Canon debuts prototype B2+ inkjet press
Canon is definitely not one to lag behind. At Drupa 2016, where every digital player was flaunting its inkjet prowess in sheetfed B2 space, it comes as no surprise that Canon announced its version of sheetfed inkjet press bearing ‘Voyager’ moniker, the prototype of which was prominently showcased at its stand., Business
17 Jun 2016 | 13504 Views | By Rushikesh Aravkar
Canon India’s sales and marketing director Puneet Datta facilitated a machine demo for PrintWeek India team at the show. This is an important product for Datta from the Indian market perspective. According to Datta, the new product is targeted at high-end commercial and photo printing applications demanding the highest print quality.
Although still a prototype, slated for launch in 2018, it appears to be a promising package when one looks at the tech specs, imaging, and transport system and more importantly the print samples displayed in a showcase alongside the prototype.
The Voyager is based on “the latest inkjet technology” developed by Canon. It is a seven colour device with B2+ duplex capability and prints pigment inks at a speed of 3,000 sheets per hour. With B2+ it means that the final print size will be of B2 and the sheet size will be slightly bigger. The machine also features an inline gloss optimiser.
The Voyager is powered by the new Drupa-launch EFI Fiery XB Scalable Blade Server. The same engine powers Xerox Trivor, Landa Nanography presses, and the new EFI Nozomi platform.
However, one thing that sets this machine class apart from the others is the way it puts the inked image on the substrate. Unlike, its other counterparts which jet ink directly onto the substrate, the printheads in Voyager create an image on an intermediate blanket drum, which further transfer the image on the substrate. This is similar to the Landa Nanographic press where there is a transfer belt which accepts the inked image before it is transferred onto the substrate.
The advantage of using an intermediate transfer drum or belt is that it makes the process substrate independent.
For Datta, the ability of the press to print on any substrate without the need of priming is a key element. Because with this, unlike Canon’s Dreamlabo, which can only run four types of specially developed photo stocks, the Voyager can handle standard offset media from 60 to 300gsm.
This is what the manufacturer focused on as it displayed print samples on some difficult substrates like 60gsm Washi paper (traditional Japanese paper used for fine art applications).
While not much has been disclosed by the manufacturer as to what will be the price points, the quantum of investment and technical specifics like image stability on the drum and type of material used for the blanket, the launch slated for 2018 will make it a serious contender in the B2 inkjet race.