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What to Look for in a Color Copier

 

What to Look for in a Color Copier

To enhance productivity in your office, it’s important to stay updated on the latest advancements in color printers. Discover the newest features and innovations that can elevate performance and efficiency in modern color copiers.

Color Performance

Our clients often ask us about the color performance of our color photocopiers, especially businesses like marketing firms that need top-quality prints to impress their clients. Surprisingly, there’s an entire organization devoted to reviewing every color laser printer on the market to provide an unbiased look into which ones offer the best performance.

Buyers Lab Awards (BLI) -  Keypoint Intelligence, a top market research firm and independent evaluator of print and smart workplace technology, specializes in assessing color copiers. Each year, they review all copier manufacturers and offer unbiased evaluations of the best in the industry. In 2024, the BLI Most Color Consistent A3 Brand award honored Kyocera. This recognition is valid for three years which means you can expect Kyocera to be a leading brand in color through 2026. 

Dots Per Inch (DPI)

For those aiming to achieve high-quality photo prints in the office, understanding DPI (dots per inch) is essential. DPI refers to the number of ink dots a printer places on the paper per inch; the higher the DPI, the sharper and more detailed your prints will be. The most common DPI for printers and copiers are:

600 DPI: This resolution is typically sufficient for most standard office prints, such as internal documents, reports, and basic graphics. It offers a good balance between quality and speed.

1200 DPI: For sharp and detailed prints, especially for presentations or client-facing materials like marketing brochures and photos, 1200 DPI is ideal. A higher DPI prints more ink dots in a given space, which results in finer detail and smoother color gradients. This leads to a crisper, more vibrant image, especially when printing complex graphics or photographs.

Pages Per Minute (PPM) 

Print speed, measured in pages per minute (PPM), is a critical factor to consider when choosing a color copier machine. A higher PPM rate means the copier can handle large print jobs more efficiently, reducing downtime and keeping your office productive. 

While we’d love to recommend a specific PPM (pages per minute) for your workspace, the ideal choice really depends on several factors. These include your monthly copy/print volume, the number of users, finishing options, and the number of copiers in your office. We can, however, share common print speeds to help guide your decision.

The most common print speeds for color copiers are: 25 ppm, 30 ppm, 35 ppm, 40 ppm, 50 ppm, 60 ppm, and 70 ppm

Typically the 30-40 PPM range is ideal for small and medium businesses with minimal - moderate print demands.

Copiers with speeds exceeding 50 PPM are generally found in offices with high copy and/or finishing options and can handle substantial volumes.

 

 

 

 

Features and Options

Modern multifunction printers offer a range of features and options that can enhance their functionality and convenience. Whether you're looking to print, scan, copy, or fax, it’s important to assess which options you need and verify what device best suits your needs.

Printing, Copying, Scanning - This comes by default on nearly all modern printers/copiers. Printers and scanners typically come bundled together for an office copier.

Faxing - Faxing will require a fax board and a phone line to use. However, many have started opting into cloud faxing which is used from a computer instead of a copier. It's shown to be more cost effective and reliable than traditional fax.

Dual Scan Document Feeder - A dual-scan document feeder can simultaneously scan both sides of a page, significantly enhancing efficiency. Without dual scanning it will require the paper to be scanned once, flipped and then scanned again for dual-sided documents. The dual-scan feature accelerates the process and improves reliability and greatly lessens the chances for jams with its single pass through.

Stapling - Looking for a device that can automatically staple your documents? There are options available that can handle this task. You can choose whether you want the staples placed in the corner or in multiple spots along the side for booklet binding. 

Hole Punching - Similar to a stapler, your copier can also be equipped to automatically punch holes in your paper, saving you the hassle of doing it manually.

Paper Trays - Most copiers come with at least two paper tray, typically holding 500 sheets. If your business prints frequently and wants to minimize the need for frequent paper replenishment, and have options for additional size paper, you can add additional trays. You can choose between adding two more 500-sheet trays or two larger high capacity 1500-sheet trays, depending on your printing volume and how often you prefer to refill the paper.

There are many additional options and features available for copiers, but these are among the most commonly requested. If you have specific needs or are looking for additional functionality, simply consult with an MPS provider to explore other ways a copier can enhance your workplace.

Security

Workplace security has become increasingly crucial in recent years. When selecting a copier, choose a manufacturer with robust security features such as data encryption, and secure print release. These features help protect sensitive information and prevent unauthorized access.

For even greater security, consider partnering with a Managed Print Service (MPS) provider. MPS providers can offer additional security measures, including ensuring your firmware is up to date. They can also provide ongoing support and updates to ensure your security measures remain up-to-date and effective.

Talk with a MPS Provider for the Best Color Copier Options

Managed Print Services (MPS) offer valuable expertise in selecting the color copier and printers for your needs. Specializing in optimizing print environments, they can help you find a copier that aligns with your specific requirements, including print speed and additional features.

Partnering with an MPS provider can also lead to cost savings through customized solutions, ongoing maintenance, support, and proactive management of your print infrastructure. By leveraging their expertise, you can ensure that you choose a color copier that boosts productivity and meets your demands effectively.

Contact us today to connect with an MPS provider. Get a personalized assessment and tailored recommendations to find the perfect color copier for your office, ensuring optimal performance and cost efficiency.

 

 

 

 

Tylar Salter

Written by Tylar Salter

Account Manager at AOS American Office Solutions

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