Is It Bad to Leave the Copier Lid Up?

Even though scanning is a straightforward task, some mistakes can diminish the quality of your documents. Leaving the copier lid up could be one of these mistakes. However, is it just a myth or does it really compromise your scans?

This article will provide an answer.

Should You Leave the Copier Lid Up?

Back in the day, leaving the machine’s lid up on an analog copier was practically a death sentence for the device. It allowed light to reach the mirrors of the copier, directing it to the sensitive drum. This compromised the component and led to premature breakdowns.

Things are slightly different today. Cutting-edge technology means your copier’s mirrors and optics are only active while you’re copying papers. As a result, you won’t cause extensive damage by keeping the lid up when using the machine.

While it’s relatively safe to not close the lid, should you keep it open?

The answer is no.

You don’t have to worry about irreparable damage, but keeping the lid up forces the copier to use more toner.

Suppose you’re copying 8×11 sheets, and you’ve left your lid open. In that case, the machine reads anything that fails to reflect the scanning lights as black. In turn, the copier interprets this gap as more space to copy in black.

This can increase your toner consumption dramatically. In some situations, it can jump from just 5%-10% to 95%-100%. A 20-fold increase not only wastes toner but also speeds up the deterioration of your Copylite fuser and drum.

Therefore, don’t take a chance. Always close the lid when copying to extend the lifespan of your components and save money.

What Else Shouldn’t You Do When Copying?

Now that we’ve established you shouldn’t keep your copier lid up, let’s see what else you should avoid:

  • Copying in color when black or grayscale will suffice – You shouldn’t use color copying unless it’s absolutely essential. It often leads to more waste, so stick to grayscale or black and white whenever possible.
  • Scanning entire files when there’s no need to – If you only want to scan a certain part of your file, select just those sections. Scanning the whole document causes more wear.
  • Clean the machine – You can’t underestimate the importance of cleaning your copier. Any scuff marks and smudges should be removed to ensure great-looking equipment. The same goes for other types of stains, which can also affect the performance of the machine. Cleaning your glass is especially important, as it helps elevate the quality of your scans.

Optimize Your Scanning With Copylite

Various issues can reduce the efficiency and functionality of your scanners, including leaving the lid up when making your copies. Avoid doing so to stay on the safe side and follow the above tips to further optimize your machine.

Another thing you should consider is replenishing your scanning equipment. Here at Copylite, we provide a curated collection of office accessories to boost your device’s performance. Check it out today and get in touch with us if you need help finding the right product.