Xerox 914

The Xerox 914 was the first commercially successful plain paper photocopier. Introduced in 1959, it revolutionized office document reproduction. Prior to the 914, most copiers used specially treated paper, which was more expensive and produced lower quality copies.

The 914 was revolutionary due to its ability to copy documents onto ordinary, untreated paper, making it a significant improvement over existing technologies like mimeograph machines and thermal copiers. It was capable of producing seven copies per minute. While requiring a learning curve for operators, its ease of use compared to alternatives and the resulting copy quality quickly made it a popular and indispensable office machine.

Xerox initially leased the 914 rather than selling it, a strategy that contributed to its widespread adoption. The company charged customers based on the number of copies made, which proved to be a highly profitable business model. The 914 is credited with transforming Xerox from a small company into a major corporation and ushering in the modern era of document copying. While known for its revolutionary technology, it also had a reputation for occasionally catching fire, often due to overheating; operators were advised to keep a water bucket nearby. The machine's impact on office productivity and communication was immense, making it a landmark invention of the 20th century.