Xerox and the Modern Copier: Cost, Issues, and Maintenance
The copier, first introduced by Xerox in 1959, fundamentally changed the modern office.1 Today’s devices, known as Multifunction Printers (MFPs) or digital copiers, use the core technology of xerography—a dry writing method that relies on static electricity and heat to produce copies.2
The Science: How Xerography Works
Xerography is a six-step process that uses electrostatic charges to create a dry image on paper:3
- Charging: A light-sensitive surface (photoreceptor drum) is uniformly charged with static electricity.4
- Exposure: Light reflects off the original document.5 Where the document is white (blank), light hits the drum and discharges the static electricity.6 Where the document is dark (text/image), the charge remains, creating an invisible, latent image.7
- Development: Fine, charged toner powder is cascaded over the drum.8 The toner is attracted only to the charged areas (the latent image).
- Transfer: The paper is passed under the drum and given a stronger charge, which pulls the toner from the drum onto the paper.9
- Fusing: The paper passes through the fuser unit, where pressure and heat are applied to permanently melt and bond the toner onto the paper’s fibers, creating the visible, finished copy.10
- Cleaning: Any remaining toner is brushed away, and the drum is discharged for the next job.11
💰 How Much Does a Copy Machine Cost?
The price of a modern MFP depends heavily on its speed (measured in PPM – pages per minute or IPM – images per minute for scanning) and its intended usage volume.12 The following table provides typical price ranges based on business need:
| Copier Class | Speed Range (PPM) | Typical Price Range | Best Suited For |
| Desktop/Small Office (B&W/Color) | 20–35 PPM | $300 – $2,600 | Individual use, home offices, and small workgroups with low-volume needs. |
| Business-Class MFP (The Workhorse) | 35–60 PPM | $2,000 – $11,000 | The core MFP found in 90% of all businesses. Handles the largest print/copy load and integrates with line-of-business applications. |
| High-Volume/Production MFP | 60+ PPM | $10,000 – $25,000+ | Large organizations, corporate print centers, or departments with extremely high-volume demands. Offers advanced finishing options. |
Note: These are purchase prices. Most businesses opt to lease business-class machines, which spreads the cost over 3-5 years and often includes maintenance and supplies in a single monthly payment.13
🛠️ Common Copy Machine Issues and Maintenance
Without regular servicing, the high demand placed on office copiers can lead to frustrating and costly malfunctions.14
What Can Go Wrong (Signs You Need Service)
| Issue | Typical Cause |
| Wrinkled/Crinkled Pages | Worn-out paper feed and exit rollers that cause paper jamming or slipping. |
| Lines or Streaks on Prints | Dirt, dust, or excess toner on the scanner glass or the photoreceptor drum. |
| Too Dark or Too Light Copies | Imbalanced density controls or issues with the toner cartridge/developer unit. |
| Random Spots/Smudges | Contamination on the drum or the need to empty the waste toner bottle. |
| Frequent Paper Jams | Incorrect paper loading, using the wrong paper type, or worn-out rollers. |
Essential Maintenance Strategies
Proper care and scheduled professional maintenance are vital for keeping copiers at peak working condition and extending their lifespan.15
- Ideal Positioning: Place the copier away from high-traffic areas and drastic temperature changes. High traffic promotes high dust levels, which can severely affect the copier’s performance.16
- Staff Training: Plan annual staff training to ensure everyone is mindful of proper usage practices, paper loading, and how to safely clear basic paper jams.
- Daily Care (User Level): Just like anything else, proper daily care—such as cleaning the scanner glass—ensures better performance.17
- Schedule Regular Professional Maintenance: This is the most critical step. Copier support professionals can inspect and replace worn components like fusers and rollers, update firmware, and keep the machine operating reliably.18
General Service and Quote Requests
If you plan to get copiers for your office, you can buy copiers or lease copiers. We can give you options for getting the copy machine that you want. You can contact our local copier leasing services department in your location.
For all services, call Clear Choice Technical Services:
- Phone: (913) 203-1300
- For copier leasing, request a quote today.
- For short-term rental inquiries, request a rental quote.
For dedicated Copier Repair Services in Kansas, please visit our Repair Services Website for immediate assistance. Our network is powered by Clear Choice Technical Services.
