Canon has updated  its monochrome toner printer range with the launch of the VarioPrint 140 Quartz series for production print environments, offering users the option to buy temporary speed/capacity upgrades to support production peaks.

The new Quartz machines use the technology of the existing VarioPrint 140 series, and are built for light- to mid-volume printing environments producing 80,000 to 800,000 A4-size prints on average per month. Via a new licensing structure, users of the new models can make use of permanent or temporary speed upgrades to the printer, from 115 to 130 or 140ppm.

This option increases production flexibility to handle unpredictable print buying patterns and production volumes, as well as the scope to boost capacity to up to 2.3 million A4 images per month in order to manage seasonal peaks. The temporary licence is offered on a monthly basis and can be extended as many times as needed over the lifetime of the printer.

For improved media versatility, users can also insert an optional Form Assist Module in the paper tray to increase paper capacity for special papers with irregular thicknesses, such as glued-on bank passes, folded media or media with a slip attached.

Canon claims that the VarioPrint 140 Quartz does not generate ozone emissions and is designed to minimise toner waste. Its HeatXchange technology transfers heat from toner fixed to subsequent pages as it prints, helping to save energy, while a low fusing temperature supports printing on a variety of media.

The printer comes with a Canon PrismaSync print server embedded as standard, giving ‘intuitive’ control and allowing for production scheduling up to eight hours ahead. The printers will be available from April 2023.

Jennifer Kolloczek, European Planning, Marketing & Innovation senior director, Production Print at Canon Europe commented, ‘While the digital print sector tends to focus its attention on colour, monochrome will continue to represent a significant portion of total print volumes now and for years to come. Many PSPs and in-house printers need a robust monochrome printer that delivers the quality, productivity and ease of use they need for the production of often time-critical applications.

‘Since its launch in 2017, thousands of users across EMEA have embraced the VarioPrint 140 series for its reliable contribution to their production capability. By introducing a temporary speed upgrade option, we’re responding to the growing challenge of accurately predicting production volumes. More flexibility enables customers to invest with confidence, knowing they can tap into additional capacity during production peaks.’