The digital press, which can output up to 80 colour prints a minute, will be previewed at the event and is set to become commercially available in the UK "later in 2010".

According to Konica Minolta, the Bizhub Press C8000 can print at a resolution of up to 1200dpi using the manufacturer's new Simitri HD toner, which it claims can produce ultra fine quality prints.

In addition, the C8000 also features an eight-beam laser engine made from die cast aluminium that can print at a standard "comparable to offset printing", according to Konica Minolta.

Pauline Brooks, group product manager for the production print division at Konica Minolta UK, described the Bizhub Press C8000 as "a breakthrough system" that marked the manufacturer's entrance into the high-speed professional print market.

"The system offers outstanding image quality and image stability over long print runs, with output comparable to offset litho quality," she added.

The C8000 is being targeted at commercial printers and offset print businesses moving into the digital print arena. It can handle stocks up to a maximum of 350gsm when printing simplex and up to 300gsm in duplex operation.

There is a range of optional online finishing modules available for the press that include hole punching, folding, stapling, saddle stitching and perfect binding.

Brooks said: "The Bizhub Press C8000 represents a significant R&D investment and is clear evidence of Konica Minolta’s commitment to the production print sector.

"Following its preview at Ipex, the Bizhub Press C8000 will be commercially available for the UK market later in 2010."