Learning Centre Digital Copiers An analog copier has a "direct" light path between the document scanner surface and the photodrum which transfers the toner powder image to the paper. The light goes through various mirrors and lenses which are mechanically moved to Enlarge or Reduce. For multiple copies the document must be scanned each time. A digital copier is really a "fax" type document scanner electrically connected to a very powerfull "laser printer". Essentially laser printers and copiers are similar as both use a photodrum to collect toner in an image and transfer it to the paper. In an analog copier the drum is exposed to light from the document directly and in a laser printer or digital copier the light comes from a scanning laser. Advantages of the "Digital" system Enlargement & Reduction is faster and more versatile Scanning can be in true grey scale and converted in memory to "dither" patterens for copies of photographs and prints. Easy option to use as a high speed computer printer Scan once, print many makes multiple copies faster and lower on wear & tear Less mechanical parts, less servicing so lower running costs Digital image enhancement reduces "grey" from coloured paper and sharpens edges More control over "contrast", "brightness" and toner waste Often a more compact lighter design with printouts / copies stacked under the scanner "Remote" copies using cheap PC scanners and a network More consistant quality between service intervals as there are less analog settings to "drift" Easy option as a Fax machine for many models Printing Soon all copiers will either be low cost multi-function fax machines (digital) for home or low volume usage or "Digital" copiers which are also multifunction as a Fax or PC printer. The low cost "fax type" multifunction machines are only suitable (if at all) as a low volume personal PC printer. All the "Copier" based Digital Multifunction machines are suitable as a personal printer or for Department, company wide or workgroup network printing. The small MFC fax type printers often only work on Windows 9x. Most of the Digital copier printer options will work with UNIX, Macintosh, Linux, OS/2, NT and all kinds of Windows or DOS. Check if your application or Operating system needs "Postscript" for printing as only some models have this as a built in option, though we can add it to any printer / copier as an external option. Again though most models now offer internal network option, we offer a more flexible and reliable small external solution for all models, with no cost penalty.  (c) 2001 Copytype, Castlemungret, Mungert, Co. Limerick, Ireland. Phone 061-301922, Fax 061-301924