Sharp will showcase the new digital presses in its portfolio at the upcoming Printing United show in Atlanta, Georgia.

The range comprises the 120ppm BP-1200S Color Press Series with Fiery frontend.

The specification, including the option for six colours including bright pink, matches Fujifilm’s flagship dry toner Revoria Press PC1120.

In addition, the Sharp range will be expanded next year to include four digital presses, including 136ppm and 125ppm monochrome toner models, again matching Fujifilm’s Revoria Press E1 models.

Neither company has publicly acknowledged the connection. 

Sharp will also be showing its Pro Series models for light production at Printing United. “These models extend Sharp's proprietary edge-to-edge printing to new sheet sizes, including long paper up to 26.3 inches and letter-sized sheets for full-bleed statement sized books and many other applications,” the manufacturer stated.

It also highlighted print resolution of up to 2,400x2,400dpi, improved media handling up to 360gsm, and new crease and perforation dies via the GBC SmartPunch Plus option.

The Pro Series will also be the first to use the new Fiery platform.

Shane Coffey, vice president of product management at Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America, said: “With the launch of our updated light production models and new digital presses, clients who are looking to enter the digital printing market and take their digital printing to the next level alike will now not only have access to the latest in digital color technology, they will also be able to leverage the latest training, educational tools and a robust partner program from Sharp.”

In the UK Sharp is not active in production print. It offers a range of light production printers targeted at in-house print departments, with top speeds of 80ppm for colour, and 120ppm in monochrome.

Printing United takes place from 18-20 October.