The history of Kodak’s Versamark is as complicated as the technology behind it. Since the first model was launched nearly a decade ago, Kodak has continually updated the machine. The VX5000 (originally known as the Ultra) was introduced in 2003 by Scitex Digital Printing, a company created when Kodak sold its high-speed inkjet business to Israeli firm Scitex.
In 2004, Kodak bought Scitex Digital Printing and re-launched the VX5000, incorporating improved printheads that produced smaller ink droplets and sharper images. Previewed at Drupa, the machine was made commercially available in late 2004.
According to Marie-Luce Delaune, marketing programme manager for inkjet printing solutions at Kodak EMEA, the heart of its design was flexibility – the machine had to be scalable. As a result, models ranged from monochrome-only, to ones with the ability to print spot colours or full-colour, as well as narrow or wide versions.
At the time, it was the only type of press available for very high-volume inkjet printing, says Delaune.
The machine uses continuous inkjet technology and was targeted at the transactional and high-volume direct mail market. There were three models in the range: the VX5000, VX5000E (launched at Print 05) and VX5000 Plus. By adding inline finishing, the VX5000 could produce multisection newspapers and on-demand books.
The only current model in the range, the Plus, was launched in 2008. It had a higher speed compared to its predecessors and could image up to 228m per minute. The only drawback was that to reach such dizzying speeds, it had to compromise on quality; the resolution was low, but productivity was high. This is not the case with the latest model, the VL, which became commercially available in early 2009.
Now especially, with transpromo, customers are looking for better quality to reproduce images so we introduced the VL series, says Delaune. The VL uses continuous-feed technology with a drop-on-demand piezo inkjet printhead in order to deliver high-quality work.
Because of the fast-moving nature of the digital sector and the constantly evolving technology, Kodak doesn’t expect VX5000s to be kept by for much more than five years before upgrading to a newer system.
Scaleable system
Kodak can validate secondhand machines on behalf of the customer and check the quality of the equipment. All systems are designed to be scalable and modular so each machine can be upgraded on site. Warranty and service contracts are tailored to the customer.
Kodak rarely sells used machinery (and will only do so having assessed the customer, pricing and availability), but it will assist customers in sourcing used machines. It’s also worth noting that buyers of secondhand machines will need a contract with Kodak for inks and printhead refurbishment.
A new monochrome VX5000 Plus wide 152m-per-minute machine will cost €1m (£910,000). For a secondhand model, expect to pay 20% less than the price of a new machine for each year past its release.
Specifications
Resolution
300x300dpi
300x600dpi
Speed
152-228m/m
Paper handling
200–520mm web width
Max print width
45.51cm
Price
VX5000 Plus: €1m (£910,000)
Used VX5000 Plus: up to €800,000
What to look for
• Audit
• Ink supply
