Ricoh anticipates the SRA3+ printers will further increase the firm's share of the cut-sheet production digital colour press market.

Graham Moore, business development director for Ricoh Europe's production printing business group, said: "The Pro C901 has been very well received and we think the C751 will have even broader appeal. Until now light production meant having to compromise between quality and reliability – not any more."

The new range has a monthly duty cycle of 350,000pp and a print speed of between 65ppm and 75ppm for the top-of-the-range Pro C751.  The frontend uses an EFI E41A print server.

Innovations in the Pro C751 range includes a new laser technology that produces 1,200x4,800dpi resolution, which results in "a level of reproduction quality that's entirely new to this category", claimed Moore.

Pricing is yet to be confirmed, but is expected to be in the £45,000-£60,000 range.

Among the potential buyers present at the launch was Scott Buckle, managing director at Aylesbury-based Mediaport, who said: "The print finish was good and I liked the look of it, if they get the price right they could make a hell of an impact with these machines.

"Having an external Rip is also a big plus – they've obviously listened to the market and they've ticked every box that we could ask for."

The range also promises more accurate front-to-back registration, and a new liquid cooling unit allows the devices to print at optimum production speed, for longer periods.

The printers handle a wide range of uncoated and coated media, including textured stocks, up to 300gsm. Automatic duplexing is possible at up to 256gsm and the printers will print at full-rated speed on stock up to 220gsm. The C751 units can also handle smaller media such as postcards and envelopes.

Heidelberg will also include the new Pro C751 range as part of its digital partnership agreement with Ricoh.