Xerox's New Wide-Format Entries

Xerox has introduced two new color aqueous-based inkjet printers”?the Xerox 8160 (60 in.) and the Xerox 8142 (42 in.). Manufactured by Encad, both printers are 6-color units that can utilize dye or pigment inks, which can be changed out quickly.

In the past year, Xerox had introduced four black-and-white wide-format printers, but it was time to look at a 4-color product, says Mark Waxenberg, vice president and general manager for the Xerox Production Systems Group. “Our goal was to introduce a superior color wide-format solution. We have done that and more. With these new printers, Xerox has expanded its wide-format portfolio to better meet the needs of customers in the graphic-communications market.”
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The 8160 and 8142 offer resolutions of 300 x 300, 600 x 600, and 1200 x 600 dpi. In High-Speed mode, the 8160 can hit 220 sq ft/hr (2-pass), while it hits 30 sq ft/hr in UltraFine mode (8-pass). The 8142 tops at 195 sq ft/hr in High-Speed mode, and reaches 27 sq/ft/hr in UltraFine mode.

Both models are offered as complete systems with a choice of three optional software RIPs by Scanvec Amiable: The Workstation RIP is an entry-level RIP for a single-workstation environment; the Color Server RIP is designed for networks and large production environments, and features page/job nesting, flexible tiling, spot color mapping, etc.; and the RIP Pro extends the Server configuration by adding a editor station for layout design and an ICC profile generation wizard. Each RIP package includes special ICC output profiles developed for Xerox media (see below).

Both models also feature productivity boosters such as rapid-evaporation drying systems, output takeup rolls, and easily swapped-out ink bottles (ink can be swapped on the fly).

The printers will be available later this year. Suggested pricing on the new printers is $16,995 (8160) and $11,995 (8142). Suggested pricing on the RIPs is $1195 (Workstation), $3495 (Server), and $4495 (Server Pro).

Xerox also has announced a line of more than 30 paper and specialty media for the new printers. The new line comprises photo papers, films, banners, canvas, and presentation and poster papers. All are available in a wide variety of weights, finishes, and sizes, from 36- to 60-in. widths. A free Applications Guide to help match up application to product characteristics is available on the Xerox website. (Xerox: www.xerox.com)