The Graph Expo trade show in Chicago (Oct. 3-6) was the launching pad for the latest in high-volume digital colour press improvements with new features being announced by both Xerox and Kodak for their respective top-end colour cut sheet toner digital printing engines.

　　Xerox introduced the iGen4 EXP featuring a larger sheet size (14.33 x 26 inches) along with new front-end and finishing options. The larger sheet size prints 40 sheets per minute equivalent to a print speed of some 120 8.5-x-11-inch impressions per minute,

　　Likewise, Kodak announced its new NexPress SX platform with the ability to also image sheets up to 26 inches long. Both presses will now enable six-page (tri-fold) brochures, dust jackets for books and the like. The additional length on the NexPress lifts top speeds to an equivalent of 131 ppm,

　　Kodak also announced a new smaller ink particle size for its toner, along with a denser black ink. For the system’s fifth imaging unit it has also added a new light black option to go along with dimensional, clear, MICR and red fluorescing options. The company also introduced a new matte printing effect option for the NexPress along with the NexPress Photo Press, loaded with options for optimized photo quality output.

　　Many existing NexPress users will be able to upgrade their systems to take advantage of the new SX platform’s capabilities.

　　Xerox is taking orders immediately for the new iGen4 EXP with delivery expected to begin in the fourth quarter. Beginning in early 2011 existing iGen4 presses can be upgraded with iGen4 EXP features.