The 6 Types of Copiers You Need to Know

Copiers come in all shapes and sizes, but there are really only five types you need to know. Knowing which type of copier is right for your business can save you a lot of time and money. Here’s a breakdown of the six types of copiers and what they are best suited for.

1. Mono Copiers

A mono copier produces a single color. They’re ideal for small to medium-sized businesses as they’re more cost-effective and less time-consuming than color copiers. If your business mainly prints text documents, a mono copier is the right choice for you.

These types of printers serve as the foundation of every office. They offer solid performance, reasonable speed, and decent quality at a reasonable price point. If you plan on having a whole bunch of printers in each department, this one will suffice since they can print in black and white only. These types of printers are typically used for printing text documents, spreadsheet reports, and other types of files that require the use of black toner only.

2. Multi-Function Printers Or Copier Machines

Multi-function printers (MFPs) and copier machines are types of office machines that combine some or all of the following: printing, copying, scanning and sometimes faxing. Though MFPs generally contain a laser printer, they can also print on more types of paper types compared to standard laser printers.

The ability for an MFP to scan means you can scan documents directly to your computer’s hard drive without having to connect the scanner via USB cable or send copies over email. Because you don’t have to physically upload scans onto your PC, you make fewer trips between your desk and the equipment room.

These types of copiers also offer some pretty cool features like internet connectivity which allows you to print your document straight from your computer’s desktop without having to move around with a USB drive or an SD card. Some can even turn out borderless photos perfect for photo enthusiasts!

Types Of Multi-Function Printers

If you’re interested in purchasing an MFP instead of a conventional printer but don’t know where to start, you can narrow down your options by considering the types of MFPs available.

– Office Copier Machines

They are designed for high-volume copy tasks in business environments and many have faxing capabilities as well.

– Small-Office MFPs

These types of copier machines are intended for use in small offices or home office use but they are still able to perform high-volume print jobs when needed.

– Personal Copier Machines

Personal copiers are ideal for one individual who performs personal copying tasks on a regular basis – say someone who runs their own business out of home and needs a compact machine that will do double duty as a printer and scanner/copier.

3. Color Laser Multifunction Printers

A color laser multifunction printer is a copier, scanner, and fax all rolled into one. This type of copier can cost upwards of $4,000 but it’s well worth the money if you need to print in color often. It allows you to replace three types of devices with just one device. It’s also a great choice if you have employees that need their own personal copier. The only types of copiers that are better than this type are digital or all-in-one models.

4. Network Copiers

These types of copiers are best for smaller offices that require functionality but can’t afford to buy multiple types of machines. Network copiers transfer files wirelessly, eliminating the need for a direct connection between computers and printers. These types of copiers print double-sided documents right out of the box, saving on paper costs. They also typically have automated tray functions, so whether you’re printing one page or 100 pages at once, you simply load your paper trays and press start.

Some common types of network copiers include:

• All-in-One Machines – All-in-one machines combine various types of output into one unit (i.e., copy, fax, scan). However, they sometimes do not print as quickly or loudly as dedicated machines.
• Hybrid Machines – Also known as MFP units, hybrid copiers combine the features of an all-in-one machine with a printer behind the scenes to create one output.

5. Workgroup Copiers

Workgroup copiers are slightly more powerful types of copiers that can handle larger print jobs and offer more types of functions than network types. These types of copiers function like minicomputers, allowing users to expand their productivity by utilizing multiple types of printing options. Some common types of workgroup copiers include:

• Midi Copiers – Midi copiers are used for busy sized offices that require fewer types of printing options
• Supermarket Copiers – Supermarket copiers offer types of printing functionality, like business cards, booklet,s and envelope printing. These types of copiers are often seen in grocery store chains because they handle many types of print jobs on a daily basis
• Digital Presses – A type of workgroup copier that is capable of producing full-color prints on both sides (duplex) at up to five types (10) pages per minute.

Workgroup copier types are great for offices that want more types of functions than network types but aren’t concerned with advanced features like faxing or scanning capabilities. Workgroup copiers cost more than network types but they also produce better types of prints and can handle larger types of print jobs.