Xerography, often called electrostatic copying or dry photocopying, is a method for duplicating documents using an electrostatic charge. An original document is placed onto a photoconductive surface that is exposed to light; this causes it to become electrically charged, with this charge eventually transferred onto a sheet of paper and developed using toner. Ultimately, the copy is produced.
Xerography (or electrophotography) is an innovative printing process that utilizes photoconductivity to transfer an image onto paper. To create this image transference process, a photoreceptor, usually a photoconductive drum or plate, is charged with either positive or negative electrical charges before being exposed to light; when exposed, these charges dissipate into an electrostatic field that attracts and holds toner particles before being transferred over to paper for printing purposes.
Xerography printing technology is often chosen for office use because it is fast and efficient, producing prints at up to 1200 dpi resolution. Furthermore, this method boasts several advantages over other printing processes, including speed, accuracy, and the absence of prepress operations.
American physicist Chester Carlson invented xerography during the 1940s. At first known as electrophotography, its commercial introduction came with Xerox Corporation’s first copier model launch in 1959.
Xerography is used in various printing applications, such as photocopiers, laser and multifunction printers, and fax machines.
Since its invention in the 1930s, xerography has been an indispensable printing technology. Utilized for mass production of printed material like books, newspapers, and magazines as well as labels, packaging, and signage creation – as well as providing cost-effective digital printing options – xerography has become increasingly popular for digital printing applications offering quality and cost-efficient results.