scans a document and then uses a laser to put the information on an image drum. The copier then fuses the image onto paper. High-end color copiers will transfer the image in one pass while lower-end color copiers may take as many as four passes to make the transfer. Something to keep in mind; lower cost copiers have slower copying speeds. As far as costs, you'll find that color copiers will typically cost 20 or 30% more than similarly rated black and white copiers. You'll also need to examine your copying needs. Businesses requiring extremely accurate graphic reproductions will need to invest in a dedicated graphic color copier which provides very accurate print-quality color specifications and faster processors. Progressive Copier Systems can help you determine what your needs are.

Give us a call or find us on the web!

Progressive Copier Systems, Inc.
1444 Pioneer Way #4
El Cajon, CA 92020 (San Diego County)

(619) 593-1000 Copier Sales, Supplies, Hard Drive Services
(619) 920-3370 Technical Assistance

http://www.progressivecopier.com/

A Checklist For Your Copier Purchase

Today's copiers have come a long way since their introduction more than 50-years ago. What started as a machine to make basic black-and-white copies of documents has evolved into a complex business tool that can do everything from printing digital images to scanning and sending faxes. But all these added capabilities have also made the buying or leasing process much more complicated.

Progressive Copier Systems has been helping San Diego businesses find the right copier at an affordable price for nearly 25 years now. Here's a checklist for you to use to make your next new or used copier purchase easier. When comparing copy machines, make sure you consider factors such as features, printing capabilities, size and speed to find the right copier to meet your needs. Also make sure you consider long-term costs—such as copier repair and maintenance.

* The first thing to do is compare copy speed between the machines you're considering. The speed of a copy machine is given in pages per minute (ppm) or copies per minute (CPM). Most copiers on the market today range from 20 to 50 ppm. If your company requires a large volume of copies, or speed is a factor, choose a copier with a high ppm.

* Next you'll want to check the available features for each unit you're considering. While the most basic copiers simply makes copies, more advanced units can scan, print from your computer or even send faxes. Look for a unit that has the functions you need, but don't pay extra for functions that you'll rarely—if ever—use.

* Checkout different copier printing technologies. According to "Abby's Guide," laser copiers are the least expensive models if all you need to do is create basic black and white copies. Inkjet units cost more, but offer more flexibility for color copying and other options.

* If high-quality color copies are required, choose a unit with a high resolution (measured in pixels) for the best image quality.

* Make sure to ask about features like stapling, folding, collating, hole punching or duplex printing. Some copiers can perform all of these functions, while others may perform only a few. Select the ones that are most in line with your needs.

* The one area most companies forget to check is space. Some copy machines can be quite large, and require a great deal of floor space. If the copier is going in a small room, make sure to choose a unit that will fit.

* Think about paper size and type. Some special projects require fairly large sheets of paper and might require special types of paper. The most basic copy machines will most likely only accept smaller, standard paper sizes, and some units may have trouble feeding certain types of paper. Look for a unit that is capable of handling the paper you plan to use.

* Finally think about on-going costs. Setting up regular maintenance and repair intervals will help keep your new or used copier running at peak performance for years to come

Because of the complexity of today's copiers, choosing the right one can seem like a daunting proposition. Progressive Copier Systems has been helping customers find the right business machine for more than two decades now. We'll be glad to sit down with you to sort through choices for new copiers or used copiers and develop a financing plan to meet even the tightest budgets. We offer the lowest price on on-site and off-site copier repairs and service. When you're looking for your next copier, consider the experts at Progressive Copier Systems. You can reach us at (619) 593-1000 and don't forget to check our website at http://www.progressivecopier.com for our hot specials.

Copy Machines, a Security Risk?

Benefits Of A Digital Copier Over An Analog Copier

Content Courtesy of BuyerZone

Many businesses today have a photocopier for use in creating copies of different documents. When it comes to photocopiers there are two different types that consumers can choose from. These two choices are analog copiers and digital copiers. An analog copier is the old fashioned copier that many people are already familiar with. This type of copier creates copies through a process that requires a positively charged drum and a negatively charged ink toner. Digital copiers are becoming increasingly popular today because of the way that it does the copying job, while also rewarding owners with many other benefits.

High Quality Documents and Pictures

The digital copier uses a negatively charged drum with a positively charged toner system in order to print the documents and pictures. This means that a much higher quality documents is produced. This document is also scanned into the memory of the copier which enables it to be manipulated by a computer, saved for future printing, or transmitting to another computer through email or fax.

Digital Copiers Are Multi-Function Machines

Digital copiers are a great investment for any small business. The biggest reason is that they can perform many different functions within the one piece of equipment. Digital copiers can be used as a standalone copier, computer printer, fax machine, and even flat bed scanner. Connected through the use of wireless technologies, the digital copier has even more capabilities and convenience.

Less Costly to Operate

Many businesses today are taking a look at the way that money is being spent within their offices. Digital copiers present businesses with a much lower cost of operation over analog copiers. These copiers do not require as much maintenance as analog computers, as well as the lower cost of ink. However, the largest cost saving factor is that the ink itself is higher yield which results less cost per page.

Digital Copiers Are Environmentally Friendly

When it comes to noise pollution, digital copiers are not a big contributor. They run very quietly and efficiently. Digital copiers also have an energy saving standby mode which powers the copier down, but not completely. Paper is also saved through the use of duplex printing and less paper jams during operation.
Faster Printing

Copying processes can take a lot of time with the use of an analog printer. Since digital copiers store the documents into an internal memory, there is not need for a continuous moving of the carriage and drum. It only has to scan the document once and then can make as many copies as the operator wants. Speeds of up to 30 pages per minute is not unusual with a digital copier.

Smaller and More Compact

Digital technology has enabled manufacturers to create smaller machines to replace the larger, more cumbersome pieces of equipment. Full featured digital copiers can be set on a desktop today without taking up a lot of room. This means that they are also less costly, but will not take up a lot of space in a small office building.

Copier Lingo: Color Server

Color Server
Used to attach a color copier to a computer network, a color server converts color files into printing instructions for the copier. Also known as a raster image processor (RIP) or a print controller.