WHAT IS A PHOTOSTATIC COPY? - DUDAS - 2024

A photostatic copy is the exact reproduction of a document or graphic image through methods known as photo optics. It is usually known commonly as a photocopy, and it can be done through the taking of a photograph and the subsequent reproduction of this through printing.

In the past, documents were photographed and developed on photographic paper. It was the most effective method for the reproduction of a document, being known as photostatics.

Gradually, the process was perfected, due to the low quality of the results and the high cost of development.

Photostatics

When a photographic reproduction of an image is made directly on paper, we are in the presence of photostatics.

Any procedure that links the capture of an image for its later exact reproduction, classifies as this practice.

The mimeograph

It was the name of the artifact used to perform this photostatic procedure in the past. It was widely used by large organizations that deserved the reproduction of documents on a large scale.

The invention of the mimeograph is attributed to Thomas Alva Édison, who patented the artifact in 1887. The same year, Edison sold the artifact to Albert Blake Dick, who would be responsible for its reproduction.

The photocopier

Starting from Edison's idea, Chester Carlson patented in 1938 an artifact that could make exact reproductions of documents by working on paper.

It would not be until 10 years from now when it would begin to be marketed by the family business Haloid Company, which would later become Xerox. In 1947, the first photocopier machine in the world would see the light.

Phases of photocopying

1. The load

The surface of the cylindrical drum made with the photoconductive material is loaded. This is activated when exposed to light.

2. The exhibition

A lamp illuminates the document and the white areas reflect the light onto the cylindrical drum. The black areas remain while the white areas are discharged.

3. The development

When working with toner, it is positively charged. Then, through the electrostatic process, it is fixed corresponding to the black areas of the cylindrical drum.

4. The transfer

The paper is negatively charged and the toner is transferred to the paper.

5. The merger

The toner melts into the paper through pressure and heat.

Advantages of photostatics

-After its evolution, it has contributed to cost reduction by being able to be reproduced on low-quality paper.

-Thanks to photostatics, it has been possible to preserve copies of historical documents that time has deteriorated until they almost disappear.

-Due to its speed and simplicity, it is very easy to make copies of important books and documents for later distribution.

-It is an assembly process that does not require a high level of preparation, so that anyone can reproduce a document through this method.

-Allows original documents to be archived and replaced by copies, which reduces the chances of loss and deterioration of important documents.

-The original documents do not need to be created again, they can be reproduced through photostatics for duplication.

References

1. «Martha Hildebrandt: the meaning of« Photostatics »- Opinion - Speak….» elcomercio.pe. It was consulted on Sept. 16, 2017.
2. "Photocopy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." es.wikipedia.org. It was consulted on Sept. 16, 2017.
3. "Mimeograph - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." es.wikipedia.org. It was consulted on Sept. 16, 2017.
4. «Definition of photostatic copying - English definition dictionary - Reverso.» dictionary.reverso.net. It was consulted on Sept. 16, 2017.
5. "PHYSICS III: How do photocopiers work ?." Feb 19, 2008, lalotextmecanica.blogspot.com. It was consulted on Sept. 16, 2017.