Shopping for a copy machine probably sounds confusing because there are so many acronyms or technology terms to know. But don’t worry- the terms only sound complicated. Most of what you need to know about copier features can be summed up on one page. Here are a few terms to know before you talk to a salesperson:
Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)
An attachment to the machine that allows a whole document to be copied at once, without individually scanning each page. The document is placed in a tray, and each page is read by the printer copier automatically.
Average Monthly Copy Volume (AMCV)
Many vendors calculate total costs based on this estimate. It can also be called “Average Monthly Print Volume” (AMPV).
Business Color
A lower class of color printing, where colors are printed “approximately” as they appear in a document creation program. This method is less expensive than RBG or other, more sophisticated printing methods.
Buy-Out
An option to purchase copy equipment once a lease is over.
Clicks
An industry term for pages printed per month. Machines have meters that compute total number of pages printed, just like an odometer on a car.
CMYK
Cyan-Magenta-Yellow-Black (the “K” is for black), this is a very basic lower resolution color printing process.
Copies-Per-Minute (CPM)
The speed at which a machine can produce copies.
Cost-Per-Copy (CPC) Program
A method of billing where costs for maintenance, supplies, and equipment are combined and billed as a charge “per copy.” In these programs, hardware can be leased or financed, so that the costs of use are distributed over the use of the machine.
Dots-Per-Inch (DPI)
A term that describes color density on a printed page. The higher this number is, the higher the quality of prints.
Duty Cycle
The amount of pages, or “clicks” that a copier is capable of, measured in units printed.
Electronic Document Management (EDM)
The ability of a copier to scan and store documents using an all in one printer copier. The machine can be linked to a network, and employees can scan documents for storage or future printing if needed.
Finishing Options
Features like stapling and folding.
Large Capacity Tray (LCT)
A tray connected to the machine that can hold several reams of paper for larger print jobs.
Multi-function Device (MFD) or Multi-function Product (MFP)
An all in one machine that can perform copying, printing , scanning, and faxing functions.
RGB
Acronym for Red-Green-Blue, a common printing process that produces color images at a higher density than a CMYK process.
Scanner
A device that allows records document information and stores it.
TCO
Stands for Total Cost of Ownership, an estimate that includes equipment and service costs when purchasing a copier.