The European launch is the first in a series of global announcements on the availability of the new L4100, with other regions due to follow.
“We had extensive feedback from Drupa that helped to shape our requirement list for a European launch,” said Ricoh UK strategic marketing manager Gareth Parker.
“As part of this, we recognised the need to thoroughly test the wide-format machines as well as ink performance in the field, and that does take time. We have recently successfully completed the in-house trials, and all this means we are confident we are taking a great product to market in March.”
The launch follows successful beta trials in Germany and the Netherlands, added Parker.
The Ricoh Pro L4100 roll-to-roll wide-format series comprises the 1.3m-wide L4130 and the 1.6m-wide L4160, priced at £22,995 and £24,995 respectively.
The printheads are piezo variable drop that offer three droplet sizes down to 4-picolitre. The devices offer seven-colour printing (CMYK, white, orange and green) with odourless aqueous latex inks that have a curing temperature of 60°C.
Maximum print speed is 18.2sqm/hr on a wide range of substrates including PVC, polyethylene, synthetic paper, coated and uncoated papers, film and textiles.
The manufacturer aims to extend the range of compatible substrates through continuing media profiling and testing, said Stephen Palmer, Ricoh UK & Ireland director of production print.
“Ricoh latex inks offer outdoor durability of one to two years, or two to three years with lamination,” he said. “With white ink, printers’ clients benefit from brilliant colour on all substrates – including transparent and dark materials – for signage, branded materials and window displays.
“The addition of orange and green inks extends the colour gamut to encompass a wider range of vibrant colours, ideal for both indoor and outdoor materials, and to reproduce corporate colours accurately,” added Palmer.
The L4100 series uses Ricoh’s Uninterrupted Ink Supply System (UISS) that automatically switches to a new ink cartridge when the previous one has been depleted.
“In a busy print production environment, this ensures that the operation runs as smoothly and productively as possible with minimal operator intervention,” said Palmer.
The L4100s can be specified with a bespoke, menu-driven Colorgate RIP with colour management tools, which Palmer said would improve productivity for users.
