Océ and Memjet have signed an agreement to develop a fundamentally new, large format color printer that is set to change the large format digital printing landscape. The first concept for this joint initiative called Project Velocity is being displaying during Drupa 2012. It offers game-changing digital technology that prints up to 15 times faster than conventional inkjet systems – speeds never believed possible during Drupa 2008 for large format applications. Now print providers have a powerful digital option for large format, high volume color printing. They can use this technology to enter new markets, expand their services and generate new revenues.

Velocity combines Océ’s expertise in productive printing and workflow for large format environments with Memjet’s high-speed, digital color printing technology. Imagine printing 100 A0 posters in just 12 minutes on Velocity – versus 3 hours on a traditional inkjet system. Or printing 250 A0 posters on Velocity in the 20-30 minutes it takes to set up an offset run, with the added benefit of variable content.

Velocity is on display and will be demonstrated hourly in the Canon Europe Ltd. Drupa stand, Hall 8A, C06-1. Océ intends to obtain feedback from print professionals to incorporate in further development efforts. The presentation of Velocity is the result of more than three years of joint engineering and product development between Océ and Memjet.

Demonstrates Océ strategy – fast and relevant innovation

Erik van Eldik, Vice President Wide Format Printing Systems at Océ says, “Velocity is the result of our collaborative approach to innovation. The market has long waited for a productive color solution for the high volume segment. We selected Memjet as a technology partner because of the value that their impressive technology adds to the highly regarded productivity and reliability of our wide format systems. We focused on complementing our innovation assets and know-how with Memjet technology to create a product that the market was demanding as quickly as possible.”

“Today represents another milestone for Memjet as we drive forward in our mission to bring fast, affordable color to markets worldwide,” says Len Lauer, Memjet president and CEO. “The Océ partnership is significant, underscoring the performance that Memjet technology and components deliver. We are extremely excited and proud to partner with Océ, who is a leader in the market. Their wide format experience, excellent product development, sales and marketing expertise, and worldwide brand and distribution make them the ideal partner for Memjet in the wide format segment.”

Breakthrough productivity for large format, digital color printing

The Velocity concept is a highly productive large format, digital color printing system. The 106 centimeter (42 inches) wide print path can produce up to 500 A0s per hour at 1600 x 800 dpi.

Some lead customers have already shown interest in participating in trade trials with Velocity, and Océ expects to identify others during Drupa. Based on market feedback from leading print professionals on Drupa Océ will determine if and when Velocity will move to production and commercialization phase. In the second half of 2012 Océ expects to come back with more concrete information. All pricing and availability will be determined according to a definitive product.