Canon today unveiled its new imagePRESS C9010VP and C10010VP digital color presses. These devices build on the capabilities of their predecessors, offering improved paper handling and registration, new accessories, and additional print server options. The presses are positioned to compete against devices like Xerox’s Iridesse, Ricoh’s Pro C9200 series, and Konica Minolta’s AccurioPress C12000/C14000. According to Keypoint Intelligence’s most recent US Production Printing Market Forecast, placements of this color segment are expected to rise from 960 in 2019 to 1,261 in 2024, demonstrating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6%.
Succeeding the imagePRESS C8000VP/C10000VP, the new C9010VP and C10010VP are primarily designed to offer improvements in print quality and productivity.
Image Quality
Although the previous 10000VP model already offered inline spectrophotometers and densitometers to control image quality, the C9010VP/C10010VP series also features key improvements to quality registration. With its newest devices, Canon has introduced a steel side guide, front edge detection, and multiple image-timing sensors to enable the production of tight and consistent front-to-back registration.
It is important to remember that the overall quality of printed output is about more than just resolution—paper size, type, and weight also contribute to the appearance of the finished product. Canon’s newest C9010VP and C10010VP presses can print up to 400gsm and accommodate 51" sheets in auto-duplex mode, compared to only 350gsm at 30" simplex in the previous models. As a result, PSPs can offer their customers an expanded range of applications. Meanwhile, commercial printing and photo applications can be enhanced with the addition of a new 200 lpi screening that enhances skin tones and detail. Although consistency of quality has always been a challenge (particularly when printing on multiple devices), Canon’s Remote Match Version 7 software enables enhanced output matching from two different presses.
Productivity
Whereas the earlier C8000VP device offered a speed of 80 ipm, the C9010VP bumps this up to 90 ipm. In addition, Canon’s newest presses offer enhanced automation to further drive productivity. According to Canon, paper calibrations can now be performed in under 10 minutes. Furthermore, 41 secondary transfer settings make it easier for operators to print high-quality output—even with specialty media types like synthetics—faster.
A new DFD bridge enables seamless inline finishing connectivity to a Plockmatic booklet maker without having to sacrifice other finishing options. The C100100VP also offers increased uptime and reliability in relation to its predecessor. It features a higher duty cycle as well as numerous operator-replaceable parts; trained operators can perform basic maintenance and image adjustments themselves rather than relying on a third party, ultimately leading to improved productivity.
The Bottom Line
Although Canon has yet to share any information on pricing for these new presses, it has been said that “space is money.” To this end, the new devices offer an enhanced BDT VX-790 long sheet feeder with smaller footprint so PSPs can conserve space. The C8000VP and C10000VP devices will remain for sale throughout 2020, but order-taking for the new C9010VP and C10010VP devices will begin this month (September).
It is always interesting to learn about the quality and productivity investments that digital printing manufacturers continue to make. In the end, print equipment buyers can leverage these improvements to offer better value and enhanced services to their own customers.
