Understanding Copier Specifications

# Understanding Copier Specifications Technical specifications can be confusing. This guide explains what each spec means and why it matters. ## Print Speed (PPM - Pages Per Minute) **What it means**: How many single-sided pages print per minute **Why it matters**: Directly affects productivity and wait times **Considerations**: - Manufacturer speeds are optimized (actual may be 20% slower) - First page out time also important - Complex documents print slower than plain text ## Duty Cycle vs. Recommended Volume **Duty Cycle**: Maximum monthly pages without damage - Think of it as "redlining" your equipment - Using at duty cycle shortens lifespan **Recommended Volume**: Optimal monthly usage - Typically 10-20% of duty cycle - Ensures reliability and longevity - **Always size based on recommended volume** ## Resolution (DPI - Dots Per Inch) **Standard Business**: 600x600 DPI - Perfect for text documents - Fast print speeds - Lower file sizes **High Quality**: 1200x1200 DPI or higher - Better for graphics and photos - Slower print speeds - Larger file sizes ## Memory & Processing **Standard RAM**: 512 MB - 2 GB - Adequate for simple documents - May struggle with complex files **Advanced RAM**: 2 GB - 6 GB+ - Handles complex graphics - Supports multiple simultaneous jobs - Faster processing ## Paper Handling **Standard Capacity**: 250-550 sheets - Requires frequent refilling - Suitable for light use **High Capacity**: 1,000-7,000+ sheets - Reduces intervention - Essential for high-volume **Paper Sizes**: Letter, Legal, Tabloid, A3, A4, A5, Custom ## Connectivity Options **Standard**: - USB 2.0/3.0 - Ethernet (Gigabit) - Wi-Fi 802.11ac/ax **Advanced**: - NFC for mobile - Bluetooth LE - USB Host port ## Scanning Specifications **Scan Speed**: Single-pass duplex is fastest - 50-80 IPM (images per minute) typical - 100+ IPM for high-end **Scan Resolution**: 600 DPI optical standard **Scan to Destinations**: - Email - Network folder - USB drive - Cloud services - FTP/SFTP ## Security Features **Basic**: - User authentication - Secure print release - Data encryption **Advanced**: - Hard drive encryption - TPM chip - FIPS 140-2 validation - Active Directory integration ## Understanding the Specs Sheet When comparing models, focus on: 1. Recommended monthly volume (not duty cycle) 2. Actual print speed (not maximum) 3. Standard RAM and upgrades available 4. Paper capacity with all trays 5. Total cost of ownership (not just price)