The 70000e, available both as a separate model and as a field-upgradable retrofit, bundles together a number of hardware and software upgrades to the 70000 continuous feed system.

Among these are Ricoh’s Pro Scanner and Supervisor technologies, part of its Automation Suite, which the manufacturer said would help customers simplify their production flow and help them combat labour shortages.

The software package uses artificial intelligence to help identify areas where greater accuracy efficiency could be achieved in the workflow.

These capabilities will be further enhanced in time through future software upgrades, according to Tim Carter, sales director for strategic commercial print and IJ accounts at Ricoh UK.

The bundle’s inclusion of a new undercoater, the UC8100, he added, also broadens the VC70000’s range of potential applications.

He said: “Enhancements in the e model make it ideal for businesses that produce high end applications, such as photobooks and luxury brand catalogues.”

Eef de Ridder, Ricoh Europe’s vice president graphic communications, said the undercoater’s ability to create a standardised print surface meant customers would be able to get consistent quality out of a wide range of substrates - and overcome the challenges presented by the current paper supply shortages.

He added: “The original Pro VC70000’s patented dryer technology opened doors to new opportunities around continuous feed inkjet quality, and this new model is the next phase of our continuing evolution.”