Xeroxs third generation digital colour press, the DocuColor iGen3, will be formally launched at Ipex next April and the first machines should be installed in Europe during 2002.

The launch of the machine, formerly known as FutureColor, is being likened in importance to that of the DocuTech high-speed black and white range back in 1990. iGen3 represents an unprecedented breakthrough and leapfrogs the competition, said chief executive officer Anne Mulcahy.

Xerox gave a sneak preview of iGen3 at Print 01 in Chicago (6-13 September) and visitors were able to take away samples. It runs at 6,000iph at 600dpi, compared to its current fastest colour press the DocuColor 2060 (the so-called now press), which runs at 3,600iph.

At iGen3s heart is the patented SmartPress Technology, which images from a belt or carrier in MYCK formation using microfine dry ink. To create an image, four imaging stations layer colour onto the paper on the electrically charged carrier. When the carrier and paper meet a combination of electrostatic charges, sound waves and pressure move the dry ink down to the papers surface transferring the complete image in one step unlike any other imaging technology, says Xerox.

The system also contains artificial intelligence and controls (called SmartSentry) that constantly calibrate colour on every page. Its straight paper-handling design can automatically recognize and print onto four different sizes of paper during the same print run. Its compatible with a variety of stock from very lightweight up to 100lb cover.
Two front-end options will be available, Xeroxs own DocuSP and Spire from CreoScitex. And a common interface will enable connection to third-party finishing devices.

Xerox Europe president Jean-Nol Machon said that by Ipex the target market for the iGen3 will be better defined but that it will be pitched at run-lengths of up to 5,000 copies. He also said cost per page would be down to between 5-10 cents.

Xerox claims it is on its own in generation three and is pitching its existing second generation DocuColor 2000 series against the Heidelberg NexPress, as both machines use digital blanket technology. Heidelberg however, which used Print 01 to mark the formal launch of NexPress, claims its machine features generation four technology. But Machon rejected this. How can they have generation four when they havent had generations one, two or three? he said.

Story by Lauretta Roberts, at Print 01 in CHicago