Ricoh Pro C751

Ricoh India launched its new mid-production digital press at the Ipex South Asia, after it was previewed at Graphitec in Paris back in June along with two other presses, the Pro C651Ex and Pro C751Ex. Both these models are scanner models, while the C751 is a print-only version.

As the demand for mid-production printing increases, so does the need for innovative, cost competitive solutions, says Avijit Mukherjee, the business head, production printing business group, Ricoh India. "The machine is aimed to fit the needs of digital, print-for-pay and direct mail providers."

Mukherjee added: "The Pro C751 incorporates some of the best features from the Pro C901 graphic arts machine and combines it with some exciting new innovations." All this makes the new system deliver an unprecedented level of productivity and versatility."

According to Ricoh, the Pro C751 also establishes a new price point for this class of system, making it ideal for in-plant print centres and franchise and commercial printers. "The new printer is ideal for those seeking a single, cost-effective system that does not compromise on productivity or quality. It’s a perfect foil for those offset printers who are making a foray into digital printing or planning to bump up their service offering," says Mukherjee.

It’s USP
The Pro C751 uses Ricoh’s brand new vertical cavity surface emitting laser technology (VCSEL), which enables it to print up to 1,200x4,800dpi to perform cost-effectively in-house.

According to Mukherjee, the VCSEL has as many as 40 laser beams emitting simultaneously, which aids job accuracy. The machine has a tight registration tolerance of +/-0.5mm, and VCSEL comes with magnification correction technology to correct paper skews and compensate for distortion – particularly important in duplex mode.

He says, "It is the first cut-sheet digital printer to have a liquid cooling system to regulate heat build-up around the developer unit, reducing downtime and making longer runs more reliable."

Other features
The other new technology that the C751 uses is the Active Toner Density Control, which, as the name suggests, monitors the amount of toner being used for a particular output and provides the developer unit with the right amount needed. The machine offers real-time toner monitoring, which eliminates any hobble, explains Mukherjee. Also what is brought from the Pro C901 is the PxP polymerised toner. Mukherjee says, "This toner consists of ultra-fine particles with a low melting point. It helps to give the print a smoother finish, almost like offset."

To increase both durability and the ability to produce stable colour during continuous print runs, Ricoh has introduced the new advanced overcoat layer on the Stabilisation OPC (Organic Photoconductor) drum. And with an wide-ranging collection of media handling option, which Ricoh prides itself on, the Pro C751 can print a wide range of jobs such as direct mail, cards, menus, booklets and manuals.

Speed and control
The top speed in both mono and colour for the Pro C751 is 75 pages-per-minute (pp/min). The machine is fitted with an LED light to indicate which tray is in use. This enables the user to refill another tray and keep it ready for the next job. "The speed and the volume of the press makes it fit comfortably within the light production environment," says Anjana Saha, marketing manager, production printing business group, Ricoh India.

As for ease of use, Saha says that the Pro C751 has the same "forward thinking" control as the Pro C901. Saha says, "Helping the customers achieve business success has always been Ricoh’s objective." The real-time synchronisation with the Fiery RIP, which is connected as standard, helps the press and the RIP to talk to each other. "This reduces the possibility of operator error," she adds.

Training and support
Ricoh has also been working hard to build its expertise and technical capabilities on a national level. Ricoh operates through a wide network of 15 branches and over 260 dealers and have a well-trained sales and after-sales service force.

"Two full days training with every purchase of any new machine is a standard with Ricoh," says Saha. "We leave it to the customer to decide when he wants to hold the training. It can be held consecutively, or should the customer need time to get to know the machine and come back with a few queries, they can be held a number of days apart."

The basic system includes a staple finisher, a large-capacity input tray, the Fiery RIP and the ORUs.

Ricoh India has announced that it has three orders signed and waiting to be installed and another six in the pipeline.

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