Quick Comparison: KIP c7800, OCE ColorWave 650, Xante Excelagraphix 4200

KIP C7800

“The KIP C7800 print system offers superb resolution at remarkable print speeds; up to 4,200 sq. ft. per hour in B&W, 3,500 sq. ft. per hour in color.”

Océ ColorWave® 650

“It can print in black & white and color at up to 225 A1 prints per hour for all round productivity.”

Xanté Excelagraphix 4200

“Print speed; up to 12" (305mm) per sec at 1600 dpi x 800 dpi or 6" (152mm) per sec at 1600 dpi x 1600 dpi.”

Quick Comparison:

I put together a table so that I could compare at-a-glance the comparative print-output speeds these three systems offer: (Note: If someone finds an error in my math or typing, please let me know so that I can correct the table!)

Brand/Model	Approximate	Real, actual
	sq ft output	productivity
	per hour (color)	per hour (color)
KIP c7800	3,500	3,500
Xante Excelagraphix 4200	10,800	t-b-d
OCE ColorWave 650	1,350	1,350

The KIP and OCE systems offer automatic roll-feed and automatic cutting, so it’s my impression that the “actual productivity” (actual sq ft output per hour) of both of these systems will be close to, if not the same as, their rated print-speed output.

The first version of the Xante system will not have a roll-feed option. Nor, will it have automatic cutting. The first version will be a cut-sheet model, with some sort of cut-sheet feeder, similar to what you’d find on an offset printing press. Of course, with a cut-sheet feeder, you wouldn’t need an automatic cutter.) However, at this point, it would, I think, be impossible to say, or predict, what the “actual productivity” (actual sq ft output per hour) will be.

If someone decides to do a comparison chart – for these three systems – to show price comparisons (cost of system, operating costs, service costs, consumable costs etc.), please kindly send me a copy of your work and I’ll post it on the blog.

Are we getting any closer to being able to produce A/E/C plans in color for around the same price per sq ft as b/w?