One of the most prolific black and white digital printing solutions in the market, the Xerox DocuTech family, has received a shot in the arm, with several new models to be displayed at drupa and due for imminent release into the Australian market. Already on the local market’s doorstep are the DocuTech 100 and 120 copier/printers, with a launch date of July 2004 being mooted. These machines are both capable of 4800x600dpi black and white printing at speeds up to 100 images per minute and 120 A4 images per minute respectively, in both simplex and duplex mode.
The printers also handle a higher range of media thicknesses, from 56gsm to 216gsm, with no impact on output speed. Transparencies, tabs, plastic tabs, labels, bond, Bristol, index, uncoated offset, recycled, carbonless, and envelope stocks are all supported.
Joining the new DocuTech 100/120 printers in a July 2004 release will be the DocuTech 1900 continuous feed printer, which will be aimed at the publishing market.
Also planned for release is a production version of the new DocuTech, which is currently being held under deep secrecy, along with other DocuTech innovations, until the official launches and demonstrations take place at drupa. New releases in regards to highlight colour machines are also expected in October 2004.
Simon Lane, Fuji Xerox production printing systems marketing manager, says, "The DocuTech 100 and 120 is targeting the mid-market, and was developed in conjunction with a lot of our customers. It allows some printing of variable data work, but on basic printing and copying, you can hit 900,000 impressions per month."
"We see the production system as a specific offset migration device. Offset migration, to a degree has already taken place, and we see this as the next leap. It boasts heavier duty cycles, 3.5million impressions per month, and is able to handle 49-280gsm stock, as well as coated paper. No other digital black and white print engine has been able to do that."
The new developments will also see the end of the DocuPrint line of printers, with the DocuTech family being extended and diversified to handle the wider market.
