Canon Announces New imagePROGRAF Models

2014-04-22

Canon , a world leader in imaging solutions, has today upgraded its large format printer range with the launch of new imagePROGRAF devices, some including optional MFP capabilities. Following the launch of two 6-colour SE models in February, Canon is further strengthening its line-up of 5-colour models that feature broad capabilities to address applications from high-end CAD and engineering drawings to full colour 3D renderings for AEC and even in-house poster printing.

New upgraded devices – imagePROGRAF iPF680, iPF685, iPF780,iPF785

Increased productivity, convenience and print quality for CAD, AEC, GIS and in-house printing applications.

New scan/print/archive solutions with launch of imagePROGRAF iPF780 MFP, iPF785 MFP and iPF8400SE MFP 

The seven new models comprise two 5-colour, 610mm (24”) devices – the imagePROGRAF iPF680/iPF685  – and two 5-colour, 914mm (36”) devices – the imagePROGRAF iPF780/iPF785  – together with two new MFP solutions, the imagePROGRAF iPF780 MFP and iPF785 MFP. Building on the success of Canon’s 5-colour MFP solutions, the new iPF8400SE 6-colour pigment device is also available as an MFP, offering longer-lasting and more durable output thanks to its pigment inkset.

Developed for the fast production of high quality technical documents in CAD (Computer-Aided Design), AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) and GIS (Geographical Information System) environments, the imagePROGRAF iPF680/iPF685 and iPF780/iPF785 deliver higher productivity and lower running costs than their predecessors, thanks to a number of new features. All models have a faster output speed, with the iPF680/685 able to print A1 in 25 seconds and the iPF780/785 able to print A0 in 41 seconds. The internal hard disk drive in the iPF685/iPF785 has been increased to 320GB, offering much more storage for print jobs. For each ink colour, users can also now choose between the previous 130ml ink tank or a larger, high capacity, 300ml ink tank that, by reducing the frequency of ink replacement, supports high-volume continuous printing and reduces the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership), as the cost per millilitre of ink is lower. The new models retain their space-saving design, which enables all operations from the front of the machine and the machine itself to be installed flush against a wall, and their ‘hot-swap’ ink tank capability, so that the ink tanks can be replaced without stopping the machine.

The print quality of the output is improved as well, thanks to the introduction of a new magenta ink that expands the colour gamut and produces clearer red text and lines in CAD drawings, architectural renderings, posters and POS displays. 

Canon is further addressing the needs of a diverse range or uses with upgrades to its popular workflow software. Direct Print & Share, which allows users to collaborate and print via the cloud, has been upgraded to version 2.0 to support a broad range of cloud providers and to allow the printing of HPGL/2 files. A new ‘Shortcut’ print feature further extends the capability of being able to print without opening files by allowing users to automatically print – to pre-defined settings – just by dragging files into a Shortcut, which suits environments where automation and centralised control of printing are key. It also saves time and effort and allows batch printing of multiple file types.

PosterArtist and PosterArtist Lite have been updated to v2.5, providing full integration with Direct Print & Share and enabling the user to save and share posters in the cloud. By doing so, the software provides even more benefits to users to create superb posters with easy-to-use steps and share with other collaborative team members.

Available from August this year from the Apple App Store will also be an application that will allow printing from an iPad on the new Canon imagePROGRAF 5-colour models.

As well as the improvements to the print engines, the scanning capability of Canon’s imagePROGRAF MFP solutions has also expanded. A new version of SmartWorks software, v3.5, provides enhanced technical capabilities. Maximum scan length has been increased to 15m, perfect for digitizing large plan drawings from utility companies and government planning departments. The optional ‘SmartWorks v3.5 Plus’ supports the production of multi-page PDFs on the fly, PDF/A scanning, and RGB colour correction in ‘Preview’ mode, meeting the requirements for large engineering projects and government offices.

“In the CAD, GIS and AEC markets, we have continued to see a greater demand for colour technical drawings as well as a shift from centralised output to distributed printing at multiple sites,” said Duncan Smith, Director of Wide Format Group, Canon UK. “Similarly in the poster market, the pursuit of more efficient operations and faster turnaround is leading to an increase in the internal production of a broad range of communications. Canon has therefore addressed these clear customer demands with the new imagePROGRAF models, which deliver greater productivity, print quality and convenience.”

All the new Canon imagePROGRAF models will be available from the start of May 2014 through Authorised Canon Partners.