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Photocopiers are electronic machines set up at home or at the office that are used to print papers and make copies of documents. A photocopier uses a technology known as xerography. During xerography, the copier releases electrostatic rays on another light-sensitive platform called the photoreceptor.

The photoreceptor then transfers the copier’s ink from the toner onto the paper forming the desired image. The copying process is a combination of both heat and pressure at high speeds. The copied image prints onto an A4 paper in Real-time.

Brief History Of Photocopiers

In the United Kingdom, photocopiers are either used in businesses, schools, government institutions, and private institutions. The first person to invent the copier was Chester Carlson, a lawyer by profession; Chester was also a part-time researcher and inventor.

It was Chester’s hard work and innovation that revolutionized how the photocopier works. By the end of 1970, the Xerographic copier had already taken full effect. Other machines such as Kodak and Sharp were also manufactured.

However, the Xerographic copier had some setbacks- meaning the copier was using a lot of supplies. For instance, Verifax copier cost per paper required an average of $0.15; this was quite expensive.

Today, photocopying machines are using technology that is less expensive, user-friendly and environmentally friendly. The type of printer copier you wish to buy depends on the goals you aim to achieve. If it is for commercial purposes, then opting for a small/medium copier may be your best option.

Identifying the best photocopying machine for your business is sometimes difficult. This is because of the multiple copier manufacturing companies out there with almost similar features. It all depends on the money you have and the specifications you are looking for in a copier.

However, it is essential to address all your needs depending on the kind of printer you want. What is the size of your business? How many people will the printer serve in the office? These are the kind questions you need to ask yourself before buying any copier.

Different printers have different prices either because of the brand, size, capacity, and year of manufacture. Therefore, pricing is based on the characteristics mentioned above. In the UK for instance, the average price for a printer in a small business ranges from £50 to £100.

Top Companies That Produce Photocopying Machines

Some companies manufacture high-quality copiers. These copier companies are well known internationally for their high-quality products. These copier companies include Xerox, Canon, Sharp, Ricoh, Brother, and Konica.

These companies have a lot of experience in producing photocopiers of different sizes and purposes. Generally, the companies produce two main types of copiers- copiers for home users and copiers for commercial users. We are going to take a closer look at some of the best copier manufacturing companies we have today in the list below:

Xerox

Xerox was founded in 1956 as a joint business entity between Corporation of U.S and Rank Organization of the U.K. Xerox produces photocopying machines that are designed with specific features to suit its users.

Key Features Of Xerox

User-friendly
Ability to handle different paper sizes
Built with the capacity to handle paper of any thickness
Inbuilt user-access system
Large memory capacity for repetitive jobs
Automatic workflow procedure

Ideally, the best Xerox copier machine for small businesses is the Xerox WorkCentre 3655, which is cheap and efficient. The speed stands at 47 pages per minute and can print over 5,000 copies within 30 days. The machine offers nothing but the best, by keeping the costs relatively low.

If you are operating a big business, then Xerox D95 is the copier for you. The Xerox D95 is engineered to provide high-quality prints and photocopying experience that is amazing. My advice to you is to make sure you have the right lease agreement in place before using the machine.

2. Canon
Canon is a well-renowned brand in the industry that produces high quality and durable products. Canon also offers repair and maintenance services for their products. The most important feature in a Canon copier is its versatility.

Key Features of a Canon Copier

Ability to print large quantities of work
Super-quality Toner
Unique design with a colorful look
Special color output
User-friendly
Ability to multi-task

High-quality end product

If the scale of your business is small, then the imageRUNNER 1730i is the best photocopier for you. This machine delivers on quality and is capable of handling high volumes of work. Also, the device is designed in such a way that it will easily fit in your office. The speed stands at 30 papers per minute, with the capacity to print over 2000 sheets of paper.

Photocopying Machines and Human Health

There have been some serious health risks surrounding photocopying machines. Analog copiers used to emit dangerous particles into thin air. Analog copiers were harmful and dangerous. However, with the introduction of digital copiers things have changed for the better, but not yet- humans are still at risk. Below are health risks related to photocopiers:

Toner

Perhaps this is the most dangerous device in a copier. The powder in the toner is the one thing you need to stay away from. If a person inhales the dust from the toner, it can cause some serious health complication in the throat area. Companies that produce toners are being advised to manufacture toners that completely seal the powder, just to avoid exposing the powder dust to users.

Ultraviolet Rays

Most copiers use photogenic rays to print images on papers. Staying very close to these rays is harmful to your health. A modern copier is built to reduce the effect of these UV rays on users. However, it is still very dangerous to expose yourself to ultraviolet rays.

Conclusion

Even though we have talked about some of the best photocopying brands in the world right now, it is worth taking note of counterfeits. For the users of a copying machine, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between good copiers from counterfeit.

In the United Kingdom, photocopiers are useful to make work easier for companies, business, and families at home. The price of a photocopying machine is highly dependent on the size of your business and the amount of work.