The cut-sheet production press replaces one of the university's VarioPrint 2110 models that was installed in 2007.

Eoin Diver, OU operations support manager of information technology, said: "We have a demonstrably better machine that is far more reliable than the administration focused printers it replaced and is proving to be extremely cost effective and flexible.

"Taking advantage of the duplex click charge, we anticipate savings of around £5,000 per annum on the basis that 50% of our mono work will be done on the Océ VarioPrint 6160."

According to the university, the new model is also 60% faster and a greater paper capacity than the outgoing 2110 machine.

"It means we are able to be increasingly responsive to print requests and, importantly, do so with reduced staff effort," added Diver.

In addition to the VarioPrint spend, the university has upgraded its software to Océ's Prisma product, which handles job ticketing and job submission.

Stephen Lynch, Océ UK director of document printing said: "We are delighted that our world-leading print and software systems are continuing to encourage staff to follow ‘best practice’ in the art of improving efficiency and quality, while at the same time saving money for the OU."