“Digital printing opens up new avenues for offset printers”

–opines Balaji Rajagopalan, executive director,
Technology, Channels & International Distributor Operations,
Xerox India, in conversation with Varsha Verma.

Xerox India showcased its marquee digital production presses – Xerox Versant 2100 and Xerox Color C60 at CEIF Photofair 2015, from January 8–11, 2015, at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. These machines are impeccable when it comes to image quality, well suited for photography jobs and can cater to a wide range of printing needs at competitive costs.

Speaking at the exhibition, Balaji Rajagopalan, executive director, Technology, Channels & International Distributor Operations, Xerox India said, “Photo segment is an important segment for us and we are glad to showcase our recently launched digital equipments at the fair. We have already received a great response for the Versant 2100 and done over 10 installations in the first three months of its launch and we are equally positive about replicating the same success for the Xerox Color C60.”

He further added, “Versant 2100 is suitable for ondemand printing in the photo & commercial printing segments.

It fulfills the needs of photo labs, commercial printers, quick printers, and in-plant operations seeking a mid-range device with high-end capabilities. Whereas the XeroxColor C60 printer is suitable for an entry level digital printing environment, including photo labs, quick print shops, inplant operations, agencies, small businesses and manufacturers.”

Balaji shared that the machine can print 24 shades of grey, which is very beneficial for the photo labs. Other important features to mention are front-to-back inline registration, quality, speed and low set-up time. Since, Xerox C60 is targeted at entry-level, Xerox is eyeing big potential from B&C class cities. “Besides, Xerox is an environment-friendly organisation and the machines have low power consumption, which is a big cost advantage to the customer,” he said.

While, Pankaj Kalra, head, Production Systems Group, Xerox India said, “This is our second association with CEIF Photofair 2015. It is a great platform for us to showcase our prowess in the digital photo printing space along with some of our photo lab customers displaying their photo albums and associated digital photo print applications such as personalised calendars and cards, etc. The ability of Xerox digital presses to print on specialty medias such as magnets, non-tearable synthetic paper, art & photo paper, card stock & textured media for print innovation in the photo domain is also demonstrated. We are confident that Xerox will play a key role in propelling the growth of the Indian photo printing industry and give the visitors a chance to see how Xerox can help them expand and grow their photo business.”

On talking of technology, Balaji remarked that technology has gained new heights in last 8-9 years to make the machines more reliable, cheaper in running costs and faster and better product. “In times to come, it will be able to accept more media,” he added.

Talking about the digital printing in book publishing segment, Balaji remarked that the industry is moving from ‘print and distribute’ to ‘distribute and print’ and digital fits into it very well. “Xerox is a leading name in monochrome printing with tested product and finishing equipment. We have three entry-level models and many high-end machines ; infact we have more than 100 products, suiting all requirements,” he shared.

Inquiring about their plans for upcoming Printpack India 2015, Balaji revealed that the display profile would be similar to the Photofair and Versant would definitely be a part of display. “The commercial print segment has to understand that digital is what you see while offset has many hidden costs like labour, wastage, set-up time, power consumption, etc.

Digital will never replace offset, but it will complement offset printing as it offers features like personalisation, various media options, etc, which can open up a new set of customers for them. It is an exciting time for Xerox and we hope to see many more installations of Versant in near future,” concluded Balaji.