Canon has unveiled the latest model in its ColorStream family of mid volume continuous feed inkjet presses, the ColorStream 7000.
The new machine draws on field experience of more than 2,000 inkjet installations around the world, adding capability on top of the ColorStream 6000 which it matches for run speed, imaging and inks. The ColorStream 6000 was first introduced in 2016, with updates since then.
Like that press, there are three core models offering 48, 76 and 127 metres a minute throughput using 600dpi inkjet heads and the highly pigmented water based polymer inks. The new machine though, features an integral web cleaner to allow it to run recycled papers as well as uncoated and inkjet optimised substrates.
Three versions are available, ColorStream 7075, 7100 and 7127 reflecting the different speed and production volume points.
The inkjet heads are water cooled, keeping print quality consistent on long runs controlled by colour management that has been developed over many years in inkjet printing.
Other features have been ported from the 200m/min ColorStream 8000, including the SRA Massive Parallel controller to ensure that the Rip matches throughput at all times. This has a modular design to enable users to upgrade from mono to colour or to increase performance as business needs evolve.
Printing can be paused and the machine will pick up again where it stopped without incurring waste. Drying is through heated rollers which, combined with precise control of the ink layer, maintains the print quality while closely managing energy use.
The workflow is Canon’s Prisma family, helping those operating with the ColorStream 6000 to upgrade to the new model.
The emphasis is on reliability and predictability rather than speed alone. Canon UK & Ireland country director production Duncan Smith, says: “In the mid range production volume segment, customers are not looking for promises. They are looking for proven performance they can build a business on. That is where the ColorStream 7000 series stands apart. It brings together the trusted quality and reliability of the ColorStream platform with the service, workflow integration and flexibility print service providers need to compete with confidence.”
The target uses are going to be easing ColorStream users together with direct mail, transactional and book printers. High quality commercial printers considering inkjet are steered towards the ProStream family.
