At the March pre-drupa press event in Dusseldorf, Eef de Ridder, head of commercial print operations EMEA at Ricoh Europe, offered a glimpse into what attendees can expect from the Japanese company at drupa. “One of the reasons why we are very thrilled to be here and to be at drupa is really that we are preparing a booth which will be an experience quite unlike what people have seen before,” de Ridder said.
A Ricoh highlight will be the Henkakuverse, a virtual production environment where visitors can immerse themselves in the company’s technologies. This interactive experience (or perhaps a virtual exhibit) will provide insights into the latest advancements and innovations from Ricoh, including some technologies that have never been publicly displayed in Europe before.
Among the featured technologies will be the Dragon – the Ricoh Pro Z75 B2 sheetfed digital inkjet press. This long-awaited press promises enhanced productivity and versatility for commercial, book, and direct mail printers. Additionally, visitors can explore the Ricoh Pro VC80000 digital color high-speed inkjet webfed press. This machine is being called the Harpy Eagle and is said to have AI capabilities and integration with finishing equipment.
In the realm of toner-based technology, Ricoh will show the Pro C9500 press, at speeds up to 135 ppm. Complementing this will be the 5-color Ricoh Pro C7500 digital color sheetfed press, offering high-quality prints for commercial printers.
Ricoh’s software at drupa will focus on production automation, offering a range of cloud-based and on-premise solutions. Visitors can expect to see value-added software solutions such as Ricoh’s TotalFlow Producer, Ricoh Supervisor, and FusionPro, which facilitates personalized data-driven communications. Additionally, Ricoh will highlight its professional services consultancy, including extensive color management support.
Sustainability
de Ridder emphasized that Ricoh’s presence at drupa goes beyond showcasing technological advancements. All the production technologies on display are rooted in Ricoh’s commitment to sustainable and responsible operations.
He highlighted the importance of adopting a sustainable strategy in response to rising costs and evolving consumer preferences. He pointed out that developments such as digitization, online printing, and intelligent automation not only streamline operations but also contribute to environmental sustainability.
