What's a Duplicating Machine?

Duplicating machines were the predecessors of modern document-reproduction technology. They have now been replaced by digital duplicators, scanners, laser printers and photocopiers, but for many years they were the primary means of reproducing documents for limited-run distribution.

What is duplicating machine?

1 : a machine or attachment that shapes an exact copy of a given sample (as of a die or key) or shapes two or more identical parts at once.

What is a duplicating machine used for?

Duplicating machine, a device for making duplicate copies from a master copy of printed, typed, drawn, or other material and utilizing various reproduction techniques to this end. The major types of duplicating machines are stencil (or mimeograph), hectograph, multilith (or offset lithograph), and imprinting (qq. v.).