What level of distinction did the iR-ADV reach at the end of such a huge project? Please start with basic functions such as copying and printing.
- Kitozaki
- The iR-ADV is a medium-speed device for general office use, but we were able to raise its performance almost to the level of high-speed devices such as the imagePRESS, which is used in the commercial printing industry.
Did this result in higher running costs for the user?
- Kitozaki
- No. Running costs decreased as we improved performance.
Really? How?
- Kitozaki
- We developed a new fixing system and adopted new materials for the photosensitive drum — more than doubling its longevity. Other improvements, including a newly developed toner which can be fixed at a lower temperature, led to decreased energy consumption. During standby, power consumption is less than half of that used by previous models. The less power used the better. I believe that even if we improve performance, we can also fulfill the wishes of the user not only from a cost standpoint, but also environmental friendliness.
- Nakagaki
- Improving the fixing system was also helpful in decreasing exhaust heat and in making the device quieter. In particular, noise during operation is 20% to 30% lower than with previous models.
In addition, changing toner without stopping the device used to only be possible with high-speed devices, but this is the first time that this capability has been incorporated into a medium-speed device. This has likely made it much more convenient for the user.
It can definitely be a hassle to have to stop when the toner runs out. In the same way, not being able to use the fax or scanner when there are problems with printing is another source of frustration. The iR-ADV doesn't seem to have this problem, right?
- Nakagaki
- Yes. If by chance there is a problem with one of the device's functions, a mechanism makes it possible to disable that function and only use the features that are functioning normally.
- Kitozaki
- So, you don't have the inconvenience of not being able to do anything until the repairman is finished, as was the case in the past!
- Nakagaki
- Shortening maintenance time was also a big theme during development. The time during which a service technician is working on the system is unpleasant for the user. So, in addition to decreasing the frequency of parts that need to be replaced periodically, we tried a number of measures, including moving parts that more frequently require maintenance to the front, and made it possible to pull out individual units instead of removing all the parts, as is the case in conventional models. As a result, maintenance time was reduced by 25% to 50% of what it used to be.
This means that the work of service technicians is easier and more pleasant, right?
- Nakagaki
- Yes. To us, service technicians are important "customers" as well.
I see. By the way, how about print speed and image quality?
- Kitozaki
- As for print speed, we reached 51 pages per minute for color A4-size documents during continuous copying, but the distinguishing feature of the iR-ADV is its ability to adjust color image quality. In the past, image processing was focused on natural colors, in other words, faithful reproduction of the original colors of a document. However, in some cases, users want more vivid color reproduction. It's a case-by-case issue. Since we understand that now, we have included a feature that adjusts the color image quality during output.
