What is the Difference Between a Copier and a Printer?

Understanding the difference between a copier and a printer is essential, especially if you handle several paper documents. Many people use the two terms interchangeably, but they mean two different things. Both printers and copiers can help to create multiple documents. However, one uses printing technology while the other uses photocopies.

What’s the difference between a copier and a printer? A copier is a photocopying device that allows users to make duplicate copies of an original document or an image. On the other hand, a printer is a device that creates a solid document from the digital data represented on a computer screen. Its main purpose is to print.

Copiers and Their Function 

The primary function of a copier is to make duplicate copies of an already printed document. Copiers use xerography technology, which is similar to that used in a laser printer. This technology creates images by applying heat and tone to the paper. The primary purpose of a copier is to create duplicate documents faster and cheaper.

Office Printers 

Printers are peripheral devices that create solid copies of digital data represented on a computer. You can connect these devices to the computer wirelessly or through a USB. Notably, there are various types of printers that use different core technologies, such as.

• Inkless Printers: Operate by heating regions of heat-sensitive papers to create texts or images on them.
• Solid Ink Printers: Use thermal transfer technology and wax-like color sticks that melt and get sprayed on an oil-coated drum to print images on paper.
• Liquid Inkjet Printers: Use liquid ink that gets heated into a vapor bubble and sprayed onto paper.
• Toner-Based Printers: Operate using dry powdered toner as ink, which gets fused on the paper by hot rollers.
• Dye-Sublimation Printers: Use heat to transfer dye to print media, such as paper, canvas, or plastic cards.

Multifunction Printers: Best of Both Worlds

Now that you understand the difference between a copier and a printer, you can make an informed decision on what to purchase for your business. If you have trouble buying both a printer and a copier separately, consider investing in multifunction printers. They can perform many roles on a single device, like printing, copying, faxing, and scanning.

Platinum Copiers Can Help

So far, you understand the difference between a copier and a printer in functionality and capability. So, when planning to produce several documents in duplicate, you need to consider your needs. If you want many copies of the same document, a copier can be cheaper. Thankfully, Platinum Copiers can help you produce high-quality images.

Contact us to learn more about modern copiers and printers for business.