Please note that this video explains the technology behind photocopying — not digital duplicating — and there is a difference! Though a photocopier and digital duplicator may look the same on the outside, inside they are pretty different.

A digital duplicator (primarily manufactured by Ricoh and Riso) uses wax masters (they come in a roll and function as stencils, basically) and ink instead of toner. Because ink is so much cheaper than toner, it’s more cost-effective for print runs of over 25 and considerably less expensive to print in color. Digital duplicating is considered to be more like screen-printing by some. I think the comparison is a little silly, but the again, I’ve never ripped open a digital duplicator to see how it operates and what’s inside. Maybe someday Bill Hammack will do it for me.

For now, please enjoy his investigation and presentation of the technology propelling the venerable photocopier: