Several components contribute to determining the overall cost of printing. Understanding these components can help individuals and businesses manage and optimize their printing expenses. Here are key factors that influence print costs:

1. Printer Cost:
   - The initial cost of the printer itself is a significant factor. Different printers come with varying price tags based on their features, capabilities, and brand reputation.

2. Printer Type:
   - The type of printer you choose influences print costs. Laser printers and inkjet printers have different cost structures. Laser printers generally have a lower cost per page for black-and-white printing, while inkjet printers may have lower costs for color printing.

3. Ink or Toner Cartridges:
   - The cost of ink or toner cartridges is a substantial ongoing expense. Cartridge prices vary based on the printer model, brand, and whether it's an original manufacturer's cartridge or a third-party alternative.

4. Ink or Toner Consumption:
   - The amount of ink or toner used per page directly impacts print costs. Printers with efficient consumables management tend to have lower ongoing costs.

5. Print Volume:
   - The volume of printing you do plays a crucial role in overall print costs. Higher print volumes usually result in increased expenses due to the need for more ink or toner cartridges and potentially more frequent maintenance.

6. Paper Costs:
   - The type and quality of paper used affect costs. Specialized or high-quality paper tends to be more expensive than standard paper. Additionally, consider factors like paper weight and size.

7. Duplex (Double-Sided) Printing:
   - Enabling duplex printing (printing on both sides of the paper) can lead to cost savings by reducing paper consumption. However, it's essential to factor in the additional wear on the printer and potentially increased costs for duplex-compatible printers.

8. Energy Consumption:
   - The energy efficiency of the printer can influence operational costs. Energy-efficient printers consume less power during operation and standby, contributing to lower overall expenses.

9. Maintenance and Repairs:
   - Regular maintenance and potential repairs are ongoing costs. Preventive maintenance can help extend the life of the printer and reduce the likelihood of costly breakdowns.

10. Printer Lifecycle:
    - The expected lifespan of the printer is a consideration. Printers with longer lifecycles may have a lower cost per page over time compared to printers that need frequent replacement.

11. Print Quality Settings:
    - Higher print quality settings often use more ink or toner. Adjusting print quality settings based on the requirements of each print job can help manage costs.

12. Warranty and Support:
    - The warranty and support options provided by the printer manufacturer can impact costs. Extended warranties or premium support packages may incur additional expenses but can provide peace of mind.

13. Third-Party Consumables:
    - Using third-party ink or toner cartridges can be more cost-effective than original manufacturer supplies. However, it's crucial to balance cost savings with potential impacts on print quality and printer longevity.

14. Print Management Software:
    - Implementing print management software can help organizations track and control printing costs by monitoring usage, setting print quotas, and implementing other cost-saving measures.

Understanding these components allows businesses and individuals to make informed decisions about printer selection, usage practices, and overall print management. Regularly assessing and optimizing these factors can contribute to more efficient and cost-effective printing.

Paper weight is a crucial factor that can significantly affect printing results. The weight of paper is measured in grams per square meter (gsm) or pounds (lb). Here's how paper weight can impact your printing outcomes:

1. Thickness and Durability:
   - The weight of the paper is directly related to its thickness. Heavier-weight papers tend to be thicker and more durable. This is important, especially for projects that require sturdier materials, such as business cards, postcards, or brochures.

2. Print Quality:
   - The weight of the paper can influence print quality. Heavier papers often have a smoother surface, allowing for better ink absorption and more vibrant colors. Lighter papers may be more prone to ink bleeding or show-through.

3. Opacity:
   - Paper weight affects the opacity of the paper, which refers to how much light passes through it. Heavier papers are generally more opaque, reducing the likelihood of text or images from one side showing through to the other side.

4. Professional Appearance:
   - When printing marketing materials or documents with a professional appearance, using a heavier-weight paper can convey a sense of quality and substance. Business cards, presentations, and important documents often benefit from heavier paper.

5. Suitability for Double-Sided Printing:
   - Heavier-weight papers are often more suitable for double-sided printing. Lighter papers may allow text or images to show through from one side to the other, affecting the overall appearance of the document.

6. Handling and Feel:
   - The weight of the paper can impact how the final product feels. Heavier papers often have a more substantial and high-quality feel, enhancing the tactile experience of printed materials.

7. Compatibility with Printers:
   - Printers have recommended weight limits for the types of paper they can handle. It's important to check your printer specifications to ensure that it can accommodate the weight of the paper you plan to use.

8. Folding and Creasing:
   - Heavier-weight papers are generally more suitable for folding and creasing without cracking or tearing. If your project involves folding, such as in the case of brochures or cards, choosing an appropriate paper weight is essential.

9. Usage for Specific Projects:
   - Different projects may benefit from varying paper weights. For example, business cards and invitations may require heavier-weight paper for durability, while everyday office documents may be printed on lighter-weight paper to reduce costs.

10. Cost Considerations:
    - Heavier-weight papers are often more expensive than lighter ones. Consider your budget and the specific requirements of your printing project when selecting the appropriate paper weight.

When selecting paper for printing, it's essential to consider the specific needs of your project, including the type of document, the desired print quality, and any finishing processes (like folding or creasing). Testing different paper weights and finishes can help you determine the most suitable option for your printing needs.

​A multifunction printer (MFP) can significantly enhance your office workflow by consolidating various functions into a single, integrated device. Here are several ways a multifunction printer can improve efficiency and productivity in your office:

1. Cost Savings:
   - Instead of purchasing separate devices for printing, scanning, copying, and faxing, a multifunction printer combines all these functions in one machine. This consolidation can result in cost savings in terms of initial investment, maintenance, and consumables.

2. Space Efficiency:
   - MFPs are space-efficient, especially in smaller offices. Combining multiple functions into a single device helps free up valuable office space that would otherwise be occupied by several standalone machines.

3. Time Savings:
   - With an MFP, users can perform various tasks without having to move between different devices. This can save time and reduce the need for employees to navigate between multiple machines, leading to increased overall productivity.

4. Streamlined Workflows:
   - MFPs often come with features like document scanning, email integration, and direct-to-cloud capabilities. These features help streamline document workflows, allowing users to scan and distribute documents more efficiently.

5. Convenient Document Management:
   - Multifunction printers often have advanced document management features, such as document sorting, stapling, and collating. These features contribute to organized and professional-looking document outputs.

6. Enhanced Connectivity:
   - Many modern MFPs come equipped with advanced connectivity options, such as Wi-Fi, mobile printing, and cloud integration. This enables employees to print and scan documents from various devices and locations, promoting flexibility and remote work capabilities.

7. Improved Security:
   - MFPs often include security features such as user authentication, data encryption, and secure printing. These features help protect sensitive information and ensure that documents are only accessed by authorized personnel.

8. Reduced Environmental Impact:
   - Consolidating functions into a single device can contribute to a smaller environmental footprint. Multifunction printers typically consume less energy and produce fewer emissions compared to multiple standalone devices.

9. User-Friendly Interfaces:
   - MFPs usually feature intuitive touchscreen interfaces, making them user-friendly for employees. Easy-to-navigate menus and straightforward controls contribute to increased efficiency and reduced learning curves.

10. Centralized Management:
    - Many MFPs come with management software that allows IT administrators to monitor and manage the entire fleet of devices centrally. This centralized management facilitates proactive maintenance, troubleshooting, and updates.

11. Automatic Document Feeding:
    - MFPs often include automatic document feeders (ADFs) for scanning and copying multiple pages at once. This feature is especially useful for handling large volumes of documents efficiently.

12. Customizable Features:
    - Multifunction printers offer customizable settings to meet the specific needs of your office. Users can tailor settings for different tasks, such as printing in color or black and white, choosing double-sided printing, or adjusting resolution settings.

Implementing a multifunction printer in your office can bring about numerous benefits, ranging from cost and space savings to improved efficiency and streamlined workflows. When choosing an MFP, consider your specific office needs, such as the volume of printing and scanning, security requirements, and connectivity options.

Recycling toner and ink cartridges is crucial for several environmental and economic reasons. Here are some key reasons highlighting the importance of recycling these cartridges:

1. Reduction of Electronic Waste:
   - Toner and ink cartridges are electronic waste, and they contribute to the growing issue of electronic waste disposal. Recycling helps divert these items from landfills, reducing the environmental impact associated with electronic waste.

2. Conservation of Resources:
   - Manufacturing new toner and ink cartridges requires significant amounts of raw materials, including plastic and metal. Recycling helps conserve these resources by reusing existing materials and reducing the demand for new ones.

3. Energy Savings:
   - The production of new cartridges consumes a considerable amount of energy. By recycling cartridges, energy is saved because the manufacturing process is less resource-intensive compared to creating new cartridges from scratch.

4. Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
   - The manufacturing of toner and ink cartridges generates greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling helps mitigate these emissions by reducing the need for new production processes, which often involve energy-intensive methods.

5. Prevention of Soil and Water Pollution:
   - When cartridges end up in landfills, they can release harmful chemicals and toxins into the soil and water as they break down. Recycling prevents these pollutants from entering the environment.

6. Promotion of Circular Economy:
   - Recycling toner and ink cartridges is a key component of a circular economy, where products are reused, refurbished, or recycled to extend their lifespan and reduce waste. This approach is more sustainable than the traditional linear economy of "take, make, dispose."

7. Job Creation and Economic Benefits:
   - The recycling industry creates jobs in collection, transportation, processing, and manufacturing. Supporting recycling initiatives contributes to the economy by fostering job growth and business opportunities in the recycling sector.

8. Compliance with Environmental Regulations:
   - Many regions have strict environmental regulations governing the disposal of electronic waste. Properly recycling toner and ink cartridges ensures compliance with these regulations, avoiding potential legal consequences.

9. Encouraging Responsible Consumer Behavior:
   - Recycling programs encourage consumers and businesses to take responsibility for their electronic waste. Providing accessible recycling options helps instill a sense of environmental responsibility in the community.

10. Closing the Materials Loop:
    - By recycling toner and ink cartridges, we close the materials loop, allowing valuable materials to be reused in new products. This reduces the need for extracting and processing raw materials, which can be environmentally damaging.

11. Extended Lifespan of Resources:
    - Recycling toner and ink cartridges extends the lifespan of the resources used in their production. This aligns with the principles of sustainability, emphasizing the responsible use of resources for long-term environmental health.

Businesses, individuals, and communities can contribute to a more sustainable future by actively participating in toner and ink cartridge recycling programs. Many manufacturers and retailers offer take-back programs or partner with recycling facilities, making it convenient for consumers to recycle their used cartridges responsibly.

Malaysia Day Promotion for HP A1 Printer:
HP DesignJet T830 MFP 24-in (A1) MFP
Function: Copy, Print, Scan
Free Upgrade to 3 Year Warranty Next Business Day Support
Promo: RM9,990.00
Normal: RM20,340


Malaysia Day Promo for HP A0 Printer:
HP DesignJet Studio 36-in (A0) single function
Function: Print only
Free Upgrade to 3 Year Warranty Next Business Day Support
Free 1 set Ink CMYK Worth RM526.00
Promo: RM9,990.00
Normal: RM14,648.00

HP DesignJet T730 36-in (A0) single function
Function: Print only
Free Upgrade to 3 Year Warranty Next Business Day Support
Promo: RM9,990.00
Normal: RM13,506.00

​This promo is  from 1st to 30th Sept 2021 and while stock lasts only.

29/7/2021 15:17

​SINGAPURA: Merasakan dia tidak diberikan peluang yang secukupnya untuk maju dalam kerjayanya, seorang pengurus pengeluaran di sebuah syarikat percetakan mula mencetak barang untuk pelanggannya sendiri menggunakan peralatan majikannya.

Dia menggunakan sumber-sumber majikannya untuk memenuhi tempahan para pelanggannya dan kemudian membuka syarikat percetakannya sendiri sehingga meraih keuntungan lebih S$57,000, sekali gus menjejas pendapatan majikannya.

Mike Song, 56 tahun, dijatuhi hukuman penjara selama setahun pada Khamis (29 Jul). Dia mengaku bersalah atas dua tuduhan pecah amanah sebagai seorang pekerja dengan lagi empat tuduhan turut diambil kira semasa menjatuhkan hukuman.

Mahkamah diberitahu bahawa Song bertugas sebagai pengurus pengeluaran di 8 Ink Media, yang khusus dalam khidmat pencetakan. Syarikat tersebut memindahkan aset-aset dan para pekerjanya termasuk Song ke INX Events & Productions pada Februari 2019.

Song mula bekerja dengan syarikat tersebut pada Oktober 2014, di mana dia awalnya mencetak kain rentang. Sebagai pengurus pengeluaran, dia memenuhi tempahan percetakan yang dihantar ke syarikat itu dan diamanahkan dengan sumber-sumber percetakan seperti dakwat dan kertas.

Tertuduh bagaimanapun mula menggunakan sumber-sumber syarikat untuk mencetak bahan-bahan percetakan yang dijualnya sendiri sejak November 2015. Dia kerap tidak hadir di tempat kerja sewaktu masa bekerja dan pulang ke tempat kerja pada lewat malam.

Song mula bekerja sendiri kerana dia berasa bahawa syarikat itu tidak memberikan peluang yang secukupnya untuk dia maju meskipun perniagaan syaraikat itu semakin berkembang.

Dia menubuhkan syarikatnya sendiri untuk menawarkan khidmat percetakan sejak Ogos 2016 dan mencari klien sendiri sedang dia masih bekerja dengan 8 Ink Media.

Dia terus mencetak kain rentang dan bahan-bahan lain untuk klien-klien peribadinya menggunakan sumber-sumber majikan pada 2017 dan 2018. Dia mencetak bahan-bahan menggunakan sumber-sumber majikan sebanyak 70 kali sepanjang dua tahun.

Secara keseluruhannya, dia meraih sekitar S$57,480 daripada klien-klien peribadinya antara November 2015 dengan Disember 2019. Ia dianggap sebagai kerugian yang ditanggung oleh majikannya.

Meskipun aset dan kakitangan syarikat itu dipindahkan ke INX Events & Productions, Song meneruskan perniagaannya sehingga Disember 2019.

Seorang pekerja mendedahkan tindak-tanduk Song kepada pengurus besar syarikat itu pada 1 Februari 2020 dan satu aduan polis dibuat.

Song bersetuju untuk membayar balik S$58,000 kepada syarikat tersebut secara ansuran dan selesai membayar sepenuhnya pada 9 Jun 2020.

Bagi setiap tuduhan pecah amanah sebagai seorang pekerja, dia boleh dihukum penjara sehingga 15 tahun dan didenda. 

Sumber: Berita Mediacorp

Popularity of entry level Ricoh ProC5300 drives market share gains
Thursday, 29 July, 2021
​
Ricoh Europe, London, 29 July 2021 – IDC figures show Ricoh improved its market share in EMEA across a number of sectors despite the challenging business environment in 2020.

​Sales of the EDP Award winning, entry level Ricoh Pro C5300s Series sheet fed colour press lifted Ricoh’s market share in key areas according to IDC’s Quarterly Hardcopy Peripherals Tracker 2021Q1. It reports:

• An increase in Ricoh unit market share from 22.1% in 2019 to 26.8 % in 2020 in IDC’s Total Colour Laser Production category for the EMEA region. 
• In IDC’s Colour Laser Light Production category (Colour Light & Colour Very Light), Ricoh’s unit market share increased from 22.6% in 2019 to 27.6% in 2020.

The Ricoh Pro C5300s Series is the newest model range in Ricoh’s sheet fed portfolio. It was developed to enable Print Service Providers, print on demand environments and Corporate Reprographics Departments to responsively produce small to medium run length applications including brochures, catalogues, postcards, and envelopes.

Building on the success of its predecessor, the Ricoh Pro™ C5200s, it enables greater production flexibility, higher print quality and a broader service offering. 

