The Ricoh Pro VC60000 features new multi-drop inkjet heads that produce 1,200dpi results. Ricoh described it as "the most versatile colour inkjet system on the market".

The modular device runs at up to 120m/min, depending on configuration, and has been built for volume applications producing up to 40m impressions per month. The web width is from 165mm to 520mm.

Ricoh is targeting the press, which is set to ship in early 2015, at book, direct mail, and commercial printers. It augments its existing InfoPrint 5000 series inkjet systems.

It can print onto a wide range of stocks, included coated offset papers if an optional undercoat facility is used. A further option involves a protective coating layer to provide scratch and scuff resistance to finished prints.

Peter Williams, Ricoh Europe executive vice president and head of the manufacturer’s production printing business, said the VC60000 would allow users to transfer offset jobs to digital. “The wait for graphic arts businesses seeking the optimum inkjet platform and partner to grow their business is at an end,” he stated.

The new system is expected to ship early next year. Pricing will be announced later this year at Ricoh’s “New Dawn” customer event in November.

The manufacturer has also announced the successor to its Pro C751 toner-based sheetfed printer.

The new Ricoh Pro C7100 series has a fifth colour station for applying white, or a spot or flood clear gloss finish.

It prints on stock up to 360gsm with a top resolution of 1,200x4,800dpi, and can also handle textured grades. Print speed is up to 90ppm.

Maximum print format is SRA3 and the C7100 can also produce banners up to 700mm in length. It is designed to handle an average monthly volume of 240,000 A4s, but can handle peak loads of up to 700,000 if required.

It is set to ship in January or February next year.

Pricing is to be confirmed, but Ricoh UK head of production print Stephen Palmer said the C7100’s range of features were “unprecedented at this price point.”