When it comes to the businesses of today, the technology used to keep workflows moving forward is essential. In fact, this technology could be the difference between obtaining a new client and seeing them choose your competitor. If your business isn’t equipped with the right technology and necessary office equipment, the repercussions could be costly. While a company should always have top-notch internet service, useful desks, and the right software and programs, a healthy and well-functioning color copier is also vital.

In this post, we’ll discuss more information about color copiers, including their history, benefits, and why they serve a great purpose for the businesses of today.

Color Copiers: A Brief Overview

Before we jump into the many benefits of color copiers, we first want to discuss a little background on how these powerful machines work.

Full-process color copiers use only four different colors, called toner. These are combined to make thousands of color options. The four colors used are magenta, cyan, yellow, and black. The process that blends these colors is referred to as xerography. In 1978, the very first color copier was introduced to the world, and that copier printed in single, alternate colors.

Black and White Electrophotography

To learn more about the history of color copying, we go back even farther to 1938. That was when Chester Carlson invented “electrophotography,” which is a process that involves photocopiers producing text and photographic reproductions on paper. Today, this process is called xerography.

Xerography

Today, xerography involves a six-step process. Here are the steps:

  • Charge the photoreceptor
  • Illuminate the image
  • Develop the toner
  • Transfer it to paper
  • Fuse the toner to paper
  • Clean up leftover toner

When it comes to color xerography, the process is relatively the same, but there are a few other steps that are needed. In order for the toner to be blended properly, each separate color requires its own development pass. Color xerography relies on three color types: luminous color, transmitted color, and reflected color.

Color Blending

Another key point to remember is that color xerography uses subtractive blending, which uses wavelength absorption to produce a range of colors. This process mixes the three secondary colors: magenta, cyan, and yellow.

CMYK Development

During the copying process, there is an initial scan that is performed. This is done to apply a negative charge to the photoreceptor evenly and also to decide if the image being copied is in full color. During every step, light passes through a charge-coupled device that is used to determine if there are areas in which a secondary color toner is needed. Once the last pass is complete, which includes the black ink application, the toner is then fused to the paper, and the toners melt together to form the finished product.

Benefits of Color Copiers

Now that you understand a little more about how color copiers work, we’ll now touch on a few benefits of this equipment. Check out the below for a few key reasons why color copiers are great devices for today’s businesses.

Amazing Quality

While some businesses can get by without a color printer or copier, doing so can lead to a drop in the quality of their documents. But when color copiers and printers are utilized, higher-quality documents are produced, which can do wonders for many aspects of your business.

Shows Professionalism

Another key benefit of color copiers is that they can boost your professionalism as a business. If your clients or potential clients are used to viewing boring, mundane documents in black and white, then adding some color can really add that “wow” factor. Color can make the difference between a sale or paid invoice versus their black and white counterparts.

Saves Money

A huge benefit of utilizing these color copiers is that they can save you tons of money. Color copiers of the past were cost prohibitive for most small- to medium-sized businesses (SMBs). But, today’s color copiers are surprisingly affordable, with options that suit any-sized business and any-sized budget.

You’ll Be in Control

When you outsource documents to be copied in color, it is common for businesses to print more than they actually need. But if you have your own color copier at the office, then you’ll always be in total control of document outputs. Not only will you save money with an in-house color copier, but you can always choose the exact quantity you need, which will save money and help reduce waste. You also won’t have to wait in line behind orders at your local print shop, saving you time in the process.

Why You Should Consider A Color Copier As Your Next Office Equipment Device

So it’s that time again. It’s time to make some upgrades to your office equipment. But while this can be an exciting venture for your business, it can be a difficult when faced with making the right decision to match your next device with your business needs and budget. Below are a few reasons why you should consider a color copier for your next office technology purchase or lease:

Growing Outsourcing Costs

If you outsource your printing and copying to a print shop, then you should understand that those costs can snowball over time. Purchasing or leasing your own color copier could help you save money in this regard.

Add Pop to Your Invoices

Are your invoices being ignored? If so, then adding some color to them can actually lead to getting paid faster. Color grabs a reader’s attention. So, as black and white invoices might be ignored for weeks on end, color invoices can actually lead to faster paydays!

Cost-Effective Options

As technology rapidly advances for color copiers, as mentioned above, this equipment is quite affordable today. There are color copiers that come equipped with a variety of tools, functions, applications, and capabilities, so there might be a copier out there that works perfectly for your needs.

We Have Your Office Solutions!

Your office equipment could make or break your business. That being said, it’s vital that you purchase high-quality, reliable equipment at all times. On the other hand, it’s also important to ensure that your equipment is repaired correctly in a timely fashion. Luckily, our team is here to help. If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area and looking for a color copier to add to your imaging fleet, contact Golden Gate Office Solutions today!