The inks offer improved colour and faster production speeds and enable use of paper types common in commercial print.

They also help make the production system more flexible and economical, but less complicated, according to Ricoh. The inks are durable, water-fast and offer printhead reliability.

Furthermore, the manufacturer said an improved colour gamut will increase the different types of applications thanks to more vivid colours and a richer black.

Director of commercial printing Eef de Ridder said: “The range includes four colours, CMYK, and come in two 10-litre polystyrene tanks per colour. Costs are being finalised.

“The new inks are designed to print directly onto traditional offset coated media, without the use of primers, and form part of an ongoing development strategy that will lead to higher speeds.”

Higher speeds on coated substrates would support higher production volumes - including offset to digital page migration - decreasing time to market for applications and promotions.

Current speeds on the VC60000 are: 150m/min at 600x600dpi; 120m/min at 600x600dpi; 75m/min at 1,200x600dpi; and 50m/min at 1,200x1,200dpi.

“Ricoh recognises a growing demand for the use of offset paper with inkjet,” said de Ridder. “In certain situations, using an undercoat will remain the best solution for a printer.

“However it is clear there are times when printing directly onto offset paper also has advantages. Having these two options offers the most flexible approach.”

Ricoh UK has also just unveiled a new series of digital sheetfed colour presses to offer printers more colour options and the chance to trim operational costs.