drupa news: Ricoh Pro L4000 large format printer series announced

Ricoh is demonstrating a prototype of 'the future of large format inkjet technology for the graphic arts market' at drupa. The Ricoh Pro L4000™ series features the next-generation of Ricoh’s piezo-electric print heads with durable latex ink in seven colours; CMYK, light cyan, light magenta and white.  It offers extensive media support on a range of substrates and is ideal for the environmentally conscious buyer of printed signage, point of purchase and indoor and outdoor display. It will be available in North America and Europe in the first quarter of 2013.

The aqueous nature of the latex ink means that is has a low environmental impact, while the introduction of a white ink means that print buyers can optimise colour vividness on transparent or coloured materials. Print clients will benefit from brilliant colour on all substrates when ordering signage, branded materials and marketing collateral.  The print service provider can fulfil client needs quickly and efficiently â€" avoiding time consuming steps such as foils or cut-outs â€" to produce highly vibrant and crisp whites.  Productivity is further enhanced with an output speed of up to 18.1 m2 per hour.

The Ricoh Pro L4000 series also features multiple jetting print head technology to produce three different drop sizes at once and as small as four picolitres in size.  The result is smooth, lifelike images every time.  Furthermore, its extensive media support enables clients to order print on a wide range of substrates such as PVC, tarpaulin, synthetic paper, coated-paper, non-coated paper, textiles and more.

Stephen Palmer, Production Print Director, Ricoh UK says, “The Ricoh Group has been at the forefront of inkjet technology research and development for many years and now the time is now right to launch an extremely competitive large format inkjet printer range for the graphic arts market.  As the benefits of digital printing technology continue to be realised through its ability to deliver shorter print runs, on demand, with faster turnaround times â€" the application demands from print buyers are also increasing.  Today, the Ricoh portfolio provides a broad range of technologies and applications to suit specific business needs, without compromise.”

Ricoh Pro L4000 series features summary

• Next generation piezo electric print head
• 7 colour printing â€" CMYK, light cyan, light magenta and white
• Durable printing for outdoor and indoor applications
• Aqueous latex ink means a low environmental impact
• High productivity printing up to 18.1 m2 per hour
• Wide range of media support from PVC to paper to textiles and more
• Choice of two print widths (1371 mm or 1620 mm)
• Multiple jetting print head technology as small as four picolitres

For more information, please visit www.ricoh.co.uk/drupa2012