Replacing the Pro C9100 family as a “major upgrade”, the machine will be available to European markets in June. Pricing will be revealed to customers at that time.
Its capabilities include taking a banner size of 1,030mm in duplex and 1,260mm in simplex on substrates up to 450gsm. Two different models can print at either 115 (Pro C9200) or 135 (Pro C9210) A4 pages per minute and an automatic inline calibration system – Auto Colour Diagnosis – maintains colour consistency and stability.
Ricoh UK director of commercial print Tim Carter said: “This is our flagship series for high-quality, high-volume work. It can integrate seamlessly into digital and hybrid pre-press workflows. This machine is built with productivity in mind, which is delivered through increased image quality and outstanding registration.
“We expect that the Ricoh Pro C9200 will become a viable alternative to high-speed digital sheetfed devices from established digital production system vendors. This is about speed and responsiveness and will help PSPs respond ultra-fast to customers' same-day requirements.
“It is capable of printing on a broad choice of substrate types that includes synthetics, carbonless paper, coated and uncoated stock and envelopes to produce a range of products from brochures, books and catalogues to posters, postcards, envelopes and business cards.”
Purge control allows for enhanced continuous-print operation, while the four-colour machine is designed to allow for toner replenishment “on the fly”. It is operated through a 17in touchscreen and can run on various digital front end (DFE) options including EFI’s Fiery E-45 and E-85, as well as Ricoh’s own TotalFlow Print Server R-62.
A number of events under the title Art of the New 2018 will be put on by Ricoh across the summer so UK and European customers can see live demonstrations of the C9200.
The C9200 is the basis for Heidelberg’s new Versafire EP, which was also unveiled last week. While Ricoh manufactures the OEM'd machines, the companies’ partnership – kicked off in 2011 – sees Heidelberg involved in research and development.
