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

Content Courtesy of http://articlesadv.com
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

Content Courtesy of Buyer Zone: Your Office Equipment Resource Center

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