Xerox Introduces New Versant 2100 Toner-Based Digital Press

Commentary by Mark Michelson, Editor-in-Chief

WEBSTER, NY—The introduction of the Versant 2100 toner-based digital press, which is targeted toward commercial printers, quick printers and in-plant operations seeking a mid-range device with high-end capabilities, was just one topic at the Xerox “Digital Disruption” event held earlier this week at the Gil Hatch Center for Customer Innovation.

More than 60 existing Xerox customers, prospects, and industry analysts and trade press journalists convened at the 100,000-square-foot facility to hear various Xerox executives discuss strategy, industry trends, and Xerox’s most recent software and hardware introductions.

Andrew Copley, Xerox president of Global Graphic Communications Operations, and Robert Stabler, senior vice president of the Graphic Communications Business Group, also met with journalists and analysts for a private luncheon where the topic, as expected, turned to a discussion of Xerox’s inkjet strategy. Both Copley and Stabler admitted that Xerox needs to do a better job of informing the marketplace of what it’s doing within the inkjet printing space.

To supplement its existing continuous-feed CiPress 325 and CiPress 500 solid ink, waterless inkjet printing platform that allows the use of low-cost offset stocks primarily for direct mail applications, Xerox acquired Impika last year. The French inkjet printing systems manufacturer specializes in aqueous-based systems best geared for transactional and publishing output.

“Today, (continuous-feed) inkjet is well-suited for low ink coverage,” advised Stabler, noting that it will still be two to four years before inkjet printing captures significant market share for commercial printing applications. Key issues include the high costs of inkjet inks, which he admits will come down eventually, in comparison to offset inks; technical issues surrounding water in the ink; and substrate limitations and costs.

From a cutsheet inkjet press standpoint, Stabler added that, for the foreseeable future, “xerography is going to be the future for Xerox.” Even so, once Xerox does eventually develop a cutsheet inkjet press, Stabler says the “first product will be more aimed at new or displacement applications.” Today, inkjet is being best deployed for jobs requiring lower ink coverage, standardized media and specific applications.

ROCHESTER, NY—April 25, 2014—As print applications continue to gain traction in today’s digital marketing world, graphic communications providers can answer the call with the new Xerox Versant 2100 press.

The 100 page-per-minute device—versatile for any production environment—combines speed, exclusive image quality and automation features to create colorful personalized communications, collateral, brochures, photo publishing and specialty products. The press offers:

More performance
—Automates color control, creates image-to-media alignment profiles and delivers brand-managed color in less time with less waste with an inline, integrated Full Width Array.

—Maintains tight registration throughout the press from page to page and run to run with Production Accurate Registration technology.

More image quality
—Produces smooth sweeps and gradients, sharp images, graphics and text with the new Ultra HD Resolution—an industry first. Applications are rendered at 1,200x1,200 dpi at up to 10 bits—that’s 300 percent more pixels and color precision rendered than the 600x600 dpi standard.

—Provides brilliant and vibrant images with low gloss, low melt EA Dry Ink; offers consistent color across multiple printers and sites.

More flexibility
—Offers three controller options—the Xerox EX and EX-P 2100 Print Server, Powered by Fiery, and the Xerox FreeFlow Print Server, so users can tailor the press to their production needs.

—Supports an array of substrates including linen, polyester, vinyl magnet and specialty stocks.

Additional Features = More Business Results
With the Xerox Versant 2100 press, printers can competitively position themselves to win more new jobs and retain repeatable business with numerous workflow options. For example, with Xerox FreeFlow Core printers can automate complex prepress steps and with XMPie StoreFlow create and deliver revenue generating Web-to-print portals.

With the Xerox Stock Library Manager, printers can simplify the management of paper stocks, easily adding new ones or using the preloaded validated, approved stocks.

Printers can also rely on Xerox Connect Advantage Services, which combines diagnostic technology with a team of specialists to proactively solve problems; and turn to Xerox’s ProfitAccelerator Digital Business Resources for the largest collection of business development tools and services in the industry.

Availability
Order taking for the Xerox Versant 2100 Press begins worldwide in July.

About Xerox
Since the invention of Xerography more than 75 years ago, the people of Xerox (NYSE: XRX) have helped businesses simplify the way work gets done. Today, Xerox is a global leader in business process and document management, helping organizations of any size be more efficient so they can focus on their real business. Headquartered in Norwalk, CT, more than 140,000 Xerox employees serve clients in 160 countries, providing business services, printing equipment and software for commercial and government organizations.

Source: Xerox.

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Xerox Introduces New Versant 2100 Color Digital Press for Commercial, Quick Printers (Includes Commentary from Mark Michelson)