Eef de Ridder, Vice President, Graphic Communications Group, Ricoh Europe, says: “These market share gains in a number of key sectors show how the Ricoh Pro C5300 has answered a clear demand. During an exceptionally challenging time print environments want a high quality light production versatile solution. The ability to produce many creative applications at 80ppm, with a monthly duty cycle of 450,000, delivers a flexible productivity that drives profitability.” 

​Source - Ricoh Europe

​Ricoh Malaysia & Ricoh USA has released the Ricoh Pro C5300s and Pro C5310s Production Presses that combine high-quality colour, powerful performance and a wide range of finishing options. “These features,” said the OEM “deliver a robust solution at a more accessible price point, helping more businesses deliver professional-looking presentations, vibrant proofs-of-concept, and attractive, finished booklets. Both can help in-plant printing departments bring more work in-house and marketing agencies exceed quality expectations.” Commercial printers can also leverage them as proofing devices to produce high-quality customer proofs without having to interrupt long-run jobs on higher-production presses. The new models are also “excellent options for franchise printers” looking to deliver more standout applications with specialty stocks that can command premium prices. Precise registration and colour matching combine with support for a wide range of media – including specialty stocks, synthetics, envelopes and oversized sheet options – to empower design creativity while driving accuracy and reliability. Extensive finishing options help users create professionally-finished saddle-stitched booklets, course guides, marketing materials and presentations. Meanwhile, said Ricoh, intuitive controls make this power even more accessible.

“Technological innovation has pushed the sheetfed market forward, first with incredible strides in accuracy, media versatility and image quality, and second, by making those advancements accessible to more printers,” said Heather Poulin, Vice President of Marketing, Commercial Printing Business Group, at Ricoh USA. “The Ricoh Pro C5300s’ and C5310s’ affordability and size bring some of the most eye-catching, productivity-enhancing features to an even broader customer base. These presses deliver best-in-class media support for specialty stocks, oversized sheets and heavier weights – a game changer for in-plants and marketing agencies looking to make print pop without breaking the bank.”


The Ricoh Pro C5300s and C5310s provide high productivity with full-colour, 2,400 x 4,800 dpi resolution at up to 80 pages per minute (ppm). Built-in sensors aid front-to-back registration, which has received vast compliments from users for duplexing, especially business cards, said Ricoh. Also useful for premium applications, these presses maintain their image quality on media up to 360 gsm. Each presses’ 10-inch Smart Operation Panel makes managing the many substrate options available significantly easier with an intuitive Paper Library that contains 1,000 preset or custom profiles. Trained Customer Replaceable Units (TCRUs) also empower users to execute routine maintenance on their own schedule, helping to drive uptime while further contributing to the presses’ reliability. Both the Ricoh Pro C5300s and C5310s are Energy Star Certified and carry an EPEAT Gold Rating.

Source: Graphic Arts Magazine

Ricoh has unveiled a new range of multi-function devices as it looks to further support smart workspaces for small to medium workgroups. 

The new range of colour A4 multi-function devices use smart workplace technology to support the digital workplace through in-built scalability, security, and sustainability, Ricoh says.

The new range of Ricoh IM C300F and IMC 400F devices are part of Ricoh's Dynamic Workplace Intelligence approach and incorporate printing, scanning, faxing and copying functionality.
"The user-friendly devices are ideally positioned for small to medium workgroups of between 5 to 15 people that require business class image quality in a desktop multi-function printer, as well as low total cost of ownership with an advanced feature set that promotes increased productivity and smart workplaces," the company explains.

Ricoh IM C300F feature fast colour print speeds of up to 30 ppm, scanning speeds of up to 80ipm and are designed to generate up to 10,000 pages each month. They are the first A4 series to feature Ricoh's Always Current Technology platform. The offering enables users to download and install new application functionality, features and upgrades directly to their device as they become available.
"Digital workplaces deploying the new Ricoh devices can scale their capabilities based on their latest needs, while also keeping security features and software completely up to date. There's also instant access to upgrades the moment they hit the market, eliminating the need to purchase new hardware for additional functionality or wait for contracts to expire. Also included is support for the latest mobile printing applications," Ricoh says.

