Some Considerations in Document Copying via Electrophotography

Abstract

In designing equipment and materials suitable for electrophotographic reproduction of documents, it is necessary to consider very carefully each of the elements involved, including the design of mechanical components, the optical system, charging units, developing systems, fixing units, and the engineering of a recording medium which gives adequate performance. Each of these various units must be investigated not only from the standpoint of mechanically satisfactory functioning, but also with consideration for its interrelationship with the rest of the system. Some of the most important factors to be considered include contrast of the optical system and of the electrophotographic recording medium, selection of a suitable light source, proper design of a breakdown-free charging unit, reliability of the developing unit, and a high efficiency fixing unit. Compactness of equipment is also a major consideration, particularly for a desk-top office copier or similar small devices, if the electrophotographic copy is to be used as a lithographic master, additional problems are involved in adding this functional ability to that of good electrophotographic performance.