What is duplex in a printer?

Typically, when printing on a printer, only one side of the sheet is used. In some cases, it is necessary to use both sides of the paper and save consumables. This type of printing is called duplex printing. Read further in the article about what duplex is and how to use it.

What is duplex?

Duplex is a special printing method that is used in modern printers and MFPs. This is a kind of additional option, which consists in passing the material along a different “road”. This will result in double-sided printing without human assistance, which significantly saves materials and labor costs.

Duplex is convenient for the development and production of mass printing: booklets, information brochures, congratulations, student works. It is often purchased for large offices to ensure uninterrupted operation for printing invoices, photocopies of contracts or other matters. But in home use it is unlikely to find worthy use, except for preparing school reports.

REFERENCE! It is better to make sure whether the printer has two-sided printing by studying the technical documentation or the manufacturer’s official online service. You can consult at the point of sale during purchase or at the service center.

What does it look like and where is it located?

The significant difference between a printer with duplex and one without is its size.Duplex models have large dimensions, since additional space is needed for the sheet to return back in a different way. However, the latest developments already make it possible to place a duplex module inside the case, and it is no longer possible to visually distinguish the model from the usual and common one. But when it comes to refilling toner, such a printer will not differ from devices that do not have such a printing option. Before starting the download, the user sets certain settings. In practice, the operation of the device looks like this:

• First, only one side of the sheet is printed.
• The paper is then picked up by the wheels inwards.
• Secondly, it passes through the photo roll, where the toner in the form of a picture has already been magnetized.
• It is then remagnetized onto the paper and the material is sent to the oven. For the same reason, the paper comes out warm or even hot.
• The paint is burned to the coating and the output is a sheet with data on both sides.
• The completed work is sent to the exit, and the next sheet is pulled from the paper supply container.

IMPORTANT! If, after completing the process, a warning appears on one side asking you to turn the sheet over, then this device is not considered a duplex.

How to use duplex

Before purchasing a printer, it is important to know in advance on what scale its operation will take place. If you plan to use it a couple of times a week, then a cheap inkjet option will do. For frequent and daily use, preference should be given to the laser model. They are easier to use, have inexpensive refills and a large number of consumables. To configure double-sided output, follow these instructions:

• Before starting the process, you should number each page.
• At the top of the Word text editor, find the “Insert” tab and the headers and footers and page numbers column.
• Then refine and set the mirror fields.
• To do this, in the “Page Layout” section, go to the “Margins” tab and set “Mirror Margins”.
• To set the setting, go to “File” and in the “Print” section, select “Double-sided printing”.
• To fix the function, click on the “Print” button.

ATTENTION! In terms of operation, duplex devices are simple and convenient and are no different from conventional ones.

Choosing a new printer is not an easy task as there are many models with different specifications. By purchasing a model with duplex, you can significantly save time on manual work when printing. All work is carried out automatically, and the user can do other things at this time. The technology is widely used in inkjet and laser printers, including for home use.