The Japanese manufacturer took the wraps off its theme – Henkaku being the Japanese term for transformational innovation – at the end of last year. The Henkakuverse is described as "a virtual production environment".
As well as the European debut for Ricoh’s Pro Z75 B2 perfecting inkjet press, aka the Dragon, the firm will show new webfed and sheetfed devices.
The Dragon prints at 4,500sph in straight printing mode or 2,250sph for duplex/perfecting printing.
The Ricoh Pro VC80000 high-speed inkjet web press is now also known as ‘the Harpy Eagle’. It will have its worldwide debut at Drupa.
Harpy eagles are viewed as divine creatures across the Americas. They are named after Harpies, Greek mythological creatures that were half-human and half-bird.
The Pro VC80000 is Ricoh’s new flagship webfed inkjet, and boasts AI capabilities among other features.
Meanwhile, its new sheetfed digital presses, the 135ppm Ricoh Pro C9500 and five-colour Pro C7500 device, have been named ‘the Jaguars’ after the big cat.
Also on show will be the new Ricoh Auto Color Adjuster device, announced in October.
Eef de Ridder, vice president, Graphic Communications Group at Ricoh Europe, commented: “We are excited to create a partnership environment focused on helping print production specialists unleash the power of co-innovation.
“We are looking forward to helping visitors from all sectors unlock business evolving opportunities with an eye on sustainable production that will enable them to responsibly shape their business success. Our expert team will be on hand to help them explore innovative ways to transform and redefine their own environments.”
The business is planning an “immersive theatre experience” at the centre of its stand, “where the Henkakuverse and its opportunities will be presented in a spectacular way”.
Other elements of the exhibit will include a showcase of inspirational client case studies and print samples from across its product range, including wide-format, at the print bar and applications garden that form part of the plans.
Insights into Ricoh’s inkjet printhead tech and future roadmap will also be detailed.
Automation, workflow, and software tools that drive efficiency and reduce waste will also be a major feature, along with Ricoh’s Professional Services consultancy offering.
Ricoh’s booth is in Hall 8a at Drupa, which runs from 28 May – 7 June at Messe Düsseldorf.
