Photocopies are common in many offices.
Photocopy is a concept in which two parts can be recognized: the compositional element photo- and the noun copy . Photo- refers to something related to light , while a copy is a faithful reproduction of something .
A photocopy , in this framework, is the photographic reproduction that is carried out directly on paper . The machine that performs this process is called a photocopier .
The origin of photocopy
The American inventor Chester Carlson ( 1906 – 1968 ) is considered the creator of photocopying. Carlson was the one who devised the system known today as xerography .
In 1931 , Carlson found a photosensitive material capable of becoming charged with static electricity only in the sectors that received light. After carrying out multiple experiments, this American physicist perfected the procedure known as xerography and manufactured the first photocopier in history , which he named the Xerox 914 .
Machines that make photocopies are called photocopiers.
xerography
It can be said that xerography is a printing technique. What it does is use dry electrostatics to copy images.
Xerography is carried out by charging a certain surface with static electricity. Then this surface is subjected to the action of light, which is responsible for discharging the electrical charge. In this way, only the regions of the surface where shadows appear are loaded.
In the charged areas, in turn, the toner is fixed, allowing the image to become visible. An electrostatic field, finally, allows the image in question to be transferred to the paper, the ink remaining fixed through pressure and the application of heat.
Photocopies in everyday life
If we use colloquial language, a photocopy is a replica of an image or document . You can place a sheet with a photograph, a manuscript, a printed text, etc. in the photocopier to obtain its reproduction (that is, the photocopy).
Photocopying is economical and fast: in just a few seconds, the photocopy is obtained. That is why the service is usually offered in many places, such as bookstores or newsstands.
Photocopies are common in the educational or academic field. Many times students need to copy notes , summaries or materials, thus creating photocopies. Documents are also usually photocopied to carry out different procedures.
Technological changes
It is important to note that, over time , the photocopying technique changed. From analog photocopiers we moved to digital photocopiers , for example.
On the other hand, today it is common for homes to have a multifunction printer connected to the computer . These equipment are capable of making photocopies in a very simple way.
Another aspect to consider is that photocopies can be made in black and white or color . The generation of color photocopies is much more expensive.
Illegal photocopies
The reproduction of certain documents as a photocopy may be illegal . That is what happens, according to the legislation of many regions, when you decide to photocopy a book.
In these cases there is usually a confrontation between copyright (linked to the sale of books) and the right to access information or knowledge (facilitated, for reasons of cost, by photocopies). If a person, instead of buying a work, reproduces it with photocopies, the writer does not obtain any income despite the dissemination and use of his work .