Why high-volume print shops are shifting to inkjet

Inkjet technology has matured significantly over the past decade, moving from niche applications to mainstream production environments. Today’s digital inkjet systems offer:

• Exceptional print quality

• Faster speeds for high-volume output

• Lower operating costs through reduced waste and energy consumption

• Greater substrate flexibility for diverse applications

The RICOH Pro VC80000 exemplifies these advantages, making it a compelling choice for print service providers looking to futurize their operations.

The RICOH Pro VC80000 is Ricoh’s flagship continuous feed inkjet printer, engineered for demanding environments such as direct mail, publishing, commercial print, and transactional documents. Common use cases include direct mailings, brochures, sales collateral, catalogs, custom publications, large-scale retail signs, and different types of continuous feed finishing. And, the technology is designed to efficiently support both longer and shorter print runs, offering more flexibility for client needs.

Here are some of the benefits of inkjet printers and what sets the RICOH Pro VC80000 apart:

• Speeds up to 492 feet per minute — this translates into getting every job completed through production about 2X faster, freeing you up to take on new clients and boost your bottom line without adding more staff

• Advanced drying technologies — Ricoh’s proprietary undercoating and post-coating systems provide superior ink adhesion and durability, saving time and enhancing customer satisfaction

• Expanded media support — including offset coated papers without the need for pre-treatment, adding flexibility, options and speed

• Automated quality control — onboard inspection systems monitor print integrity in real time, ensuring brand and quality are aligned for every project

These features make the RICOH Pro VC80000 ideal for high-volume environments where uptime, consistency and flexibility are critical.

At the heart of the RICOH Pro VC80000 is Ricoh’s next-generation liquid-cooled printheads and its drying and ink technology. The system uses high-density pigment inks that deliver rich, vibrant colors and sharp text, even on challenging substrates. Combined with Ricoh’s dynamic drop size modulation and 1200 x 1200 dpi resolution, the Pro VC80000 produces output that rivals offset printing in both quality and detail.

It is also equipped with a sensor to detect substrate stretching or shrinking and then make micro adjustments for precise ink placement. Automated jet-out detection proactively triggers adjacent nozzles in real time, ensuring consistent and even color across every print run.

This level of precision is especially valuable for applications like:

• Direct mail — where eye-catching visuals drive engagement

• Books and catalogs — where readability and image fidelity are paramount

• Transactional documents — where clarity and compliance are non-negotiable

Another one of the RICOH Pro VC80000’s standout features is its application of AI and automation. From intelligent media handling to inline quality inspection, the system is designed to minimize manual intervention and reduce errors.

Commercial printers will benefit with:

• Faster setup times with patented technology allow users to present the system’s startup time with AI-controlled make ready

• Real-time color monitoring, guided by an inline spectrophotometer

• Automatic color adjustments with fewer reprints

• Proactive identification of maintenance issues to avoid slowdowns

• Lower labor costs

• Improved sustainability

The printer’s intuitive interface and workflow integration also make it easier for operators to manage complex jobs and monitor performance — freeing up time for higher-value tasks.

Improved sustainability not only reduces environmental impact but also contributes to significant cost savings over time. For print shops operating at scale, it offers a compelling ROI.

The RICOH Pro VC80000 does this by:

• Using energy-efficient drying systems

• Reducing paper waste through precise registration

• Lowering ink consumption via optimized drop sizes

As customer demands evolve, print providers need equipment that can scale with their business. The RICOH Pro VC80000 is designed with modularity in mind, allowing shops to expand capabilities with inline finishing, coating units and workflow enhancements. Its compatibility with Ricoh’s TotalFlow® software suite also ensures seamless integration into existing production environments.

The solution checks system status, maintains logs, and proactively initiates service requests as well as offers organization-wide visibility through customizable dashboards and insights into device utilization.

Whether you’re producing millions of direct mail pieces or short-run books on demand, the RICOH Pro VC80000 provides the flexibility and reliability needed to stay competitive.

The shift to inkjet is no longer a trend. It’s a strategic imperative for high-volume print shops. There are many advantages of an inkjet printer, but with its unmatched speed, quality, automation, and media versatility, the innovative RICOH Pro VC80000 stands out as a transformative solution for commercial printers ready to embrace the future.

For operations looking to reduce costs, improve output and expand capabilities, Ricoh’s continuous inkjet digital press offers a clear path forward — one that combines innovation with proven performance.