Canon has introduced a new top-of-the-range model to its ColorStream web-fed inkjet press line, the ColorStream 8000, which focuses on efficiency through automation to support the move from offset to digital in applications including books, transactional/transpromo, direct mail and pharma leaflet printing.
Two variants of the new ColorStream model are offered, the 8133 and the 8160, offering respectively 133 and 160 m/min across a roll width of 571.5mm (printable width 560mm), the faster version equivalent to 2152 A4 images per minute and rated for 15 to 70 million A4 images per month. Print resolutions of up to 1200dpi are supported for smooth image gradients, fine type and graphical detail – Canon claims that 1.2pt ‘micro text’ is legible for those with the eyes (or loupe) to read it. The standard stock weight range is 40 – 160gsm, with a 220gsm option for selected papers.
Water-based pigment inks with a latex polymer are used and said by Canon to achieve a wide gamut that meets Fogra uncoated standards even on un-primed papers; Canon emphasised consistency in output quality. Productivity through automation and enhanced reliability were also key goals in the development of the new press, according to Canon’s Johann Schmidbauer, who said, ‘Everything that could be automated has been’ and added that proactive/predictive maintenance is also part of the overall reliability plan, for which over 90% up-time is claimed. He also noted that long-life components had been used in the overall press design, which aims for low wastage and minimal energy use.
The press features an automatic web cleaner to prevent dust from reaching the imaging section, where Kyocera print heads provide CMYK plus two MICR channels if required; other security print options will follow and be made available on a project basis. The press is designed for uncoated, recycled and inkjet-treated papers.
Hayco van Gaal, vice president, Production Printing Products, EMEA Commercial Printing, Canon Europe, commented: ‘Since its introduction in 2010, the ColorStream family has been recognised by customers across the globe as a highly productive and reliable solution. The ColorStream 8000 series is a new platform that leverages the heritage of the existing ColorStream family and takes its users to the next level of productivity, print quality and efficiency. I’m confident that the ColorStream 8000 series, as the latest milestone in the evolution of the product family, will prove to be just as popular, if not more so, than earlier models and will play a major role in the continuing migration of print volumes to digital inkjet.’
The press has been beta tested at German IT service provider Datev at its Nuremberg site, where it produced 8 million pages in four weeks. The ability to print at 160m/min and at high quality was praised by the production director of the secure print facility.
The ColorStream 8160 is available to order immediately, with the 8133 to follow within the first half of 2021; both will be available in mono or full colour configurations. Virtual demonstrations are possible, or, Covid restrictions permitting, visit in person to the Poing, Germany centre.
