Canon Middle East launches next generation imagePROGRAF range for CAD and GIS markets

The Canon imagePROGRAF iPF750 and iPF755 boast some of the fastest speeds in its class with an A0 output in just 48 seconds. Similarly the smaller Canon imagePROGRAF iPF650 and iPF655 can produce A1 sheets in just 30 seconds. Major advances in productivity, quality and usability have been achieved whilst reducing the total cost of ownership and increasing customers' return on investment.

Canon's family of CAD and GIS products now encompasses seven models ranging from the 24"versions (the Canon imagePROGRAF iPF605, iPF650 and iPF655), the 36" range (Canon imagePROGRAF iPF750 & iPF755), and the 44" product lines (the Canon imagePROGRAF iPF810 & iPF820 were introduced last year).

Canon's unique features are standard on all models - "Hot Swap" ink tanks enable operators to change inks on the fly, while borderless printing reduces finishing time - to provide time and cost savings. These features can also be combined with an independent cutter for faster more accurate cutting and a Gigabit Ethernet connection to accelerate file transfers.

The new range also maintains top-line accuracy and quality; with all devices capable of producing minimum line widths as low as 0.02mm and accuracy of +/- 0.1%2, combined with Canon's five colour reactive inks and a new magenta for a wider red colour gamut.

Understanding the importance of tracking and managing costs, Canon has designed new accounting software to track the cost per print to help manage expenditure whilst Canon's eMaintenance software tool (as used on Canon Office and Professional products) helps customers monitor machine performance, track the lifetime of parts and order consumables

For those unfamiliar with LFPs, Canon has also improved its intuitive operator panel with operator friendly features, as well as adding features to store media settings, detect media mismatches (on the iPF655 & iPF755) and a print timer to track the length of time each print takes. As part of a new stylish compact design a simple front-loading and delivery system can automatically stack up to 20 A1 or A0 prints for effective use even in the smallest office environments.

Equipped with an 80Gb built-in hard drive (iPF655 & iPF755), and an economy mode to save on printing costs, the LFP range also comes with HP-GL/2 compatibility, including palette and pen settings, to integrate to existing CAD & GIS environments, as well as being compatible with the leading CAD software and systems to ensure a smooth replacement of older machines.

The new emulation system allows for easy replication of current or previous printing systems, ensuring consistency between new and old devices, even if they are non-Canon. This ensures an uninterrupted service to your clients, without any differences when you switch over to the new device.

The iPF755 has already won the BLI (Buyers Lab Inc) 2009 "BLI Pick Of The Year" award for the most "Outstanding Wide-Format Colour Inkjet Multipurpose Printer". This is a testament to the product design and another indicator that Canon are meeting the ever-changing needs of the customers in this challenging environment.

Vishal Gohel, LFP Product Manager, Canon Middle East, says:

"Canon invests more than 9% of its annual revenue back into research and development. Nothing stands still and whilst the existing imagePROGRAF printers were the best in class for a considerable time, we are delighted to introduce the next generation of our product portfolio. We looked into what was important to our customers and made significant improvements in areas such as productivity, usability and quality to ensure Canon stays ahead in the CAD & GIS large format printer market."

The Canon imagePROGRAF iPF750, imagePROGRAF iPF755, imagePROGRAF iPF650 and imagePROGRAF iPF655 are currently available all across the MENA region.