Canon Unveils ProStream 1800 Continuous-Feed Inkjet Printer

On July 15, 2020, Canon announced the launch of its new ProStream 1800 continuous-feed printer, the latest model in the ProStream 1000 series. This introduction represents Canon’s most recent effort to shift more print volumes from analog to digital, following similar product announcements from companies like HP (PageWide T250 Inkjet Web Press) and Kodak (PROSPER ULTRA 520 Press). These digital printing vendors all have the same goal—they are working to develop a digital device that matches offset technology in terms of quality, productivity, and cost.

Most of today’s vendors would agree that the quality of high-speed production inkjet digital printing rivals that of offset, and this is partially why more commercial printing work is being produced on these presses than ever before. At the same time, however, speed is a different story. None of these digital presses can match the speed of offset. To be fair, digital presses can be far more productive than offset given the right applications and run lengths. Regarding cost, digital also falls short; the operational costs of offset devices remain far lower. Even so, digital printing vendors are quick to point out that their new digital presses are more cost-effective than their predecessors.

Canon’s ProStream 1800 is designed to meet customers’ changing demands and further push the boundaries of commercial printing. Combining new inkjet innovations with proven offset printing techniques, the press strikes a balance between high productivity, fine print quality, flexibility, and media versatility. Commercial printers can expand their offerings by migrating higher-volume jobs from offset to digital inkjet.

As an upgrade to the ProStream 1000, the 1800 continues Canon’s commitment to bring customers an improved experience in terms of productivity, quality, and cost. Here’s how the ProStream 1800 compares to the 1000 based on print service providers’ most common buying criteria:

• Productivity: The ProStream 1800 is 66% faster than its predecessor, capable of printing up to 436 fpm/133 mpm for 160gsm stocks and 262 fpm/80mpm for stocks between 160gsm and 250gsm¹. Canon’s newest device incorporates an air flotation drying system with sensors that optimize process stability and accuracy to ensure high quality and provide a boost in productivity. The operator can also switch between different format lengths without stopping the press, which further contributes to the device’s productivity.

• Quality: In addition to the air floatation drying system, the ProStream 1800 features enhanced inline quality control via a camera system that automatically ensures the uniformity of greyscales while also correcting the nozzle failures that are common with inkjet technologies. This press can also accommodate B2-sized papers, further increasing the product portfolio that print service providers can offer to their customers. Possible applications include calendars, posters, point-of-sale materials, direct mail, books, catalogs, and magazines. The ProStream 1800 maintains high quality across a wide variety of substrates, such as offset coated, glossy, matte, silk, dull, uncoated, and inkjet optimized papers. The device also incorporates an edge enhancement for better detail around vector elements.

• Cost: Although information has yet to be release about the ProStream 1800’s capital investment or running expenses, Canon commits to its customers’ previous investments by offering a field upgrade from the 1000 to the 1800. Existing owners of the 1000 device can basically create their own a la carte configuration based on the options that the new device offers. Canon has released its first case study from Italy-based Grafica Veneta, which field upgraded its ProStream 1000 to the new 1800. According to Managing Director Mauro Fontanari, the upgrade has enabled his company to produce 50% more, and this higher production has resulted in cost savings.

Keypoint Intelligence is excited to see digital printing vendors’ ongoing commitment to shift more pages from analog to digital. At this point, the need for variable data printing remains the greatest potential enabler for digital technology. To learn more about the ProStream 1800 or request a virtual demonstration, visit https://canon.sm/prostream1800. We will also continue to release more details as they become available.

¹The maximum paper weight for this device is 300gsm.