How Fast a Copier Do You Need?

At one point many companies used to buy excess copier capacity because their copy machines were down more often than they were working, so a major backup alternative was needed. Today's copiers are far more reliable and most dealers are better at servicing them. Planning for excess capacity to handle downtime is less urgent and, in a pinch, lower-cost copier or printer multifunctional can handle emergencies.

Below are some guidelines to give you an idea of how fast a machine you probably need for your monthly workload. The advice is generalized and may not apply to your circumstances. For example, if you make 20,000 copies a month but 15, 000 of them are made in the last week of each month you'll probably want a faster copier than someone who makes the same total number of copies spread evenly throughout the month. To an extent, the speed of machine you need also depends on your patience. Some people like their copies in a hurry when producing long multipage sets and are prepared to pay a premium to not be kept waiting. Others would rather pay less even if it means hanging around by the copier a while longer.

Finally, remember that not all machines with the same quoted speed actually deliver the same number of copies per minute in practice. Manufacturer quoted speeds are the maximum the machine is capable of cruising at, not the real-life speed you'll get on short-run work or when deploying certain features (such as automatic duplexing or auto-stapling).

8,000-10,000 copies per month: At this level, you're just barely in the volume range that generally justifies a mid-volume copier. Remember that these days quite a few sub-20ppm low-volume models have options, such as document feeders, finishers, and automatic double-sided copying. If you do want a mid-volume model for fewer than 10,000 copies per month, you should probably look at one in the 20-25ppm range.

10,000-20,000 copies per month: At this level, a 25-35ppm machine is likely to be your best bet. By all means, look at the 40ppm models too, if speed is a priority.

20,000-30,000 copies per month: The best bet is to focus on 35-45ppm copiers for this volume band. Some people choose 50-60ppm machines that fall in our high-volume category, but this isn't really necessary. (it's like buying a sports car with a powerful engineif you regularly drive at less than the speed limit.)

30,000-40,000 copies per month: Now you're getting into upper-mid-volume territory. Probably the 45-49ppm machines would be best for your application.

Keeping the machine exercised. One other piece of advice related to matching a machine to your copy volume: copier service technicians often report that machines that are run more heavily make more copies between service calls. In other words, although heavier users of mid-volume machines might see the service technician more often, they do so less often on a per-copy-made basis. There are exceptions to every rule, but it is often the case that electromechanical equipment works best when regularly exercised.

For More Information Contact:

Imageware, Corporation
200 Farm Lane, York, PA 17402
Tel: 717-741-3705
FAX: 717-741-4442
Internet: info@imagewareinc.com

York Pa's Most Versatile Copier Company