An Overview On Copier (photocopier) Machine

A copier, which is also known as photocopier or copy machine, is a machine that makes paper copies of documents and other visual images quickly and cheaply. There are two types of technologies used in two different types of copiers. One is based on ink jet technology which is applied in small copier or multitasking copiers. The second technology in use is xerography, which use heat and dry process. Xerography is most commonly used when there is heavy work load and it is idle for offices.

The biggest challenge copier are going to face in future is the danger of becoming obsolete. The reason for the same is information workers continue to increase their digital document creation and distribution, and rely less on distributing actual pieces of paper.

The copier based on xerography work in five stages. These five stages are: (a) charging of cylindrical drum, (b) exposure by bright lamp illumination of original document, (c) developing of Xeroxed copy, (d) transfer of toner image on the surface of the drum and (e) fusing by toner melted and bonded to the paper.

The copier is in use since 1779. The first copier worked by physically transferring some ink from original document to moisturized thin paper. This copier type continued in use for around hundred years. After that few more arrangements were made towards modifying the copying process. In 1949, first version of modern copier was made by Xerox Corporation, and it become very famous.

After this first model of modern copier, color copier was introduced in form of colored toner. Later first electrostatic color copier was released. In later years of 20th century, software comes in use to operate and control working of copiers.

With the starting of 21st century, digital technology was introduced in copiers. And all analog technology based copier were started converting into digital. With digital copying, the copier effectively consists of an integrated scanner and laser printer. This design has several advantages, such as automatic image quality enhancement and the ability to "build jobs" (that is, to scan page images independently of the process of printing them). A great advantage of digital copier technology is "automatic digital collation.

Copying is subject to restricted with the materials that is the subject of copyright. The only permitted use of such copying is research work.

There is one danger with copier, the danger of exposure to ultraviolet light. In early days there was a provision to restrict these rays. With latest technology, where several lights are used, copier with ultraviolet produce lights such as fluorescent, tungsten halogen, or xenon flash, expose documents to some ultraviolet.

A copier also play vital role in forensic identification as well. The mechanical tolerances of the toner and paper feed mechanisms cause banding, which can reveal information about the individual device's mechanical properties. Source: Wikipedia.