Wouldn’t it be great if the copier you just bought lasted forever, especially after the amount you spent on it? Unfortunately, as with all equipment, that’s unrealistic. The march of time ensures that no office copier lasts forever. That said, there are factors that can extend or shorten your copier’s lifespan. By understanding how best to care for an office copier, you’ll be able to ensure that it lasts for as long as possible. This article will help you understand the intricacies that affect the lifespan of copiers and how best to prolong their use.
Office Copier Lifespans
Ideally, you’ll want to delay buying a new office copier until your current model becomes obsolete or too expensive to keep repairing. But what is the lifespan of an office copier?
For most office copiers, the lifespan should be about five years, barring any hiccups. That doesn’t mean your machine will give up the ghost exactly five years after you start using it, but it’s the timeframe you can generally expect.
Let’s take a look at the main factors that affect the lifespan of an office copier.
Make and Model
The global copier market will be worth a massive $825.9 million by 2033. Some brands have established excellent reputations for good reason, with higher quality printers tending to last longer than their cheaper counterparts. What’s more, most big brands include lengthy guarantees to cover you against early device failure and manufacturer defects. Bigger brands also usually have better supply chains, which makes sourcing genuine parts much easier.
Cheaper copiers may be a good fit in the short-term, but they’ll often have shorter lifespans as a result, meaning you’ll have to replace them sooner rather than later.
Print Volume
Copiers vary widely in terms of the volumes they can print, and their printing speeds. Some can handle well over 50,000 prints monthly, while smaller models might only manage 8,000 to 10,000. But perhaps counter-intuitively, high output printers don’t necessarily burn out quicker, as their parts are designed to handle tougher demands.
More important than a copier’s print volume is its recommended print output. If you’re pushing your machine past manufacturer recommendations on a regular basis, you’re bound to run into problems sooner rather than later. Even if you manage to avoid a breakdown, you’ll still be shortening the life of your copier.
Existing Condition and Age
Some print suppliers offer customers refurbished office machines at cheaper prices than brand new copiers straight out of the box. Leasing companies in particular often have ample stock of slightly older but perfectly good machines.
That said, they’re cheaper for a reason. Machines that have seen even a few months of action have a shorter life expectancy than new ones. Most refurbished machines will still offer many years of reliable service, but the impact of previous wear and tear is something to consider when buying any used machine. However, provided that the refurbished machine is well maintained and parts are still available, it might well be a better choice for you than a more expensive brand new machine.
Dedicated Maintenance
All machines are bound to break down at some point during their lifespan. Office copiers need effective preventative maintenance strategies to prevent small issues from becoming major problems.
If a machine is allowed to just run until it breaks down, not only will the business lose valuable productivity as result of the downtime, but the lifespan of the copier itself will be drastically reduced. So, when buying a refurbished printer, be sure to ask about the service record, and consider dedicated print services or regular technical support to maintain your office print fleet.
Tips to Prolong Your Office Copier Lifespan
It takes more than quality manufacturing and regular maintenance to keep your office copier running for years. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to prolong your machine’s overall lifespan (or avoid shortening it), such as:
Give It a Rest
Your office copier probably works hard every day. Why not give it a break? Machines that are constantly running are more liable to erratic behavior (usually software cache issues) and long-term wear and tear. Turn off your copier when it’s not in use, or choose a model with sleep or standby functions.
Keep It Clean
Dust and dried out toner can quickly clog up a machine, as can stray paperclips and carpet lint. Clean the filters of your copier every few months to prevent this kind of clogging. Blocked fans and heat sinks lead to overheating, which can greatly reduce your machine’s lifespan.
It’s also important to keep all moving parts of a copier clean, not just the printer. Ensure the scanner is regularly wiped down, and use your copier’s automatic cleaning processes (if present) to keep parts moving smoothly.
Proper Paper Loading
Don’t use paper that isn’t meant for your machine. This applies to the paper weight, finish, and size. Using incompatible paper increases the chance of paper jams, streaking, and a host of other problems. Be sure to consult the manual or your retailer to identify the ideal paper stock for your machine.
Let the Experts Handle It
It can be tempting to try and fix a problem yourself, especially when you’re on a tight deadline – but don’t try anything too rash. Always consult the manual or on-screen troubleshooting guide before attempting to replace a toner drum or clear a paper jam.
For larger malfunctions, it’s best to leave the repairs to a technician or print service. Not only could your DIY repairs result in further damage, but they could also void the warranty on your machine.
Regular Updates
An office copier relies as much on its software as its mechanical parts. Up to date copier software facilitates the smooth running of all its systems, which reduces errors and extends lifespan. What’s more, frequent updates will keep your copier safe from hacking or network infiltration.
Choose Good Supplies
To extend the lifespan of your office copier, the quality of the paper and toner that you put into it is as important as the machine itself. Low-quality paper can cause frequent jams, and toner drums can malfunction easily. This leads not only to downtime, but damage to the copier. A print service will identify the right supplies for your machine, or ask your retailer for the best recommendations.
A Long Partnership
A good office copier will repay your investment over time if you take care of it properly. An expert partner will help you choose the right machine, and advise you on how best to maintain it, and which consumables like paper and toner will prevent issues and extend its lifespan.
If you’re in Sacramento, that’s Buckmaster. We have 65 years of industry experience, and our printer services and supplies will keep your machines running for years to come. Contact us today.