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Launched in 2006, the Xerox DocuColor 5000 was a ‘Frankenstein’ creation that took advantage of proven technology from other Xerox machines to become one of the most reliable digital machines on the market.

It filled the gap between light-production, dominated by Canon and Kodak, and true production, where the higher-end DocuColor 7000 and 8000 Xerox machines resided. Those wishing to get into higher-quality digital print could therefore try it out at an affordable price point with proven technology. This made the machine an appealing prospect, and more than 300 were installed in the UK alone.

"This product allowed people who were running copier technology to reach higher production levels affordably," explains Kevin O’Donnell, Xerox marketing manager for graphic communications group UK & Ireland.

Solid foundations
The 5000 borrowed heavily from other Xerox machines. The engine hardware came from the higher end of the Xerox DocuColor family, which O’Donnell says gave it its "reliability and consistency".

Meanwhile, the imaging systems were borrowed from the Olympia machines, providing 2,400dpi imaging and offering the opportunity to add two black cartridges for longer mono print runs. In addition, 32-beam laser technology enabled faster data writing at higher resolutions.

"What we added to that," says O’Donnell, "was document finishing architecture (DFA), which enabled both Xerox and third-party finishing companies to attach inline finishing to the machine. At the time, that was unique in this class."

A built-in duplex path sent double-sided jobs through for a second pass, while there was a choice between stochastic screening or clustered-dot screens in 150–600lpi pitches. Flexibility of the substrate was also a key selling point, with the 5000 capable of handling tabs, labels and synthetics, as well as coated and uncoated paper stocks.

In 2008, the 5000 was updated and the new AP model became standard. AP stands for ‘advanced productivity’ and reflects the increase in speeds on heavier stocks the machine could handle as a result of the tweaks.

"On the original model, the higher the paper weight, the slower the machine ran. So if you went above 120gsm, operating speed fell below 50 A4 pages per minute simplex," says O’Donnell. "The AP allowed you to run at 50ppm on any stock up to 300gsm. It also allowed you to auto perfect duplex up to 300gsm.

"Having had the product in the field for a few years we were confident enough to raise the bar on the throughput."

The easy-to-use interface enables the creation and storage of unique paper, alignment and decurler profiles. If adjustments need to be made to correct alignment, the registration technology allows the operator to set saveable parameters, which alter the image to compensate for distortions. Meanwhile, you could also create custom profiles for problem papers.

Optional extras included a secondary feeder module that allowed up to 8,000 sheets of up to four different stocks to be fed without reloading. In addition, a high-capacity stacker, capable of holding 3,500 sheets, and a stacker/stapler for sheets of 60–300gsm was available.

Xerox stopped taking orders for new APs last month and the machine is now only available secondhand.

"We have a programme for refurbishing machines," says O’Donnell. "They come with a standard Xerox service contract with access to a good supply of spare parts and 450 UK based engineers."

A secondhand DocuColor 5000 AP costs around £30,000, depending on configuration and mileage.

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SPECIFICATIONS

Max speed 50ppm on 60-300gsm coated or uncoated stock
Max sheet size 320x488mm
Min sheet size 182x182mm
Image resolution 2,400dpi
Line screens 600 clustered-dot; 300 clustered-dot; 200 rotated-line screen; 200 clustered-dot; 150 clustered-dot stochastic
Footprint 2.5x0.7m
Weight 750kg
Used price Around £30,000
What to look for General wear and tear