The device is Ricoh’s first own-brand machine in the latex space, and the firm has billed it as “the future of latex technology”.
“It is Ricoh designed with Ricoh heads, inks, and imaging software,” explained head of commercial inkjet business Graham Kennedy. “It’s something new and unexpected on our stand, and we’ve had a huge amount of interest in it.”
He said that ease-of-use and uptime was a key USP. “It has an automatic maintenance station so daily maintenance is completely eliminated.”
Print width is 1.3m or 1.6m, and the printer will be available with CMYK plus white. Resolution is 600, 900 or 1,200dpi with output speeds of 40sqm/hour on banner material, or 25sqm/hour on vinyl. It can also print onto sensitive substrates.
The printer is slated for commercial release in the autumn. “This product will really give us the opportunity to go into the indirect channel,” Kennedy added.
Ricoh’s new Pro T7210 UV flatbed – Ricoh’s first flatbed – is also on the booth and it was announced at the show that Croatian commercial printer Grafoprojekt had bought the first model in Europe. It was supplied by Ricoh partner Eurocop.
Owner Goran Božanic said the device, which has a bed size of 3.2x2.1m, would allow the firm to move into new markets. “One of our first jobs was for interior panels for a hotel. The client was very happy with the results and we are excited to be able to expand our services in this way.”
Kennedy said: “We’re really pleased to have the first customer installations under our belt. There’s a huge amount of interest in this machine in markets like décor, because of the high adhesive ink.”
Also on its 225sqm booth is a 520mm-wide self-contained print bar module fitted with Ricoh Gen5 printheads. “It will help accelerate the development cycle for vendors who don’t have integration expertise,” Kennedy explained.
The new Ri 100 entry-level garment printer with integrated heater, which will be supplied in the UK by TheMagicTouch (GB), is on show in the DTG area of the booth.
He said Ricoh aimed to inspire potential customers by showing a range of potential applications on its stand, including a mock shop setup featuring performance bicycle brand Bianchi.
“This is only our third Fespa and you can really see our evolution, our growth and our ambitions for this part of the market.”
Ricoh is on stand 3.1-A50 at Fespa Berlin, which runs until 18 May.
