Apr 10, 2024
Apr 25, 2024
by Mark Villari
Mark Villari is an experienced leader in the printing industry, holding many progressive roles in both Sales & Service over 27 years in this field. Mark is known for outstanding customer service. Mark's passion for wide-format printing has led him to his present position as National Director of Wide Format at FlexTG. Mark thrives on sharing the latest & greatest in technology to our customers.
As the largest privately-owned managed print service provider, we have the flexibility of servicing any brand of production printer. Because of this, prospective customers feel comfortable turning to us when searching for the top digital production printer for their needs. They might ask, “what’s the best production printer manufacturer?” or “what’s your favorite production printing machine?”
In this piece, we’re going to talk about the best digital production printers for each market – entry-level, medium-sized and high-volume devices.
The data we share here comes from device manufacturers and from market research consultancies as well as from our own FlexTG production print experts.
Production printers are meant for high-speed, high-volume printing environments. These powerful devices are built to deliver both speed and precision, catering to a broad spectrum of printing needs from detailed architectural blueprints to vibrant marketing materials, all at professional quality.
Depending on options and configuration, many of these machines can provide sophisticated printing solutions such as inline custom finishing, binding, a wide variety of media and surface choices, and 5-color and 6-color printing, allowing for silver, gold, gloss, neon, and invisible color options (invisible color printing is broadly used for security and anti-counterfeit purposes.)
Tier 1 devices are entry-level digital production printers, designed for organizations seeking robust, reliable, and cost-effective printing solutions without the frills of higher-tier machines. These printers are perfect for handling substantial monthly print volumes necessary for routine business operations.
Here are our picks as best Tier 1 production printers slated for 2024:
Canon imagePRESS C165
Print Speed: 65 ppm
Resolution: 2400x2400 dpi
Monthly Volume: Up to 80,000 pages
Contact us for pricing, configuration, accessories, and options
Benefits: Offers excellent image quality and precision, perfect for small businesses that need professional-grade prints without high-volume capacities.
Ricoh Pro C5300s
Print Speed: 80 ppm
Resolution: 2400x4800 dpi
Monthly Volume: Up to 150,000 pages
Contact us for pricing, configuration, accessories, and options
Benefits: High-speed and high-resolution printing at a lower cost, making it ideal for enterprises looking to produce a wide range of media in-house economically.
Sharp MX-7090N
Print Speed: 80 ppm
Resolution: 1200x1200 dpi
Monthly Volume: Up to 300,000 pages
Contact us for pricing, configuration, accessories, and options
Benefits: Features a high monthly duty cycle and robust design, suitable for businesses needing reliable and consistent output for large-volume tasks.
As businesses grow, so does the need for printers that can keep pace with increased demand without compromising on quality. Tier 2 production printers are medium-sized machines intended to fill this niche - providing higher speed, greater volume capacities, and more extensive finishing options than their Tier 1 counterparts.
Here are our selections for the top Tier 2 production printers in 2024:
Canon imagePRESS C810
Print Speed: 90 ppm
Resolution: 2400x2400 dpi
Monthly Volume: Up to 500,000 pages
Contact us for pricing, configuration, accessories, and options
Benefits: Delivers faster output with superior quality, ideal for mid-sized to large businesses focusing on expanding their print operations efficiently.
Ricoh Pro C7200x
Print Speed: 85 ppm
Resolution: 4800x2400 dpi
Monthly Volume: Up to 240,000 pages
Contact us for pricing, configuration, accessories, and options
Benefits: Exceptional color quality and media flexibility, perfect for creative businesses with diverse and sophisticated printing needs.
Minolta AccurioPress C3080
Print Speed: 80 ppm
Resolution: 1200x1200 dpi
Monthly Volume: Up to 1,200,000 pages
Contact us for pricing, configuration, accessories, and options
Benefits: High volume and speed, tailored for enterprises that require robust performance and reliability for their extensive printing demands.
Tier 3 production printers are engineered for the highest levels of speed, quality, and volume. These printers are best suited for large-scale operations that demand superior performance and refined output quality. Here is a detailed comparison of some top Tier 3 production printers available in 2024:
Canon varioPRINT iX-series
Print Speed: 120 ppm
Resolution: 2400x2400 dpi
Monthly Volume: Up to 10,000,000 pages
Contact us for pricing, configuration, accessories, and options
Benefits: Industry-leading speed and volume capabilities, making it suitable for very large print shops and publishers needing massive, fast outputs with no compromise on quality.
Minolta AccurioPress C6100
Print Speed: 100 ppm
Resolution: 1200x1200 dpi
Monthly Volume: Up to 2,200,000 pages
Contact us for pricing, configuration, accessories, and options
Benefits: Provides exceptional durability and precision, ideal for high-volume environments that depend on reliability and high-speed printing.
Selecting the right production printer involves more than just comparing prices and speeds; it requires a comprehensive assessment of your organization's needs, print volumes, and quality requirements. Here’s how you can make an informed decision:
- Evaluate Print Volumes and Types: Assess your average monthly print volume and what types of materials you need to produce (e.g., glossy brochures, standard documents, specialized labels).
- Determine Quality Requirements: High-resolution printers are crucial for graphic-intensive prints, whereas lower resolutions may suffice for standard texts and documents.
- Consider Speed Requirements: If your business relies on quick turnarounds, a faster printer will be essential. Evaluate how speed impacts your workflow and productivity.
- Engage an MPS Provider: Collaborate with a Managed Print Services (MPS) provider to analyze your specific needs. An MPS can help streamline your print operations, reduce costs, and improve efficiency by recommending a printer that precisely matches your requirements.
Maintaining your production printer is crucial to ensure it runs efficiently and continues to produce high-quality prints. Proper maintenance involves:
- Regular Cleaning and Servicing: Keep the printer clean and serviced according to the manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid breakdowns and ensure longevity.
- Timely Replacement of Supplies: Monitor supply levels and replace consumables like toner and paper as needed to maintain good print quality and prevent jams.
- Software Updates: Regularly update the printer’s software to protect against security vulnerabilities and improve functionality.
To get the most out of your production printer, your staff must be well-trained not only in its basic operations but also in maintenance procedures and troubleshooting:
- Basic Operation Training: Ensure all users understand how to operate the printer safely and efficiently.
- Maintenance Training: Train staff on regular maintenance tasks to help extend the printer’s life and optimize its performance.
- Troubleshooting and Technical Support: Equip your team with troubleshooting skills to address common issues, and ensure they know when and how to seek additional technical support.
Investing in a production printer can significantly enhance your business’s operational capabilities. Here are a few final tips to consider before making your purchase:
- Total Cost of Ownership: Beyond the original purchase price, consider ongoing operating costs, including consumables, maintenance, and potential repairs. (See: What is the cost of a production printer?)
- Future-Proofing: Choose a printer that can grow with your business. Look for models that offer scalability in terms of speed, quality, and paper handling.
- Environmental Considerations: Select printers that offer energy efficiency and environmentally friendly features to not only reduce your carbon footprint but also potentially lower energy costs.
The right production printer is a pivotal investment for any business requiring high-volume, high-quality printing solutions. By carefully assessing your needs, considering future requirements, and ensuring proper maintenance, you can significantly enhance your print operations’ efficiency, quality, and reliability.
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