Copy and Fax Equipment

Parts and consumables are tied to the model number

Copier parts such as developer housings, drums, fusers and toner are made for a specific machine or family, so the model number on the equipment is the safest guide. A part for one copier series will not fit another even when the names match. Check the listing for the machine models it supports, and note whether the part is a consumable that wears, such as developer, or a part that should last the life of the unit.

Faxing depends on the phone line as much as the machine

A stand-alone fax machine sends pages over an analog phone line, so it needs a line that supports it. Internet-based phone lines can be unreliable for faxing, and some multifunction machines offer settings or fax-over-IP modes to help. Many people now send faxes by email through an online service and use the copier only to scan. For copying, look at paper trays, duplex copying, enlargement and reduction, and the page sizes the glass and feeder accept.

Questions about Copy and Fax Equipment

How do I find the right part for my copier?

Start with the model name and number on the machine's label, then match it to the part's compatibility list. Part numbers from the manual or from the old part help, because similar-looking parts can differ between series.

What does a developer unit do in a copier?

In many toner-based copiers, the developer unit holds the developer, a mix of toner and carrier particles, and delivers it to the drum so the image can form. It wears with use and is replaced at intervals set by the maker.

Can I send a fax over an internet phone line?

Sometimes. Fax tones can be distorted by internet phone systems, so results vary. Use an analog line for a stand-alone machine where possible, or choose an online fax service or a machine that supports fax over IP.