Xerox does inkjet too

Xerox has unveiled the next stage of its push into webfed inkjet production printing with an as-yet-unnamed press running on its stand.

The new ‘technology’ – as it is described by Xerox rather than giving it a product name – can run at up to 152.4 metres per minute and is being shown with a web width of 20.5 inches.

The machine uses solid ink technology developed by Xerox for its desktop printer range and which it claims is capable of being printed on to uncoated, lightweight stocks between 45-160gsm without the need for any pre-coating.

No launch date has been given for the new press although one Xerox demonstrator commented that the company is working on it “just as fast as we can.”

Pictured: The new as-yet-unnamed Xerox inkjet production press on show at Ipex.

As usual, Xerox has one of the biggest stands at Ipex with a raft of new technology in its traditional toner-based technology, including the new Color 1000 press running at 100ppm and featuring a ‘fifth’ ink option for clear toner, 10 new productivity enhancements to the Nuvera portfolio to expand the scope of B&W printing, and expanded connectivity for the iGen4 which can now be integrated with Heidelberg’s Prinect workflow.

Speaking at the Xerox press conference, Eric Armour, president of the global business group at Xerox, highlighted the continued strong growth in the digital market which he expects to double in size between 2008 and 2013.

By 2018, he also predicts that digital printing will make up 34 per cent of all print revenue, putting it on a par with offset printing.

“This is a high growth potential market,” he commented.