First-Copy Time / First-Print Time

First-Copy Time (FCT) or First-Print Time measures how long it takes to produce the first page when you walk up to an idle copier, place a document, and press Copy or Print. This includes warm-up time (if needed), scanning time, processing time, and actual printing time. FCT is crucial for user experience and productivity, especially in environments with sporadic printing needs. Modern copiers with instant-on technology and fast processors achieve FCTs of 3-6 seconds for black-and-white and 6-10 seconds for color. After the first copy, subsequent pages print at the rated CPM/PPM speed.