The History of the Copier

The copy machine is also often called "photocopier," or "copier."

The photocopier's main function is to make paper copies of documents or other images in a fast and relatively cheap way. These machines use a technology called xerography, which uses heat and ink to make copies.

Xerography

In 1949, Xerox created xerographic technology, which replaced previous technologies such as Verifax and Photostat. Xerography, unlike these other technologies, does not use liquid chemicals. Instead, it uses a technique called cyanotype.

Xerox

After the advent of xerography, Xerox began to promote the technology with a copier called the Model A, in 1949. It became so popular in North America that individuals began to colloquially call photocopying "xeroxing."

1960s and 1970s

In the 1960s and 1970s, various companies began to market paper that was specifically designed for Xerox machines. This eventually made Xerox the preference of many offices because the technology became cheaper than before.

References

• Funding Universe: History of Xerox
• Xerox: FactBook