Xerox launches new cutsheet inkjet platform

Xerox has launched the Baltoro HF, its latest cutsheet production press for high-volume transactional and direct mail applications.

The new press platform supersedes the Brenva and is available to order now. Xerox said that price-wise it is positioned between high-end toner-based presses and entry-level high-speed, continuous-feed inkjet devices.

It makes use of Xerox’s High Fusion inks through W-series inkjet heads, which allow for 1,200dpi print resolution without the need for primers or precoats.

Xerox vice-president for production inkjet business Marybeth Gilbert said: “There is a significant application need for this capability in the cutsheet space, which the Baltoro delivers.

“In addition, we have consistently heard from our customers that they look to Xerox to deliver innovations to help them grow their business and reduce cost, and this helped drive our delivery of advancements like automated intelligence and High Fusion printheads and print engines for the Baltoro.

“The Baltoro will be successful in the sectors we have targeted due to its industry-leading productivity per square foot, small footprint and low energy consumption relative to competition, and rapid job onboarding and ease of use enabled by advanced automation tools.”

With a print speed of up to 197ppm A4 simplex and 276ppm A4 duplex, the Baltoro is designed to compete with the Canon Océ Varioprint i300, though Gilbert pointed to a smaller footprint, reduced weight and lower power consumption as key selling points which would help the new machine stand out.

It runs automated intelligence technology for production processes such as workflow and colour management allowing it to self-correct in real time, while a ‘K-only’ mode can cap the CMY heads to reduce usage when printing black-only jobs.

On the front end, pre-press work is automated by FreeFlow Core software while the FreeFlow print server allows new jobs to be added while the press is running.

Xerox will exhibit the Baltoro HF system at the Print 19 expo from 3-5 October in Chicago, US, as well as at an upcoming Xerox-hosted ‘Inkjet-setters’ event in Europe. Further live demos can be arranged through Xerox.