29 Sep The Evolution of Office Equipment: From Analog to Digital
Copiers and printers have been around for a long time. Of course, the office equipment your grandparents grew up with probably looks very different from what we use now. Where analog machines once held supreme, digital printers and copiers have taken over. These technological advances have contributed to higher productivity and faster innovation, from major corporations to small local businesses. And as many documents go digital, physical materials are still an important part of business operations. Let’s explore the evolution of office equipment from the early days of copying to the modern times.
The Origins of Copiers
The first copier was actually invented in the late 1800s. James Watt, a Scottish inventor, created a device that could effectively copy a page’s contents, and he was given a patent for his invention. However, copiers would not become mainstream until Xerox introduced its line of workable copiers in the late 1950s. Where copying had been an arduous task, even with early versions of copiers, the new Xerox machines made it easier than ever before.
Analog to Digital
Analog copiers were the first type of copier to hit the market. They used lenses and mirrors to refract light and copy information onto new pieces of paper. While it may seem unlikely, these analog copiers could actually change the sizes of images and copy more quickly than you may think. However, digital copiers soon entered the fray in the 1990s. These digital printers could fax, scan, and even staple, all features that would make them more popular among working professionals. Soon, it got to the point that having a printer in your home was extremely common – and that continues to this day.
Live in Color
Just like television shows and movies started out in black and white, so did copying and printing. But as time went on and technology advanced, it became possible to copy and print documents in color. In their infancy, color printers and copiers were quite expensive, so they didn’t catch on until technology caught up and made it possible to get them cheaply. With these new color printers, businesses could create their own materials and not have to outsource.
Looking Ahead
What’s the next step in printing technology? For many, it’s 3D printing. This technology is just getting started, and it’s already allowing businesses to create three-dimensional products in their own backyards. In order to ‘copy’ a 3D print job, you don’t even need a physical copy of the original – one could simply send you the digital blueprint via the internet. While many offices don’t necessarily need 3D printers for their standard operations, this technology paints an exciting picture of what’s yet to come.
Contact Arizona Business Equipment Today!
Copying and printing technology has come a long way since lenses and mirrors were used to create copies. At Arizona Business Equipment, we’re proud to offer businesses in the Tucson area the latest advancements in copying and printing technology, whether that means selling the industry’s best products or offering them through our office equipment leasing program. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our office equipment services!