Your Glossary of Printing and Design Terms

Modern Printer Technology

Your Glossary of Printing and Design Terms

If your office is in the market for new printers and copiers, then knowing the lingo will make the process of picking the right machines easier. As you weigh up all of your options, here are some of the terms you need to know to ensure you make the best choice for your business.

Duty Cycle

Comparing duty cycles is a good way to compare the capacities of different printers. A duty cycle is the number of pages a printer can print per month without any problems happening with the machine. For example, a duty cycle of 500 means that the printer should be able to print 500 pages of standard quality without any issues. Some printers will tell you how long they can be expected to last if the maximum duty cycle is used each month and others will not. Generally, having a printer that exceeds the output you need each month is recommended to prevent wearing out the machine too quickly.

Toner and Ink

Printers and copiers all need toner or ink to do their jobs. Most people are familiar with ink that is used in printers. It comes in cartridges that can be replaced when they are dry. Ink is used in inkjet printers, but if you have a laser printer or copier, then you will need toner. Toner is a powder that adheres to paper through the use of the printer’s lasers. The cost of ink and toner can be significant and should be factored into the decision-making process when you’re picking a new printer or copier.

Consumables Yield

This number tells you the number of pages you can print per ink or toner cartridge, which in turn can give you an idea of how much it costs to print a single page. It’s important to consider this number when you’re picking a printer, so you can make sure both the upfront cost and the eventual cost of using your machine are affordable for your business.

 

Picking a printer or copier doesn’t have to be confusing. Let Arizona Business Equipment help you find the right machine for your business, with our copier and printer leasing in Tucson. Find out more by calling us today at (520) 888-2679.