Photocopiers and Fax Machines Overview

Photocopying

• Photocopiers use a photoelectric process to create copies of documents.
• A light source illuminates the original document.
• The light reflects onto a photosensitive drum, creating an image.
• Toner is applied to the drum, adhering to the image areas.
• The toner is then transferred to paper, fusing it in place with heat.
• Photocopiers can produce high-quality copies rapidly.
• Some advanced copiers offer features like color copying, multiple-page copying, and resizing.

Fax Machines

• Fax machines transmit documents electronically over telephone lines.
• The machine scans the document, converting it into digital signals.
• These signals are sent over the phone lines to a receiving fax machine.
• The receiving machine reconstructs the document.
• Faxing is a method for rapid document transfer across distances.
• Many modern fax machines (often integrated with copiers) now use digital networks and offer features like email integration.
• Fax machines are becoming less common, with electronic alternatives such as email and cloud-based sharing becoming more prevalent.

Printers

• Printers create hardcopies of digital documents.
• Several key types exist, each with distinct characteristics:
  • Inkjet printers spray ink onto paper. This provides good overall quality, especially for text and photos, but can be slower than other types.
  • Laser printers use a laser beam and toner to create images on paper. Known for high printing speeds and producing sharp text.
  • 3D printers build objects layer by layer from various materials. These printers produce physical objects but are not comparable in speed to conventional printing methods.
• Different printer types are suited for various jobs:
  • Inkjet printers are good for photos and general documents.
  • Laser printers are better for large-volume, high-quality text printing.
  • 3D printers are used for creating physical models, prototypes, or complex shapes.
• Printer speeds and resolution vary significantly between types and models.
• Printers can be categorized by their connectivity:
  • Some are connected to a computer via USB or Ethernet.
  • Some are wireless or networked.
• Modern printers often combine functions like scanning, copying, and faxing.