
From the outside, risographs and copiers appear identical. They even print identical single-color pages. Photocopiers and Risographs, on the other hand, function differently. Risographs use a stencil-and-ink system, whereas photocopiers, like laser printers, use electrostatically charged toner particles. Each machine is best suited to a specific job type and volume.
Function
In 1938, Chester Carlson invented the photocopier. In 1959, he and the Xerox company created the first commercial photocopier. This machine and its descendants attract toner in the shape of the image to be printed using a charged drum. The toner is transferred to the paper by the machine, where heat and pressure rollers permanently melt it to the surface. Risographs, also known as RISO digital duplicators, work with a master sheet that has voids that correspond to the image burned into it. The machine injects ink into the master and onto the paper.
Strengths
Photocopiers print pages quickly and precisely. They require no drying time or special handling after printing, and each print looks identical to the previous ones. Photocopiers are relatively inexpensive and come in a variety of sizes, capacities, and prices. They are suitable for small jobs and single prints, and some models are colour capable. Risographs can print at even faster speeds than photocopiers and can handle large print jobs at a much lower cost per print. They are best suited for large jobs in single colours where each image must be identical.
Weaknesses
Although photocopiers are less expensive to set up than Risograph prints, the cost per print remains relatively constant, making them an expensive option for large print jobs. Toner cartridges are also expensive to replace. Risograph machines work well for large jobs, but they are expensive to operate for a few prints. In addition, they can only print one colour at a time. To add two colours to a print job, the operator must remove the ink drum and replace it before rerunning the job through the printer. Risographs are more difficult to obtain than photocopiers because they are manufactured by a single company.
Considerations
Risographs and copiers excel in two distinct printing markets. The photocopier performs best when producing copies for daily use or low-volume print jobs. It is simple to use, making it ideal for public copiers in libraries, schools, and copy shops. Risograph machines were created to fill the void left by photocopiers and high-volume offset printing. They are ideal for medium-volume book and flyer printing, particularly when only one colour is required at a time. They do require some training to use, so they are best suited for small print shops and nonpublic areas.

