technologies is essential. Only with this knowledge can businesses make well-informed, strategic decisions.” Carter highlights the precision of inkjet as one of its distinct advantages, enabling accurate on-demand production exactly when and where required. “This flexibility not only reduces waste, but also adds value by allowing for personalisation through versioning or variable data printing,” adds Carter. “Inkjet also supports B2B and B2C models where fast turnaround times are increasingly critical.” Ricoh has continued to invest heavily in the development of its inkjet solutions, with the recent release of the RICOH Pro Z75 and VC80000 being a testament to this. Upon release, the Pro Z75 was the world’s first B2 perfecting (auto duplexing) sheetfed aqueous-based inkjet press, offering print speeds of up to 4,500sph in straight printing or 2,250sph in duplex or perfecting printing. The VC80000 continuous high-speed printer, one of the solutions demonstrated by Ricoh at the recent Hunkeler Innovationdays exhibition in Switzerland, features liquid-cooled printheads delivering 1200dpi output, supported by an arsenal of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning capabilities to increase automation and output. In his explanation of the advantages of inkjet in comparison to other methods, Carter stresses the relative ease of use and automation capabilities as being a distinct advantage. “Inkjet solutions offer streamlined operations,” he says, adding: “With enhanced automation and AI integration, they require less manual intervention, making them easier to manage and reducing the need for highly specialised skills. “This presents an opportunity for operators and staff to engage with the evolving technology, becoming part of their business’ innovation journey and the broader industry’s transformation.” Carter insists that automation will continue to be a focus moving forward, with more improvements expected in the future. He reveals: “Our focus will be underpinned by further development in workflow, MIS, and automation using the latest AI capabilities. “The greatest opportunities lie in print organisations’ ability to embrace digital alternatives while positioning print as a vital part of the communication mix. This harmonious approach will underscore print media's distinct value – its tactile quality, permanence, and lasting impact – ensuring it continues to play a powerful and complementary role alongside digital channels.” While digital inkjet solutions can empower PSPs to be more agile, enabling them to handle shorter runs on demand with faster turnaround times, it is important to thoroughly analyse current production volumes and workflows to identify which jobs can be effectively shifted to a digital platform. “Inkjet unlocks new business opportunities and applications, particularly through personalisation and versioning,” Carter explains. “However, production scheduling can be more complex, as PSPs typically manage a larger volume of smaller, more frequent jobs. To address this, seamless integration with digital workflow solutions is essential. “When investing in inkjet, companies should assess the solution's flexibility and compatibility with their existing supply chain when it comes to media handling and finishing processes. A robust digital solution should integrate smoothly with current pre-press and finishing systems. Choosing a manufacturer with strong pre-sales support is key as this can help ensure the transition is as seamless as possible.” Combined Technologies Digital inkjet production presses have become an increasingly integral part of the industry as the technology develops, with the range of digital presses available on the market more varied than ever. For PSPs wanting to jump on the digital inkjet train, Kodak introduced another option aside from installing a stand-alone digital press – the integration of digital imprinting systems onto conventional equipment. Kodak’s PROSPER Plus and PROSPER S-Series Imprinting Systems add digital The KODAK PROSPER 7000 has been calculated to be the world’s fastest inkjet press, boasting a top speed of 410 metres per minute 410mpm Choosing a manufacturer with strong pre-sales support is key as this can help ensure the transition is as seamless as possible INKJET PRINTERS 56 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk May / June 2025 - Issue 354 ▼Ricoh represented the Pro VC80000 and Pro VC40000 at the recent Hunkeler Innovationdays 2025 exhibition
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjM0NDIxOA==