Ricoh introduces new wide-format color graphics printers, the Pro L4160 and Pro L4130, that employ aqueous latex ink, a more environmentally-friendly ink compared to traditional petroleum-based inks due to lower levels of volatile organic compounds;

Mathew Kearney

MALVERN, Pennsylvania , February 20, 2014 (press release) – Commercial printing businesses can now easily expand into a growing signage and display market with new wide-format color graphics printers from Ricoh Americas Corporation that employ aqueous latex ink – a more environmentally-friendly ink as compared to traditional petroleum-based inks due to its lower levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

The new RICOH Pro L4160 and RICOH Pro L4130 deliver high print productivity and quality as a result of technological innovations, which include the use of Ricoh piezoelectric print heads. These roll-to-roll large format printers handle media sizes up to 63.8 inches (L4160) or 54 inches (L4130) wide, and support up to seven colors in various configurations, including orange, green and white inks in addition to CMYK.

The L4100 series – Ricoh's first entry into wide-format graphics – is intended to help customers expand their service offerings and increase value to their customers. An additional benefit is that the L4100 series may reduce the environmental impacts of printing through its use of aqueous latex ink and ability to operate with low power consumption. Both printers use standard 100-120v power, eliminating the need for rewiring to 220-240v. Additionally, the RICOH Pro L4160 and RICOH Pro L4130 are designed to help lower energy consumption and costs, and have the ability to use a much broader range of heat sensitive media, which make the L4100 series a smart choice for customers.

The L4100 series' use of latex ink eliminates the need for special ventilation that traditional wide-format graphics printers require. But more importantly, the prints are quickly ready for finishing after exiting the system, because of a low curing temperature. Employing Ricoh's latest generation of high quality, stainless steel multiple jetting piezo inkjet heads, up to three different drop sizes are produced at once, with drops as small as four picoliters (pL). Varying drop sizes result in smoother gradations and sharper details, especially with fine lines and small fonts.

Ricoh latex inks offer outdoor durability of one to two years, or two to three years with lamination. With white ink, printers' clients benefit from brilliant color on all substrates – including transparent and dark materials – for signage, branded materials and window displays. The addition of orange and green extends the color gamut to encompass a wider range of vibrant colors, ideal for both indoor and outdoor materials, and to reproduce corporate colors or spot colors accurately.

The L4100 series quickly and easily create durable outdoor and indoor signage, including banners, POS/POP posters, vehicle wraps and wall coverings. Both systems print on a wide range of substrates, including PVC, tarpaulin, synthetic paper, coated paper, non-coated paper and textiles.

"Our customers are constantly looking at ways to differentiate and increase their market opportunities," said Tim Vellek, Vice President, Production Printing Business Group, Ricoh Americas Corporation. "The L4100 series can be that stepping stone for customers that want to offer multi-tiered marketing campaigns."

Analysts predict strong growth in the wide-format printing market. For example, InfoTrends expects the retail value of wide-format printing in North America to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9 percent, reaching $23.6 billion by 2016.

L4100 series features summary

Up to seven color printing — CMYK, orange, green, and white
Latest generation Ricoh piezo variable drop print head, with drops as small as four pL
Aqueous latex ink can have low environmental impact
Durable printing for outdoor and indoor applications
Fast throughput
Wide range of media supported, from PVC to paper to textiles and more
Choice of two print widths (63 inch or 53 inch)
Lower ink curing temperatures for reduced energy consumption and use of lighter-weight and heat sensitive materials
Includes Ricoh Software RIP
Print drivers for third party RIP's available
Supported by ONYX
For details on Ricoh's full line of products, services and solutions, please visit www.ricoh-usa.com.

| About Ricoh |

Ricoh is a global technology company specializing in office imaging equipment, production print solutions, document management systems and IT services. Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh Group operates in about 200 countries and regions. In the financial year ending March 2013, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of 1,924 billion yen (approx. 20 billion USD).

The majority of the company's revenue comes from products, solutions and services that improve the interaction between people and information. Ricoh also produces award-winning digital cameras and specialized industrial products. It is known for the quality of its technology, the exceptional standard of its customer service and sustainability initiatives.

Under its corporate tagline, imagine. change., Ricoh helps companies transform the way they work and harness the collective imagination of their employees.

For further information, please visit www.ricoh.com/about/.

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