What is a Photocopier? [in under 100 words]

A photocopier is an original term for today's multifunction printers and copiers. Photocopiers are electronic machines that are commonplace in office settings. Most use imaging technology referred to as xerography to duplicate an image that is placed on the scanning glass of the machine.

Xerography was developed by Xerox in the late 1940's, which is why photocopiers were called a "xerox" machine for the longest time. This trend continued, even when other imaging companies like Sharp and Canon began to compete in the industry with their versions. Today, copiers do much more than simply make copies.