Despite perceptions to the contrary, making an investment in colour proofing can be a relatively cheap endeavour. For example, a new Canon ImagePrograf iPF8100 costs just £5,500 and a secondhand model can cost as little as £2,500.

The machine's 12 colours might seem an awfully big roster for a machine claiming to be "cost-effective", but Canon had an ink-saving angle in mind when it released the large-format printer back in October 2007. 

Using its updated Lucia pigment ink system, Canon was able to offer a fixed 4pl ink droplet size that meant it could save more ink compared to rivals who were using a fixed 8pl droplet. For example, research by Buyers Laboratory International UK showed the printer used 31.6% less ink than machines from its key competitors, such as Epson.

It was this ability to save ink that helped it secure 267 UK installations in the two years after its launch.

Substantial colour range
The 44in iPF8100 replaced its predecessor the iPF8000, which had been launched a couple of years prior. Of its 12 colours, the machine could print both RGB and CMY colours plus black, matt black, grey, photo grey, and photo magenta. The ‘photo' colours give more of a glossy finish, while matt black is suited to satin-coated papers.

While traditional presses printed CMYK, the original artwork was captured, viewed and edited in RGB, according to Shane Burchett, Canon UK product manager.

"If you capture it in RGB and edit it in RGB, you want to print it in RGB," says Burchett. He adds that this also meant that the digital printer could hit the brighter colours favoured by corporate customers that traditional CMYK could not replicate.

"You can use it for vibrant fine art, expensive prints that are as colour accurate as possible," says Burchett. It could also print borderless, removing the need for offline trimming.

Since its launch, the user profile for the printer has remained fairly consistent, according to Mark Keeley, managing director at Mitcham-based Velmex, a Canon distributor.

"These are one one-off purchases that people make for a short period of time. Then they find they've outgrown the capacity or they want to go wider. Also their customer demand may increase."

The scenarios painted above are why the machine often crops up on the secondhand market, according to Keeley, who says the used market for the machines is mostly made up of printers trading in old models for bigger machines or ex-demo models.
"People trade in the 44in then go for the 60in. This is similar to the ex-demo machine buyers. They buy the 44in to get into the market, then they find their work has increased and then go for 60in," says Keeley.

Anyone looking to purchase a used model should check to see if it's out of warranty, as you may need a service contract. Also check its usage chart and key components, as this will flag up any inherent faults. Transport is also an issue to consider.

"You can't transport it with the ink engaged without proper care and attention. Otherwise it will leak ink and damage the printer," says Keeley.

Canon regularly updates the internal software functions, but these are retrofittable. It has more than 350 technicians nationwide, while Velmex has four dedicated engineers.

Specifications
Speed 32m2 per hour
Head configuration Six colours per head
Print resolution 2,400x1,200dpi
Footprint 1,893x975mm
    (with stand and basket)
Weight 142kg
Options Basket/Media take-up/2in core spindle-roll/holder set/3in roll holder set
Price New: £5,500 Used: £2,500-£3,500
What to look for

• Usage chart
• Key components
• Disengaged inks
• Outstanding warranty