Kyocera Document Solutions Europe showcased a prototype of its upcoming digital inkjet press, the TASKalfa Pro 55000c, at Print4All Milan 2025, from 27-30 May, following its initial debut at drupa in May 2024.
Deon Wepener of Kyocera Europe confirmed that the press has undergone several design refinements since its last appearance during drupa. Further improvements are expected ahead of the commercial launch scheduled for March–April 2026.
“We have made quite a few modifications since drupa,” Wepener told Indian Printer and Publisher. “The machine you see here is essentially the same model, but we have enhanced the drying system and internal paper path components to improve stability, reliability, and uptime.”
The TASKalfa Pro 55000c is aimed at a broad range of commercial and graphic arts applications, including books, magazines, flyers, and textured paper products. The prototype shown in Milan is currently the only one in Europe and will soon return to Amsterdam for continued development. Kyocera is working on a high-speed version of the press, with a streamlined upgrade path planned for customers once the standard model is commercially released.
Print4All served as a platform for Kyocera to reconnect with the market and gather customer feedback. “It’s been a long time since drupa, and this show allows us to realign the product, refocus, and gain further insights from the market,” Wepener said.
In addition to the TASKalfa Pro 55000c prototype, Kyocera presented its current flagship model, the TASKalfa Pro 15000c, along with the Forearth inkjet textile printer. Designed for direct-to-fabric printing, the Forearth system focuses on sustainability through water-free technology.
“The Forearth printer remains permanently installed at Kyocera’s Milan Experience Centre, where customers can schedule hands-on demonstrations and view a wide range of fabric samples. Its presence in Italy underscores Kyocera’s focus on serving the country’s prominent textile industry,” Wepener added.
Inaugurated in April this year, the Milan Experience Centre enables visitors to experience the Forearth system in operation. Located in one of Europe’s major fashion and design hubs, the centre benefits from Milan’s concentration of leading fashion brands, designers, and textile firms. The region is known for its high volume of digital textile printing and is a focal point for emerging trends and innovation in the industry.