Ricoh has previewed the specifications and target markets for the Pro Z75, its long-heralded B2 inkjet press.
Optimised for short-run and variable data work, Ricoh is aiming the ‘B2+’ (maximum sheet size 585 x 750mm) 4500sph (simplex) aqueous inkjet press squarely at the commercial print sector, saying it brings quality equal to offset, and on a similar range of stocks, with throughput and duty cycle above dry toner print, and greater media flexibility than in most web inkjets.
The Pro Z75 uses the latest generation of Ricoh’s inkjet printhead technology to offer 1200 x 1200dpi resolution with variable drop sizes for fine detail and high coverage work, coupled with a drying system based on that introduced with the VC70000 web inkjet press, that it says delivers finishing-ready sheets without cockling or waviness even on lighter weights.
Productivity is 4500sph simplex, half that in automatic duplex mode, on stocks from 60 to 300gsm (uncoated, from 73gsm coated), but lower on 300–400gsm. A wide range of stocks may be used, including offset coated and uncoated types. It’s said to be good for 2.6 million B2+ impressions per month, but a more typical workload is envisaged to be around 1.25 million. The chassis is Ricoh’s own design and manufacture and uses both cast iron and steel for rigidity; robust paper feed and front-to-back registration with real-time correction should ensure accuracy and repeatability on formats down to A3.
The press is driven by a scalable DFE developed with EFI to allow connection to a range of production workflows and Ricoh anticipates that the Pro Z75 will be used for very short run, versioned or fully personalised work across the spectrum of commercial print applications. Ricoh claims ‘a competitive price and low operational cost’ but did not provide details.
Beta tests of the Pro Z75 are expected to commence this summer, with commercial availability of the press planned for Q2 2022.
