The new ProStream 1800 is based on the ProStream 1000 platform, but offers a 66% speed boost over the earlier version, which will continue to be available. The duplexing printer runs a 558-mm wide web with a print repeat length of up to 1,524-mm.

Developed and built in Poing, Germany, it features the same core 1,200-dpi head technology, which was jointly developed with Kyocera, which is used in the recently launched Canon VarioPrint iX series of B2 inkjets.

The continuous feed 1800 also features the same contactless air flotation drying system as the 1000 and features an inline ColorGrip pre-coat so can handle paper grades from 40 to 300-gsm across standard offset coated, uncoated and inkjet optimised papers. Inks are a pigmented polymer set.

According to Christian Unterberger, chief marketing officer and executive vice president, PPP, Canon Production Printing, the high speed and wide substrate range opens up a significantly broader range of applications for users.

“It’s about highest quality at the highest productivity to enable offset customers to convert to digital with no discussion necessary about quality,” said Unterberger.

Current ProStream 1000 users can field upgrade their machines to the 1800 specifications.

“It’s mainly a software upgrade, but there are a few parts that need to be upgraded to enable the much higher speed and we also made some enhancements on the quality side to ensure it remains benchmarked against the ProStream [1000] in terms of digital print quality,” said Unterberger.

The ProStream series was unveiled in 2017, and there are currently around 40 ProStream 1000s installed around the world with uptimes of 90-92% typically experienced by users, according to Unterberger, compared to industry averages of 65-80%.

(Courtesy printweek.com)