The new series, which comprises the C6085 and C6100, became commercially available in two stages, with the C6100 launched at the beginning of July and the C6085 last week. The series replaces the bizhub Pro C1085 and Pro C1100 machines, which are no longer in production.
Konica production printing product manager Karl-Friedrich Edenhuizen said the launch of the series means the toner-based mid-range Accurio family is now complete. He did not disclose the price.
The two four-colour machines are very similar in specification but the C6100 runs at maximum speeds of up to 100ppm and the C6085 at 85ppm. Main improvements over the bizhub machines they are replacing include increased maximum substrate weight, from 350gsm to 400gsm at the same maximum speeds, and the ability to print on a wider range of substrates, including envelopes and embossed paper. Maximum resolution is still 1,200dpi.
It has increased its top monthly duty cycle, from 1 million impressions per month to around 1.8 million, which Edenhuizen said will benefit “customers with seasonal businesses”.
The machines also have a new design, a new paper catalogue on the machine, a paper tray with document feeder and dual scanner, enhanced textured paper support and a new Integrated Colour Care Unit (ICCU), which works for simplex and duplex.
Edenhuizen highlighted the ICCU as an important new factor in reducing lead times and improving performance.
“The good thing with the ICCU is that in prior times you always needed a colour expert to do the colour management, a trained operator, and that’s now something of the past that you don’t need anymore. Everyone can now ensure that you get the best out of the machine.
“It handles complete colour management, automatically adjusts the machines, reads patches, creates profiles, has density adjustment and density variation adjustment. So it's very easy, very comfortable and the operator doesn’t have to do anything with regards colour management anymore. This is unique to the market.”
The series also includes a variety of optional finishing configurations, including a new stacking tray, a number of bookletmakers, punchers, auto ringbinders and folders.
It has four optional controllers, two EFI, one Konica Minolta and one Creo, along with an Internal Web Server (IWS), allowing for screen customisation.
Edenhuizen added: “From my point of view these are very unique sales points. The feedback from customers so far from all across Europe was so positive so I really think this machine will be dramatically successful.”
In June, Konica Minolta launched its new Professional Print Division.
