First launched by Fuji Xerox in November and initially only available in the Asia Pacific region, the Iridesse was launched in Europe and the US today (9 May).
The new printer enables users to print either metallic gold or silver, CMYK and clear dry ink in a single pass, alongside newly developed technology for colour management and a range of automation.
Although prices have yet to be disclosed, cut-sheet business vice-president and general manager Ragni Mehta said that the new product would be positioned “above the Versant and below the iGen” in the manufacturer’s portfolio.
She said: “Demand for printing beyond CMYK has exploded recently – forecasts indicate it will grow by 25 billion pages by 2020. We know that customers are willing to pay premiums of almost 90% for the added embellishments it can present.
“Our new machine provides customers with all the opportunities they need to develop their businesses – the time is now for CMYK+. While we already have the Xerox Colour 800i and 1000i, the Iridesse will help bring new volume to customers’ digital assets.”
Mehta said that the machine was developed to produce special effects and digital enhancements “cost-effectively and in a simplified workflow”.
Taking a maximum sheet size of 330x488mm, the Iridesse can print at speeds up to 120ppm for A4 and 60ppm for sizes A3-SRA3. It can take stock weighing anywhere between 52 and 400gsm and print at “ultra HD resolution” of 2,400dpi.
It makes use of Xerox’s High Definition Emulsion Aggregate (HD EA) toner designed to have the “optimal particle size” for lower gloss, smooth tints and fine detail. It runs using Xerox’s EX-P 6 Print server developed by EFI Fiery enabling the creation of customised workflows for metallic applications.
Additional options for customers include a high capacity feeder, a multi-sheet inserter tray, an offset catch tray with 500-sheet capacity and a high capacity stack. Finishing options include an interface module to connect the press to inline finishing units including crease and two-sided trimmer, bookletmakers and a Xerox SquareFold fold-trim module.
Since the start of 2018, the Iridesse has been trialled in the UK at London-based commercial printer Instant Print West One (IPW1), where it has been producing adverts, cards and posters with a mix of metallic colours and special effects.
“We have had the good fortune of working closely with this press,” said sales director Glen Robbins. “Our operations include litho, wide-format, digital and embossing alongside various finishing jobs.
“In this machine, we are seeing something that is a game changer – we have not known a digital press like it. The embellishments open up new opportunities to transform print and it creates high-end-like jobs at a cost below competition. It’s big on the ‘wow’ factor.
“Products that we once did on litho or with embossing can now be done on digital and it’s a clear differentiator for us.”
The Iridesse will be demonstrated to European clients at Xerox's Premier Partner Forum in Warsaw, Poland, on 22-23 May.
