Canon USA has expanded its imageProGraf large-format S-Series printers, adding the 24-in. iPF6400S and 44-in. iPF8400S printers – both of which now offer enhanced print-management and color-control capabilities.

Newly added features on the machines include:
• Upgraded multi-sensor: using a 3-color LED and recently developed condenser lens to help improve recalibration.
• SU-21 spectrophotometer: can be used to drive the calibration of a network of iPFX400S printers (standard on the 44-in. model; optional on the 24-in.).
• A Color Calibration Management Console: provides system-wide color-management control from a single PC, helping streamline the distribution of color-measurement data across a fleet of printers. “As industry providers increase in size and capabilities, so does the demand for streamlined administration of print fleets both large and small,” Canon reports. “The Canon iPFX400S printer lineup is designed to meet these needs.”
• Remote functionality: administrators are notified in real-time when tasks are finished or if an error occurs.
• Scheduled color check: automatically performs regular color checks on dates and times scheduled by the user.
• High-capacity ink system: the iPF6400S has the ability to use 300-ml ink tanks, while the iPF8400S can accommodate 330- and 700-ml ink tanks; plus the sub-ink tank system allows ink to be replaced while prints are in-progress.

The new printers also feature a built-in 250-GB hard drive, an Accounting Manager feature (tracks consumable costs), a Direct Print & Share cloud-based portal solution for enhanced file-sharing, and more.

MSRP: $2995 for the iPF6400S; $4995 for the iPF8400S.

The company also announced its “Niagra” printer, a high-volume, sheetfed color inkjet press. The Niagra (developmental name) features a 4-color ink system (with a planned future extension of up to six stations), and will provide B3 sheetfed color inkjet printing on standard coated and uncoated offset media at anticipated production speeds of up to 3800 duplexed B3 sheets per hour and up to 8500 duplexed letter sheets per hour, Canon reports. The press debuted at Print13 as a technology showcase.