Why the B2 inkjet is redefining commercial print solutions

No doubt, you’ve heard it with your own ears. Customers are demanding faster turnarounds, shorter runs and more personalized experiences. And for many in your shoes, it has led to a re-evaluation of their traditional offset methods.

Print providers are seeking solutions that offer the flexibility of digital with the scale and quality of offset. That’s why B2 inkjet digital presses are emerging as the format that delivers on all fronts.

B2-format digital presses, also known as “half presses” — with their 29-inch sheet size — are uniquely positioned to bridge any gaps that impede growth. They enable multi-up impositions, reduce waste and support a wide range of substrates and applications. But more importantly, they unlock new business models by making short-run, high-quality and just-in-time production economically viable.

As such, most commercial print solutions and applications can now be produced on a B2-size inkjet press. This versatility is driving rapid adoption across the industry, especially as finishing options and automation capabilities continue to evolve.

B2 inkjet digital presses are not just about format — they’re about flexibility. Here are some of the most impactful use cases where B2 inkjets are transforming production:

• Books, catalogs and brochures — Efficient multi-up layouts and high-quality output make B2 ideal for short- to mid-run publishing

• Oversized direct mail and postcards — Larger sheet sizes allow for creative formats and personalization at scale

• Posters, calendars and signage — B2 presses handle larger formats without sacrificing speed or quality

• Pocket folders and custom packaging — The ability to print on thick substrates (up to 24 pt) opens doors to premium applications

• Prototyping and sample production — Quick turnarounds and substrate flexibility make B2 perfect for on-demand mockups

This breadth of applications is why B2 inkjets are increasingly seen as a strategic investment — not just a production upgrade.

At the forefront of this transformation is the RICOH Pro Z75, the world’s first aqueous pigment B2 automatic perfecting sheet-fed inkjet digital press. It’s engineered to meet the demands of modern commercial printers by combining offset-class quality with digital agility.

Key features include:

• Up to 4,500 sheets per hour in simplex mode or 2,250 SPH in duplex for speed and flexibility

• 1,200 x 1,200 dpi resolution with aqueous pigment inks for crisp, vibrant colors

• B2+ sheet size for maximum imposition efficiency

• Support for coated, uncoated and offset stocks up to 24 pt to get the right look for every job

The RICOH Pro Z75 is more than a press — it’s a platform for growth. It enables printers to say “yes” to more jobs, increase new opportunities, reduce labor costs, and streamline workflows without compromising on quality.

Environmental responsibility is becoming a competitive differentiator and a business imperative. The RICOH Pro Z75 supports this shift with water-based, eco-friendly, deinkable inks and a digital workflow that eliminates plates, reduces waste and minimizes energy use.

As the digital printing market grows — projected to reach $48.5 billion by 2030¹ — sustainability will be a key driver for commercial printing solutions. The RICOH Pro Z75 helps commercial printers align with customer values while improving operational efficiency and long-term profitability. With fewer touchpoints and less manual labor, it supports leaner operations and faster ROI.

The print industry and customer demands are changing — and so should your technology and equipment. The RICOH Pro Z75 offers a clear path from offset to digital, empowering commercial printers to meet today’s demands while preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities.

Explore commercial printing solutions and how the RICOH Pro Z75 Sheet-fed Inkjet Digital Press can help grow your business. For more information, contact us.