According to the Japanese manufacturer, its new Ricoh Pro C9500 builds on many of the proven technologies of its predecessor, while also featuring a series of significant automation advances that combine to boost productivity.
The C9500’s headline speeds of 115ppm as standard or 135ppm with a field speed upgrade, match those of the C9200 and C9210 respectively, as does its 1,260mm long-sheet capabilities, but it can handle a broader range of substrate weights – 40-470gsm – than its predecessor’s 52-470.
However, the four-colour device features a new operating system, Ricoh GC OS, that offers improved operating and maintenance functions accessible through an onboard larger GUI screen or remotely via a tablet or PC.
Simon Isaacs, national director, Ricoh UK Graphic Communications Group, said the Pro C9500 represented “a leap forward in the evolution of production technology”.
“Its capabilities will enable our clients to maximise their business effectiveness and return on investment through a range of value-added software options, including Ricoh TotalFlow Supervisor, TotalFlow Production Manager and FusionPro.”
The cut-sheet engine's inline quality control has also been upgraded. It’s based on a new Auto Color Diagnosis Unit (ACDU) that automates output quality, registration, and colour management. ACDU features seven detection levels and works in tandem with new automatic reprinting and purging functions.
Other enhancements include an improved fusing system, a new transfer unit for better front-to-back registration, and new post-press options including a new crease/perf option for the GBC StreamPunch Plus and the Plockmatic Crease Trimmer unit for top/bottom trimming and creasing.
The C9500 can also be configured with a choice of two new DFEs developed in partnership with Fiery: the standard N-50 and high-end N-70. The yet to be announced Heidelberg OEM of the C9500 will be available with a Prinect version of the controller.
Isaacs highlighted the C9500 also inherited proven technologies from the C9200 including VCSEL technology (Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser), DEMS (Development Electric-field Modulation System), fusing belt smoothing roller, DSC (Dynamic Shading Correction), registration adjustment, and inline sensor system.”
A number of the new presses have been beta tested, including installs in the US and the Netherlands.
The new Pro C9500 is available for order across EMEA from September, with the first machines likely to be delivered late September or early October.
While Ricoh didn’t disclose pricing, a spokesperson said it would be “very much in line with the market”.
Users can specify the 135ppm upgrade at the time of purchase, or later, when requirements change. The speed retrofit upgrade is delivered onsite via an engineer armed with a dongle and involves no hardware upgrades.
Full details of the new Ricoh Pro C9500 press, including live demos, will be revealed at an invitation only Ricoh Print Evolution Live event in Telford on 3 and 4 October.
