Copiers Vs. Duplicators
If you are considering an in-house color printing solution for your business, copiers or duplicators may be feasible options. In weighing your options, compare the features of copiers and duplicators so you know which solution best suits your organization's needs.
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Reproduction Process
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A color copier's reproduction process most closely represents full-color printing because all colors are applied in a single pass. A duplicator's production process most closely represents spot-color printing because only one or two colors are applied in a single pass. For example, a document with just black and one other color (such as red for highlighting) would work well in a duplicator, whereas a document with rich, full-color photographs would be better replicated on a color copier.
Consumables
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Color copiers use two main consumable items: toner in either cartridge or bottle containers for each color (black, cyan, yellow and magenta) and a drum. Duplicators use three main consumable items: master rolls, color-dedicated print drums and color ink cartridges that fit into the drums. When comparing purchase or lease prices, factor in the costs of these consumable items in addition to the machine's price.
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Paper Handling Capacity
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Most copiers come with numerous paper drawers so that you can load standard 8.5- by 11-inch copy paper in one drawer and a different paper size or paper type in another drawer. Most duplicators come with a single input tray. Both machines offer adjustable feed trays or drawers. When comparison shopping, check the machine specifications for minimum and maximum paper sizes.
Paper Handling & Feed Paths
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Most copiers can automatically handle single-sided or double-sided copies, but duplicators print on one side of the paper per pass. Depending on the input drawer being used and whether you are making single- or double-sided copies, a copier may be feeding paper through a heated, winding path of feeders, rollers and gears. On the other hand, duplicators use a straight feed path that generates little if any heat. As a result, duplicator users encounter fewer paper jams.
Finishing
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Most color copiers have optional finishing units available that can sort, collate and staple in multiple positions (corner, binding edge and booklet stapling). By contrast, only a few duplicators have add-on finishing units. Typically, an investment in a duplicator requires additional investments in other finishing equipment, such as booklet makers, saddle stitching machines and paper joggers.
Availability & Manufacturers
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Color copiers are more widely available and widely used than duplicators. There are also more copier manufacturers (Canon, Konica, Kyocera, Sharp, Toshiba and Xerox, to name just a few) than duplicator manufacturers (Duplo, Gestetner, Ricoh, Riso and Standard are the most common). At least one manufacturer (Ricoh) makes both color copiers and duplicators. Many resellers will handle both copiers and duplicators and can help guide you to the right choice.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit copy machine image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
