Is a duplicator cheaper than a photocopier for question papers?

For long runs of the same page, yes. A duplicator's cost per copy falls as the run gets longer, because the master is made once. For short runs or varied documents, a photocopier is simpler.

Can schools print their own ID cards?

Yes, with a PVC card printer or an ink tank printer set up for PVC cards, plus printable cards and a cutter. Or have them printed.

Choosing a machine

Which photocopier suits schools and colleges?

Schools and colleges usually need an A3 mono multifunction photocopier for daily office work, scanning and short runs, and often a digital duplicator for long runs of question papers and notices, where its cost per copy is far lower. Institutions with sharp exam-season peaks can rent extra capacity or outsource bulk runs instead of buying for the peak.

Photocopier vs digital duplicator

Which machine for which job
	Photocopier (MFD)	Digital duplicator (e.g. Riso)
How it works	Toner fused onto each page	Makes a master stencil, then pushes ink through it
Best run length	1 to a few dozen copies per original	Long runs of the same original
Cost per copy	Low	Very low on long runs
Scanning, printing from PCs, duplex	Yes	Limited
Photo and fine detail	Good	Basic
Typical school use	Office, staff room, admin	Question papers, worksheets, circulars

What a school photocopier needs

A3 support for notices, charts and booklets.
A reliable document feeder for answer scripts and files.
Large paper capacity and fast toner replacement.
User codes or accounts, so departments can be tracked.
Secure printing, so exam papers are not left in the tray.

See A3 photocopiers and the Riso digital duplicator.

Handling exam season

Buying for the busiest fortnight leaves a machine idle the rest of the year. Two alternatives: rent a photocopier for the busy term, or send overflow work to a bulk printing service.

Questions about your own machine? Send the model and a photo, and the team in Kacheripady will reply.

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02Contact

Ask for a quote or a service visit.

Call or message the Kacheripady showroom about a quote, a repair, a rental or a cartridge. Send a photo of the machine or the error if you have one.