Ricoh Europe is expanding its ability to support the growing demand for its industrial ink jet print heads, used in wide format graphics, textile and 3D printing, with the launch of a new European Ink Jet Technical Centre. Ricoh has a longstanding heritage in the industrial ink jet market and has supplied print head technology and licensed patents to companies around the world for over 30 years.
The new centre, based in Telford, UK opens its doors in April 2014 and offers localised technical support for OEM ink jet innovators across EMEA. It has laboratories for providing internal testing, evaluation and external training.
They are fully equipped to assist European integrators with their design, evaluation and validation of Ricoh's Ink Jet components – from product development through to the subsequent product introduction – for wide format graphics, direct to garment, 3D printing and other industrial applications.
Graham Kennedy, Business Development Manager, Industrial Print, Ricoh Europe, says, "Ricoh's inkjet print heads present many exciting opportunities for the future and innovative developers now have expanded opportunities to use our competence and support facilities and push their imagination to the limits. We are excited about the possibilities, whether that is to see our print heads being used in functional prototyping and advanced additive manufacturing, or to produce bespoke clothing on demand or to support the graphics and signage needs of the future."
Ricoh's technical team will also assess jetting characteristics, component application compatibility and fluid performance – allowing customers to have their fluid tests performed locally. In addition to the technical support and business development teams, chemists as well as mechanical and electrical engineers will be based at the centre to support customer projects. The Centre is a new resource specifically for EMEA-based customers and will work in collaboration with Ricoh's global network of technology and component manufacturing facilities to provide responsive local technical support.
"With a large proportion of ink jet technology customers based in EMEA, there was a pressing need to provide the region with localised support. Crucially, this allows our clients to realise their ideas quicker and subsequently bring their products to market in a faster and more efficient manner. The establishment of the support centre ensures we are responsive to their needs and complements our existing support facilities throughout the region."
Ricoh Europe representatives will be on hand at industrial print show InPrint 2014 from 8 to 10 April in Hannover, Germany, to meet with European partners and discuss how the European Ink Jet Technical Centre can help them bring their ideas for future inkjet applications to life.
"The expanding digital market has brought with it an unprecedented wave of challenges and opportunities. And this will only increase further. Ricoh sponsored research conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit reveals that 86 per cent of European business leaders expect some form of technology-led disruption in the next three years. This highlights the value and assurance which the centre can offer, as well as its role as a hotbed for future innovations."
"InPrint 2014 provides the perfect platform to discuss how the services and support provided by the European Ink Jet Technical Centre, coupled with Ricoh's expertise in helping businesses advance on their digital journeys, will help customers to navigate the challenges and embrace the opportunities of the digital age."