Analog Copiers

Account Codes
To help keep track of who is using a copier, users must punch in an individual or department code before making copies.

All-In-Ones
Devices, also known as multifunctional devices (MFDs), that perform more than one function in a single unit, such as copying, faxing, scanning, and printing.

Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)
Allows you to copy documents without lifting the platen. Instead of placing each sheet individually on the glass, you simply load a stack of originals into the feeder, press start, and let the copier move each sheet on and off the platen. A feeder typically holds anywhere from one to 20 sheets at a time.

Bypass Tray
The short, straight-paper path of a bypass tray reduces the risk of jamming and allows you to copy directly onto originals - such as colored paper, odd-sized paper, or card stock - that either can't be fed or are inconvenient to feed from the traditional copy paper tray inside a copier. Bypass trays can typically hold anywhere from one to 100 sheets. They are often used in color copiers for printing onto covers or transparencies. (Bypass trays that can hold more than one sheet are known as stackable bypass trays.)

Catch Tray
Collects finished copies emerging from a copier.

Color Server
Used to attach a color copier to a computer network, a color server converts color files into printing instructions for the copier. Also known as a raster image processor (RIP) or a print controller.

Consumables
The toner, paper, fuser oil, developer, or any other materials or parts that must be periodically replaced in a copier.

Control Panel
Holds the buttons to control copier functions. The newest copiers have a control panel in the form of an easy-to-follow LCD presentation, which guides you as you select variables such as copy quantity, paper size, reduction, or enlargement.

Convenience Copying
Using a fax machine's scanning function to make a quick copy, as if you were sending a fax to yourself.

Copier Counter
Keeps track of how many copies a machine has made. When the counter is not readily visible, it can usually be found somewhere beneath the platen glass of the copier.

Copies Per Minute (CPM)
The number of 8 1/2 x 11 inch pages a copier can output per minute. Most color copiers list four CPM speeds: black and white, one color, two-color, and four-color. Four-color speeds are the slowest, typically ranging from 3 to 10 CPM except on high-end machines (which can run as fast as 40 CPM).

Cost of Ownership
Costs, in addition to price, that determine the true cost of owning a copier. These include consumables such as paper and toner, as well as service contracts.