Canon expands market-leading inkjet portfolio with new Océ VarioPrint i200

Canon Middle East, world leader in imaging solutions, is extending its Océ VarioPrint i-Series portfolio with the launch of the Océ VarioPrint i200, a 200 page-per-minute (ppm) sheetfed inkjet press which brings the benefits of the previously launched Océ VarioPrint i300 to customers with lower volume requirements.

Along with the release of the Océ VarioPrint i200 model, Canon is introducing the option of MICR inks to users of the VarioPrint i-Series, while the launch of the next generation Océ PRISMAsync controller for both the VarioPrint i200 and i300 models offers a full native PDF workflow and enhances application versatility and production efficiencies.

Both i-Series models now also feature new paper feeding options to enable PSPs to run tabs and pre-punched stocks. This added media flexibility is also available to existing VarioPrint i300 users as an upgrade.

The Océ VarioPrint i200 cutsheet inkjet press features the same patented ink, print head and paper handling technology as the VarioPrint i300, enabling PSPs to print at high speeds on a diverse range of media, including coated, uncoated and inkjet treated paper. The new press is designed to bridge the volume gap between the Canon imagePRESS C10000VP toner press at 100 ppm and the Océ VarioPrint i300 at 300 ppm.  Customers choosing the VarioPrint i200 have the option to upgrade to the VarioPrint i300 if growing print volumes warrant it.

The introduction of Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) to both models of the VarioPrint i-Series opens doors for print service providers (PSPs) producing financial security applications. Documents printed with this magnetic ink require special readers to decode the magnetic signals, making it invaluable in financial documents to prevent and detect fraud.

“When we originally launched the Océ VarioPrint i300, we brought unprecedented innovation to the inkjet space and introduced a technology built around the evolving needs of our production print customers,” says Shadi Bakhour, B2B Business Unit Director, Canon Middle East.

“Now, we are not only bringing this technology to a wider customer base but also helping PSPs to expand into even more application areas and exciting new markets with the introduction of MICR inks. Importantly, by giving customers upgrade paths, we can maximise their capabilities and production efficiencies today while also protecting their investments long-term.”

The next generation PRISMAsync version 5 workflow offers productivity enhancements as well as improving the interoperability with other PRISMAsync systems such as the imagePRESS and VarioPrint 6000 families, making it easier for customers operating multiple Canon devices to build seamlessly interconnected workflows. Existing VarioPrint i300 customers may also choose to upgrade to the new version of PRISMAsync.

The Océ VarioPrint i300 has been game-changing in its uptime, print quality and economics, while redefining expectations of the potential of inkjet technology in commercial print environments.

“As the high-speed inkjet printing market continues to grow, it’s vital that we expand our portfolio in line with what our customers really need, as well as supporting them in choosing the right solution for their business,” says Shadi Bakhour, B2B Business Unit Director, Canon Middle East

“These latest developments solidify our commitment to offering a range of new options that fall within customers’ investment capabilities and allowing them to increase the performance capability of already business-changing technology to serve their evolving operational needs.”

The VarioPrint i-Series is powered by Océ iQuarius technologies, a portfolio of innovations that facilitate high-speed inkjet printing on sheet stock. These include precision sheet control, air-assisted paper transport, precise sheet positioning and features that allow controlled drying for flat output and real-time detection and correction of nozzle failures during printing.

The new Océ VarioPrint i200 will be available for customer installations in EMEA from June 2017.