Ricoh has struck a partnership deal with Flora, the Chinese manufacturer of inkjet machines. Initially this will expand Ricoh’s range of flatbed hybrid printers with machines built to meet Ricoh’s requirements – including use of Ricoh printheads. The plan is to have a first machine ready for Ricoh Europe to sell in Q2 next year.
This will include a Colorgate Rip (technology owned by Ricoh) with support for ICC profiles with a specification that enables it to print rigid and flexible media (PVC or similar included) up to 2 metres wide. The print carriage will be driven by a linear motor to deliver precision and speed. The other requirement has been a small footprint, and a strong cost benefit case.
Ricoh currently offers either flatbed UV printers or rollfed latex machines, but has no hybrid machine to date to suit a segment of the market that is continuing to grow.
Ricoh Europe VP graphic communications Eef de Ridder says: “We have been listening to our clients. Following the positive feedback and orders of Ricoh’s UV flatbed series, and the continuing market demand for flexible UV hybrid devices for sign and graphics applications, we wanted to explore how Ricoh technology could be combined with Flora’s manufacturing expertise to create responsive, versatile solutions that meets today’s market demands. We look forward to expanding our offering with systems that combine both parties’ technical knowledge and expertise to support clients as they evolve their large format capabilities.”
The first machine will be followed by others as the portfolio expands. Ricoh Europe is targeting interior decor and industrial markets as well as display print.
And while this agreement is confined to large format printers, Flora also produces printers for corrugated board and has a narrow width inkjet label press, a sector that Ricoh has no direct presence, though maintaining an interest via printheads and participation in Labelexpo.
