Ricoh has released initial details of its long hinted-at B2 sheetfed inkjet press, the Ricoh Pro Z75, which the company says has been developed to meet commercial printers’ needs for shorter run lengths and extended application ranges.
Ricoh notes that this year’s turbulent landscape has accelerated the shift towards digital print and has says the Pro Z75 will ’empower printers to confidently pursue opportunities in the digital space.’
Key design criteria included media flexibility and competitive operational costs. Ricoh claims those seeking exceptional productivity, ease of use, and media versatility across offset coated, uncoated and inkjet treated stocks, will benefit from the features of the Pro Z75.
‘We made it clear some time ago that we would not bring a B2 sheetfed product (to market) until it is right,’ said Eef de Ridder, vice president, commercial and industrial printing at Ricoh Europe. ‘Well that time is almost here now. Our design engineers have synthesised an extraordinary platform, it combines high ink coverage with the lower cost of inkjet and efficient B2 duplex capability more than previously thought possible. I firmly believe the Ricoh Pro Z75 is the product that the market needs and will help hard-pressed commercial printers chart a course through choppy waters toward a more sustainable future in the new world of printing.’
The Pro Z75 uses Ricoh’s own drying technology, auto-duplexing, reliable paper transport and a new DFE controller architecture. The company says that offset image quality is achieved through use of its own printheads, aqueous ink and dynamic drop size technology.
No specifications for exact format, resolution, pricing or speed were revealed. Ricoh quoted beta customers who praised its ‘technical design’, and quality and production speed compared to rivals, presumably meaning Fujifilm’s JetPress 750S, Konica Minolta’s KM-1e and possibly HP’s B2 Indigo models. More information is promised for ‘early 2021’, and will include launch timings.
