Digital duplicator

A Printer-Duplicator, also known as a digital duplicator, is a printing technology designed for high-volume print jobs (20 copies or more). Printer-Duplicators can provide a reliable and cost efficient alternative to toner-based copiers or offset printing equipment.

The Printer-Duplicator begins by digitally scanning the original and then transferring it to a master template through a thermal imaging process. Then the master is automatically wrapped around a print cylinder, where the ink is drawn through the perforations in the master creating the print.

Printer-Duplicators are known for very high speed in comparison to other printing methods. They are able to produce anywhere from 60 to 180 prints per minute, while maintaining a per page cost that can be as low as 1/3 of a cent. They are also considered very reliable because they do not use heat or copier components, such as toner.

The first true digital duplicator was developed and introduced by Riso Kagaku Corporation in August 1986. Because of the environmental friendliness of these devices, the are recognized as Energy Star compliant by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).