A Color Copier Collage

The latest color copiers offer higher speeds and resolutions, along with other enticing options, to boost your in-plant's productivity.

By Kristen E. Monte

In-plants clearly love color copiers. According to In-Plant Graphics' 2004 Market Statistics report, more in-plants (71 percent) use copiers to output color than any other device.

This appreciation of color copiers isn't lost on those who sell this equipment.

"The in-plant market is very important to the color copier vendor, especially those vendors offering speeds of 30 ppm or greater," says Steve Rhorer, director of product marketing for Toshiba America Business Solutions. "Most of the recent color product introductions offer high-speed color at aggressive price points that make it very attractive to in-plant managers."

In other words, color copiers are getting cheaper and faster. And vendors are intent on helping in-plants see that.

"We're dedicated to delivering solutions that help in-plants lower operating costs while generating revenue and adding value to their organizations," says Leah Quesada, marketing director, Xerox Office Group.

Canon U.S.A. adds its own spice to the mix with MEAP (Multifunctional Embedded Application Platform), which lets users develop custom applications to address specific business needs.

"By combining MEAP with color, Canon's Color imageRUNNER C3220 allows our customers to meet an even broader range of workflow and communication needs with enhanced document impact," says Dennis Amorosano, director and general manager, Imaging Systems Group, Canon U.S.A.

What follows is a look at the latest color copiers, primarily those in the 30-copies-per-minute range. About 42 percent of the in-plants surveyed for IPG's market report have installed this type of equipment. Is it time for your in-plant to make this installation too?

Speed Up With MEAP

The MEAP-enabled Color imageRUNNER C3220, from Canon U.S.A., is a networked multifunction device featuring a four-drum, single-pass engine, which achieves speeds up to 32 pages per minute (ppm) and up to 2,400x600 dots per inch (dpi) output resolution with oil-free S toners. The system leverages Canon's Color Image Platform architecture. It also features document-handling options, finishing capabilities and support for a variety of media.

www.usa.canon.com

Polymerized Toner

The Konica Minolta bizhub 8031 is a multifunctional color system that uses Simitri Polymerized Toner technology for high-quality color. The 8031 runs at 31 ppm, offers 11x17˝ printing on 12x18˝ paper and supports up to 140 lb. index. Maximum paper capacity is 3,250, with a monthly volume of 60,000 pages. Using bizhub technology, the 8031 can store, manage and distribute documents from a central resource. Other options include color scanning and advanced finishing.

www.kmbs.konicaminolta.us

60,000 Pages Per Month

The KM-C3130, from Kyocera Mita, is a multifunctional system offering 31 cpm, 600x600-dpi resolutions and a maximum monthly output of 60,000 pages. With a maximum paper size of 12.25x18˝, it has a 500-sheet paper drawer and a 250-sheet multi-purpose drawer, and can handle full-bleed paper and a maximum 140 lb. index. It has a 9.9-second first-copy-out time and copy memory. Finishing features include edge stapling, saddle stitching, V-folding and punching.

www.kyoceramita.com

Photo-quality Output

Océ U.S.A.'s CPS800 color copier/printer produces photo-quality output with an offset look and feel. With Océ seven-color direct imaging technology, colors are laid side by side on one imaging drum. The CPS800 runs at 30 images per minute and outputs 240,000 images per month. It has a short paper path, which reduces paper jams. It incorporates Océ Image Logic image processing technology. The CPS800 can print on embossed, textured or coated papers, overhead transparencies and heavy media.

www.oceusa.com

Accurate Color Copying

Ricoh's Aficio Color 3131 produces 31 ppm, has a 9.5-second first-copy-out time, and offers simultaneous RIPing and copying. Toner density is optimized to match its temperature and humidity conditions for accurate color. It can output on paper as heavy as 158 lb. index and as small as 3.9x5.8˝. Capabilities include access to all finishing options from an operator panel, electronic collation without additional memory and image editing utilities.

www.ricoh-usa.com

Compact System For Big Color

The Savin C3828 high-performance, multifunctional system runs at 28 ppm and features a standard paper capacity of 1,000 sheets plus a 100-sheet bypass tray. Maximum copy size is 11.7x17˝ on the maximum 12x18˝ paper. Warm-up time is approximately 101 seconds, with 10 seconds for first-copy-out. It copies onto plain paper, laser-qualified transparencies, card stock and labels. The Data Overwrite Security System (DOSS) option provides security to protect confidential information.

www.savin.com

Delivering Crisper Images

Toshiba America Business Solutions' new e-Studio311c full-color copier outputs 31 copies per minute at 600x600 dpi. It features a 4,030-sheet maximum capacity. A high-performance drum drive unit and image consistency controls have also been added. The e-Studio311c is compatible with Toshiba's new AquaAce weather-, water- and UV-resistant synthetic paper. A thick paper mode is available, supporting weights up to 12-point stock, 104 lb. cover and 158 lb. index.

www.copiers.toshiba.com

A 5,100-sheet Capacity

Sharp USA's AR-C330 Color IMAGER is designed to handle color jobs with speeds of 33 ppm for copy and print. It boasts 600x600-dpi resolution and 256 gradations. Total paper capacity is 5,100 sheets. Other features include tabloid-size capability, built-in scanning and integrated software, a maximum paper capacity of 140 lb. and optional network connectivity. Finishing features include a 20-bin stapler sorter and a document finisher for automated paper handling.

www.sharp-usa.com

An Affordable CopyCentre

The Xerox CopyCentre C3545 outputs 35 ppm. It boasts a first-page-out time of 8.5 seconds, supports heavyweight stocks up to an 80 lb. cover from all trays and produces images at 600x600 dpi. The per-page costs are as low as 8.9 cents. Additional features include multi-position stapling and hole punching, saddle-stitch booklet making, V-fold brochure making, auto duplex, automatic tray selection, handling of mixed-size originals, cover insertion and auto registration.

www.xerox.com/printing