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Ricoh Europe launches new inkjet web press

01.12.2023

Ricoh Europe has announced the launch of the Ricoh Pro VC80000 inkjet roll-to-roll printing platform in 2024. Compared to the VC70000 model, it will offer more automation, quality control and more advanced integration into the production environment. The beta tester is the Sattler Media Group at its site in Bad ...

Ricoh Europe has announced the launch of the Ricoh Pro VC80000 inkjet roll-to-roll printing platform in 2024. Compared to the VC70000 model, it will offer more automation, quality control and more advanced integration into the production environment. The beta tester is the Sattler Media Group at its site in Bad Oeynhausen.

The Ricoh Pro VC80000 is designed for the production of direct mail, color booklets, catalogs, magazines and commercial print applications on coated media up to 300 gsm. Software and hardware tools are designed to provide greater automation of production, print quality control and communication with various AI, machine learning and data analytics features to minimize operator intervention.

According to the manufacturer, the smallest machine in its class – with a full-duplex printing unit less than ten meters long – is equipped with the latest generation of inks and temperature-controlled inkjet heads. It allows a maximum resolution of 1,200 x 1,200 dpi and a maximum speed of 150 m/min.

Other features of the machine are, according to Ricoh:

  • Shorter start-up times with the new “Firefly” dryer technology: A configuration of small, heated rollers is designed to bring the press up to temperature more quickly.
  • Automated quality control with a fully integrated Ricoh Pro Scanner, first introduced as an option for the Pro VC70000. The scanner actively monitors various aspects of print quality and constantly checks the performance of each print head. Color to color and front to back registration are checked automatically and corrections are implemented immediately.
  • A spectrophotometer for real-time monitoring of color reproduction eliminates the need for manual image adjustment.
  • The “Ricoh Supervisor” collects and interprets operational data coming from the Pro Scanner and other connected production print devices and creates web-based dashboard views with analytics from its business intelligence tool to optimize device usage and throughput.
  • Highly automated “quick paper set-up” designed to enable a brand new substrate that is not stored in the media library to be optimally processed at the touch of a button. A so-called SmartStart function enables the machine to be set up automatically before the shift begins, without the need for an operator to be on site.
  • Improved communication for inline production facilitates end-to-end solutions. Automatic splicing units are also supported for non-stop production.

The Ricoh Pro VC80000 is said to be supported by Ricoh’s portfolio of brand-independent software, including Ricoh ProcessDirector, an end-to-end workflow management solution for capturing, transforming and managing information and processes, Ricoh Auto Color Adjuster for color management and color matching, and FusionPro to meet all personalized communication needs.

According to Ricoh, these features proved to be a winning combination during the beta installation at Sattler Media Group. Christian Haneke, Head of Innovation and Solutions, explains: “The level of automation that Ricoh’s Pro VC80000 achieves, combined with up to 50% higher output of high-quality products compared to our current technology, as well as its user-friendly approach, is changing the role that inkjet printing plays in Sattler Media Group’s production portfolio.”

“Our high-speed inkjet customers face similar production challenges: They need high-speed capacity to fulfill large jobs and shorter turnaround times, and tools that make running their presses easier and more efficient,” said Eef de Ridder, Vice President, Graphic Communications Group, Ricoh Europe.

The Ricoh Pro VC80000 inkjet printing system will be available from the beginning of 2024.

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