Key features: 

• Flexible connectivity with support for Ethernet, USB 2.0 and wireless LAN built in.
• 10.1 Smart Operation Panel with new and updated User Interface with enhanced workflow.
• Business class image quality with print resolutions of up to true 1,200 x 1,200 dpi.
• Standard 50-sheet Single Pass Document Feeder (SPDF) delivers best-in-class scanning productivity.
• Small footprint comfortably fits on a desktop.
• High productivity with new GWNX Controller providing support for Google Cloud Print, Shiny Materials Mode and other improvements.
• Locked print functionality.
• Standard PCL5e, PCL 6, PostScript3/PDF Direct emulation support.
• Supports PC, Mac, Linux and Unix environments.
• Support for heavier paper stock as well as envelope and label printing.
• Ricoh Intelligent Support services and tools help customers troubleshoot and solve issues quickly and easily - including remote connect support and remote panel operation.
• Web-help and How-to-Videos guide customers in carrying out simple tasks like toner replacement.
• Installation Wizard simplifies the setting up of basic device and network settings.
• Print from smartphones and tablets with AirPrint, Mopria, Google Cloud Print, NFC support and Ricoh Smart Device Connector app. 
• Support for Ricoh Smart Integration (RSI) platform enables customers to tailor workflow solutions for their specific needs.
• Comes pre-installed with latest version of RICOH Always Current Technology (ACT) v1.1, keeping device up to date with the latest features and functionality.
• "In addition to all these features, the new IM C300F and IM C400F devices benefit from RICOH Intelligent Support which ensures software upgrades can be quickly performed remotely maximising user uptime," says Peter Georghiou, senior product manager, Ricoh Australia.

​"At the same time, Ricoh service experts can remotely access the devices smart operations panel for fast troubleshooting and perform automatic firmware updates. Our aim is to ensure maximum user productivity at all times to support business continuity and innovation," he says. 
" We look forward to the positive impact which these new devices will have in the workplace."

​Source: IT Brief Australia

RICOH Ri 1000 Wins SGIA Product of the Year Award for Direct to Garment Printers (black shirt)
16 October 2019

AnaJet, a Ricoh Company, earns prestigious designation for the RICOH Ri 1000 designed to fuel profitability and business growth for the direct-to-garment printing industry

TUSTIN, CA, October 8, 2019 – AnaJet, a Ricoh company and pioneer in the direct to garment (DTG) industry, is proud to announce that the RICOH Ri1000 won the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association’s (SGIA) 2019 Product of the Year Award in the category of “Direct-to-Garment Printers (black shirt).”

The SGIA Product of the Year competition evaluates products that are, or will be, available for sale in 2019. A highly qualified panel of judges from across the printing industry evaluated the annual contest’s 200+ entries in 72 categories spanning analog, digital, output, and non-output technologies.

“As part of our commitment to serve as a strategic partner for our customers, we continually strive to deliver innovative direct-to-garment technology that fuels profitability and business growth for users,” explained Karl Tipre, CEO, AnaJet, Inc. “We achieved this objective by integrating customer feedback into the design process of the RICOH Ri 1000, making direct-to-garment printing easier, more affordable, and capable of producing even higher quality results than were possible with past printers. It’s incredible for the machine to be recognized for these features, first as a CES 2019 Innovation Award Honoree and now as an SGIA Product of the Year.”

To compete in the category of “Direct-to-Garment Printers (black shirt),” entrants must submit a sample image printed on a black t-shirt. Created by the SGIA specially for the competition, the sample graphic tests overall color appeal, tonality, image detail, objective color matching, and grayscale color cast.

For accurate results, judging is based on reports generated by the Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics at Clemson University. “This is the only competition I know of that reports on the percentage of Adobe RGB a printer can hit,” said Ray Weiss, Director of Digital Print Programs, SGIA. “We’ll display the reports alongside the entries in the Awards Gallery at PRINTING United in October.” Judges also factor in overall printer productivity as they assess image quality.

​Source: Anajet Ricoh