Anitech has brought the world’s first toner-based, wide format production system – the KIP C7800 – to Australia’s shores. Carlos Martinez speaks with Barry Grant, marketing director of Anitech on the possibilities for the technology
Grant explains the prints from the KIP C7800 colour and black and white high production print system – which was launched at an open house at Anitech’s Melbourne facility last month – are ideal for most applications because of the high resolution image quality at production print speeds with exceptionally low operational costs.
“I’ve been in the printing industry a long time and the KIP C7800 is the most exciting product I have seen. We call it a photocopier on steroids.” He says, “We believe it will make a significant impact in the industry, particularly the retail signage market, as inkjet just can’t get down to this kind of cost per copy.”
Grant says with an operational speed of up to 325sqm of colour print production per hour, the KIP C7800 is the single most productive wide format LED colour print system. He adds in black and white only mode the print media completely bypasses all colour imaging units. This process increases system efficiency and lowers the overall cost of operation.
He says, “The system is a comprehensive solution for all types of wide format printing tasks that require the highest levels of quality and performance.
“The KIP’s workflow provides powerful print control for any production environment from a range of print submission applications, cloud printing, scan and copy, variable data printing and fully integrated stacking and folding.”
During the official launch at Anitech’s Sunshine showroom, David West, national colour manager at Anitech took visitors through KIP C7800’s capabilities. He says the machine will give Australian print service providers the opportunity to save serious time and money – making ultra high quality wide format printing more cost effective than ever before.
“It’s not designed to take away from the inkjet market, but it is expected to create a lot of value in the market as it can print very fast and very cheap.” West says, adding, “The system delivers nonstop production levels with razor sharp line detail, superior half tones and smooth gradients. The UV-proof prints do not fade or deteriorated from exposure to light.”
Media capacity
According to Anitech, the KIP C7800 accommodates high demand printing and long unattended runs via three integrated, auto-loading media roll drawers. The system handles media rolls from 297mm to 914mm wide and provides fast switching between rolls for collated sets of varying sizes or media types, with no delay between prints.
In addition, an integrated automatic cut sheet feeder provides expanded versatility for handling specialty media types.
Anitech says the printer also features a robust braking system designed to ensure uniform sheet sizes from all three of its integrated media drawers at high speeds, regardless of media type, print size or image complexity.
Stacking and folding
Anitech continues that the Japanese-manufactured machine’s integrated stacking system improves the efficiency and productivity of users print production environment by providing a place to stack multiple prints.
The KIP C7800’s integrated folding and finishing system automates wide-format document finishing by providing folding, stacking and collation in a compact design. The optional online folder is fully integrated with the KIP C7800 print system and software apps to provide a total print management solution, according to Anitech.
Copying and Scanning
Anitech adds the KIP C7800 provides efficient, high speed hard-copy reproduction workflow. Meanwhile, high image quality is achieved through true 600 x 600 dpi optical resolution via a choice of integrated KIP scanner with advanced optics and delicate original transport process for ‘pixel-perfect’ images.
The machine’s productivity is achieved from high resolution image capture and data transfer technologies for high speed copy and scan throughput, while its flexibility is delivered via the ability to scan face up or face down and scan thick mounted originals and individual sheets of paper from a single unit.
Anitech says it has brought the KIP C7800 to Australia to appeal to technical, graphic and office document users who require high demand output, precise imaging and bold, expressive colour fidelity.
West says, “The system is a solution for a range of wide format printing tasks spanning everything from maps and posters, to signs and photo enlargements - without sacrificing quality or performance.”
Grant understands that wide format document production requirements have become increasingly diversified to include 3D coluor renderings, graphic inlays and exploded view schematics. He says, “The KIP C7800 enables business professionals to effectively convey ideas and information by leveraging visual appeal and technical accuracy in colour or black and white.
Based on initial feedback of the new KIP, Grant expects the machine to forge a successful niche within the Australia print market. He says, “It is faster and produces higher quality than its predecessor, the KIP 80, it is also half the price. We have already sold one, which has been installed in Melbourne.
“We have had a lot of positive feedback, so if I don’t sell 18 within the next 12 months I would be surprised.”
The KIP C7800 will be demonstrated at this month’s Visual Impact Image Expo on the Gold Coast, followed by drupe, and at an open house in Sydney.
