Me & My: Ricoh InfoPrint 4100

Describe your company.
Datacon is equipped with hardware and software and is housed in a 12,000 sq/ft facility. It has the capacity to produce 50,000 to two million forms in a day (in a 20 hours shift). We provide bar code, variable data printing (VDP), carbonless sets, security documents and OMR/OCR/ICR forms.
 
What does the machine do?
Right now we are using the machine to print high volume variable data, which has a short TAT (turnaround time). In future, we would like to explore opportunities to cater to the print-on-demand (POD) segment.
 
Why did you choose this particular machine?
The reliability of the machine to deliver high-volume jobs at high-speed for time critical jobs and also the flexibility to use the same machine for other applications like POD and MICR.
 
Did you look at any other similar machine?
Yes, we did investigate presses from Nipson, Xerox and Oce.
 
Why did you make the purchase?
The deal was a value for money. The investment will help Datacon to venture into other opportunities like POD segment. The involvement of Ricoh sales team on each and every step of the entire process made me more comfortable.
 
What features do you particularly like?
The machine has the capacity to print at a speed up to 100.6 m/min, with 600X600 dpi; and an extra-wide width of 19.5 inch that allows true three-up pages of 6x9-inch. Also the same machine can be upgraded to MICR in future, if required.
 
Is there anything you wish it had that it doesn’t?
If the finishing option was part of the machine instead of separate solution by Hunkeler/ Lasermark. But I guess all the continuous feed EP machines are designed this way.
 
How fast is it?
The press can print up to 85.34 m/min. For example, 1,220 impressions per minute of 2-up 8.5x 11-inch.
 
How easy is it to use?
The user panel is operator-friendly plus operator training has been provided by Ricoh. Their team is always available to assist us whenever we need any support.

Has it won you any new work?
No, not yet. We’re planning to add post-printing equipment. After the addition, we would get new additional volumes.
 
How much time or money has it saved?
We’re yet to evaluate the same as we have not started full production run on this machine yet.
 
Would you say that it offers value for money?
The attractive box price offered by Ricoh was indeed much better as compared to quotes received from other vendors.
 
Were there any difficulties experienced during the installation or after?
There were minor hiccups during the installation but Ricoh engineers who were present, worked overnight.
 
What about the pre- and after-sales service?
Ricoh’s team is always available whenever we need them.
 
Who do you think the machine is right for?
For someone who wants to have one machine to print versatile applications like transaction, POD, even MICR with a single-machine, and that too at a high speed.
 
Under what circumstances would you invest in another?
If the business demands we will go for another machine.