Copier Glossary

A feature that automatically feeds multiple pages into a copier for scanning or copying, eliminating the need to place each page manually on the glass.

A systematic approach to making workflow more effective, efficient, and adaptable to changes in copier fleet management.

The four-color printing process using Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (Black) inks to produce full-color prints.

The total cost to print a single page, including toner, maintenance, and other consumables.

An advanced ADF that can automatically scan or copy both sides of multi-page documents without manual intervention.

A measure of print resolution indicating how many ink dots the printer can place within one square inch. Higher DPI means better quality.

The ability to automatically print on both sides of a page, reducing paper consumption and costs.

The maximum number of pages a copier can reliably produce per month without excessive wear.

A networking technology that allows copiers to connect to local area networks for sharing and remote printing.

Post-printing features like stapling, hole punching, folding, and booklet making.

A heated component that bonds toner to paper using heat and pressure during the printing process.

A measurement of printing speed for documents with graphics and images, typically slower than PPM.

A device that combines printing, scanning, copying, and often faxing capabilities in one machine.

Technology that converts scanned documents into editable and searchable text files.

A page description language developed by HP, widely used for business printing.

A page description language commonly used for professional graphics and publishing applications.

The standard measurement of printing speed, indicating how many pages can be printed in one minute.

Software that allows your computer to communicate with and send print jobs to a copier or printer.

A secure printing feature where documents are held until the user authenticates at the device to release them.

Memory in the copier that temporarily stores print jobs and data for processing.

The sharpness and clarity of printed output, measured in DPI (dots per inch).

A paper size (320 x 450mm) slightly larger than A3, allowing for full-bleed A3 printing.

The complete cost of owning a copier, including purchase price, supplies, maintenance, and energy costs over its lifetime.

Fine powder used in laser printers and copiers to create text and images on paper.

The time required for a copier to be ready to print after being turned on or waking from sleep mode.

The number of pages a toner cartridge can print before needing replacement, usually at 5% coverage.

Wireless networking technology that allows copiers to connect to networks without cables.

Apple's wireless printing technology that allows iOS and macOS devices to print without installing drivers.

Older copying technology that uses light reflection onto a photosensitive surface with "one scan, one print" limitations.

The minimum number of monthly copies included in a service contract, which typically affects the cost per copy.

Trays that catch and hold documents as they exit the printer or copier.

An advanced duplexing function that arranges and folds pages correctly to create booklets.

An optional connector unit that links the copier to additional finishing devices or accessories.

The amount owed at the end of a lease to purchase the equipment outright.

A manual feed tray for sending special media like cardstock, envelopes, or specialty paper directly through the copier.

The support structure for printers and copiers, often with storage for paper and supplies.

An integrated or add-on device that reads memory cards for direct printing or scanning.

Generic term for the tray or area where documents are collected after printing or copying.

Industry term for a single printed or copied page, commonly used in billing and service contracts.

The process of printing multiple sets of multi-page documents while maintaining the original page order.

Digital machines equipped with multiple toner cartridges (typically CMYK) for full-color reproduction.

Replaceable supplies required for copier operation, including toner, paper, drums, developer, and staples.

The average amount of toner or ink deposited on a page, typically expressed as a percentage.

The average number of copies or prints a machine can produce every 60 seconds.

The amount charged per printed page under a service agreement, typically including toner and maintenance.

The cylindrical component that applies toner to paper during the printing and copying process.

A mechanical device that enables automatic double-sided scanning or printing.

A scanner capable of capturing both sides of multi-page documents and producing multiple collated copies.

Digital collation of documents using memory instead of mechanical bins, often with offset stacking.

The time required to output the first document when starting from an idle or sleep state.

Printing that extends to the very edges of the paper with no white margins.

Internal storage in digital copiers for storing scanned documents, print jobs, and system data.

The North American designation for 11×17 inch page size.

The North American designation for 8.5×14 inch page size.

The temporary storage capacity (RAM) of a copier that enables processing of print jobs and advanced features.

A method to write blank data over the hard drive to permanently delete sensitive information.

An ADF that mechanically reverses each page to scan both sides automatically.

A series of mechanical output bins that automatically collates documents into separate trays.

Finishing equipment that automatically staples completed document sets.

Technology that allows printing from anywhere via internet-connected cloud services.

The process of adjusting a copier's color output to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Outsourced management of an organization's printing devices, supplies, and workflows.

A computer or device that manages print jobs and printer queues across a network.

The multiplier used to calculate monthly lease payments based on equipment cost.

A lease agreement where you own the equipment for $1 at the end of the lease term.

A lease where monthly payments are lower, but you must buy, return, or refinance the equipment at fair market value at lease end.

A per-page fee charged in service contracts covering toner, maintenance, and support.

The time required for a copier to heat up and become ready to print after being turned on or waking from sleep mode.

The component that uses heat and pressure to permanently bond toner to paper.

Software that translates computer documents into printer-specific commands.

The thickness and density of paper, measured in grams per square meter (GSM) or pounds.

Feature that allows documents to be scanned and sent directly to email addresses from the copier.

The two main printer languages: PCL (HP) for business documents, PostScript (Adobe) for graphics.

A per-page fee charged by copier dealers for each copy or print made on a leased copier. Click charges typically include toner, maintenance, and service.

The minimum number of pages per month included in a copier service contract, regardless of actual usage.

Additional per-page fees charged when monthly print volume exceeds the base volume specified in a service contract.

A type of lease where the lessee can purchase the equipment at the end of the lease term for its fair market value, typically 10-15% of original price.

The estimated value of leased equipment at the end of the lease term, affecting monthly lease payments.

A decimal number used to calculate monthly lease payments, similar to an interest rate but expressed differently.

A contract between a service provider and customer specifying expected service quality, response times, and remedies for failures.

A comprehensive service where a provider manages all aspects of an organization's print infrastructure, including devices, supplies, maintenance, and optimization.

Permanent software programmed into a copier's memory that controls its basic functions and operations.

The weight of paper measured in grams per square meter (GSM), indicating thickness and quality.

The ability to print on continuous, long sheets of paper (typically up to 13"×48" or longer) for creating signs, banners, and posters.

A specialized tray or attachment designed specifically for feeding and printing on envelopes of various sizes.

A large paper tray that holds significantly more paper (typically 1,000-3,000 sheets) than standard trays, reducing refill frequency for high-volume printing.

An optional paper storage unit that significantly expands copier paper capacity, typically holding 1,000-3,000 sheets.

An optional attachment that automatically staples printed documents in various positions (corner, edge, or dual) without manual intervention.

An advanced finishing device that automatically folds and staples printed sheets into booklet format with saddle-stitch binding.