Inkjet & Digital Printing
Ricoh UK supports machine uptime with Operator Replaceable Units
Wednesday 01. December 2010 - Ricoh UK has introduced an Operator Replaceable Unit (ORU) kit for its Pro series production printers - Pro C901/C900/C720 full colour machines and Pro 907/1107/1357 black and white machines.
Developed to reduce machine downtime, optimise image quality and enhance machine performance, the optional ORU kit comes in the form of a modular quick-change service unit (including: transfer and feed rollers; transfer belt; photoconductor drums; developer; charger units; drum and belt cleaning units; dust and ozone filters and image transfer unit), that enables trained machine operators to quickly and easily replace consumable parts, immediately if necessary, without the assistance of a Ricoh service engineer.
The control panel of the production printer alerts the operator as to when an ORU needs replacing. The unit can then be replaced when it’s convenient or the machine is off-line. ORU tools are colour matched to replacement parts helping trained operators easily exchange ORUs before continuing with the print job.
Most ORUs can be replaced within minutes by a trained machine operator significantly increasing productivity. Comprehensive on-the-job training is provided to machine operators by Ricoh, to help them understand basic service techniques and how to replace the modular service units. Customers that choose the ORU option are identified within the Ricoh service system and should a trained operator require assistance, helpdesk operatives will talk them through the exchange process, or in the unlikely event that an engineer is required, will arrange a visit.
Karen Lawrence, Professional Print Solutions Marketing Manager, Ricoh UK comments: “In a commercial print environment, high quality continuous output is expected. Should image quality reduce or a machine go offline, productivity becomes affected; and the longer a machine is unavailable, the more of an issue it becomes. At Ricoh we believe in adding value to our customers, so by offering dedicated support and training services with options such as our ORUs, we can help our customers’ maintain maximum levels of productivity that will only have a positive impact on their business.”