RICOH LAUNCHES NEW HIGH SPEED INKJET WEB

Ricoh is launching a new high speed inkjet web – the Pro VC80000 – targeting direct mail, colour books, catalogues, magazines, and commercial print applications.

The Pro VC80000 will print on coated media up to 300gsm, on both sides at once at 150 metres a minute, printing a resolution of 1200dpi from reels of 585mm.

The company says a raft of new features, including enhanced operator controls, will provide a 50 per cent uplift in productivity over previous inkjet printers from the company, and will drive down the total cost of ownership.

Ricoh says that with this new high-speed inkjet webfed platform, print service providers can “harness enhanced automated production, closed loop quality control, and more advanced production floor integration to enjoy efficient operation and application agility".

According to Ricoh, a family of software and hardware tools delivers increased automation of production, print quality control and communication, with many AI, machine learning and data analysis features that “ensure predictable and repeatable output” with minimal operator intervention.

The company says the new Pro VC80000 is the smallest machine in its class, with a full duplex engine measuring less than 10 metres.

A new ‘firefly’ dryer technology, which is a configuration of small, heated rollers that bring the press up to temperature in less than half the time of a typical drying system, means faster start up times.

A fully incorporated Ricoh Pro Scanner actively monitors multiple facets of print quality and constantly reviews the performance of each head, allowing the Pro VC80000 to automatically maintain a consistently high level of output quality.

Colour-to-colour and front-to-back registration are automatically controlled and corrections immediately implemented.
Manual image adjustment is eliminated, with a spectrophotometer for real-time monitoring of colour reproduction. Any variance in the target output can be identified and the necessary adjustments made on the fly.

Ricoh Supervisor collects and interprets operational data sourced from the Ricoh Pro Scanner and other connected production print devices, and creates web-based dashboard views using analytics from its business intelligence tool to optimise device utilisation and throughput.

Automated quick paper setup, enabling a new substrate that is not stored in the media library to perform optimally, is available at the touch of a button. A SmartStart feature allows automated machine setup prior to the start of a shift without an operator on-site.

This enhanced communication for inline finishing facilitates complex end-to-end solutions working more effectively. Auto-splicing units are also supported for non-stop production.

The company also says intelligent communication enables maintenance and performance improvements. Service intervention can be predicted and data collected to improve operational efficiency.

The Ricoh Pro VC80000 is supported by Ricoh’s portfolio of brand agnostic software, including Ricoh ProcessDirector automated end-to-end workflow management; Ricoh Auto Color Adjuster, which provides precise colour management and matching capability without the need for a colour specialist; and FusionPro to handle all personalised communication needs – which the company says drives efficiency and a stronger return on investment.

The Sattler Media Group in Germany, one of Europe’s leading media companies, with specialist expertise in commercial printing, direct mail, omnichannel marketing and logistics was the beta site.

Christian Haneke, innovation and solutions manager, said, “The level of automation achieved by Ricoh's Pro VC80000, combined with up to 50 per cent higher output of high quality products compared to our current technology, as well as its operator-friendly approach, is transforming the role that inkjet plays in Sattler Media Group's production portfolio."

Eef de Ridder, vice-president, Graphic Communications Group at Ricoh Europe, said, "Our high-speed inkjet clients share similar production challenges: they need high-speed capacity to fulfil large orders and tighter turnaround times, and tools to make operating their presses easier and more efficient.

“The Ricoh Pro VC80000 is built on what made the previous generation a client favourite and is a testament to our commitment to helping clients solve their challenges. It sets a new standard in automation and data-first intelligence to increase productivity and usable output with consistency across operators and shifts. Following closely on the release of the B2 sheetfed Ricoh Pro Z75, it cements Ricoh’s status as a market leader in production inkjet printing.”