The Ri 1000 DTG system and the Pro TF6250 true flatbed have been given pride of place on stand in the manufacturer's “biggest-ever” Fespa showing. Both machines will be commercially available from June.

The Ri 1000 printer is intended “to address a wide range of user requirements” with new features including higher print resolution, extended printable area and snap-on print tables, such as a new shoe platen. It joins the entry-level Ri 100 and the industrial-standard Ri 6000 in Ricoh’s DTG portfolio, while replacing the existing Ri 3000.

Marketing and communications manager John Blyth said: “We are quite excited about the way textile is taking off and we have rapidly expanded our portfolio.

“I think Ricoh is becoming synonymous with textile technology in many ways and we have registered a huge amount of interest in our range of solutions from the Ri 100 up to the 6000.”

The new 2.5x1.3m Pro TF6250 UV flatbed is targeted at entry- and mid-level operations and will use Ricoh’s new sign and graphics inks. It will sit alongside the existing Pro T7210.

Alongside its upcoming releases, Ricoh is using its Fespa platform to promote the full range of digital technology at its disposal, including the roll-to-roll Pro L5160 system, which has been sold to Norway for the first time via a deal with HG Media, and the Pro C9200 digital production system.

Blyth said: “What runs through all the disparate technologies we have here is that they are all powered by the same core technology. We use this show to reach out and engage with customers and their input, advice, recommendations and feedback inform our R&D, which we spend a lot of money on."