Inkjet printer manufacturer Riso has launched what it claims is the world’s first A2 digital duplicator, the Riso A2.

The Riso digital duplicator, which is available to order with immediate effect, also allows for 4-up A4 printing. A3 had been the previous largest paper size for printing on digital duplicators.

The Riso A2 has a makeready time of 60 seconds and can print one colour at a time, 21 standard colours available and customers can also custom order additional specific colours, subject to a minimum order quantity.

The simplex device prints at 600dpi and at speeds of 60, 80 or 100 sheets/min, with the slower speed options aimed to give users a greater level of control over paper delivery when printing on lighter stocks.

The machine can handle a maximum print size of 634x432mm and can be used with a range of uncoated stocks from 46-120gsm.

As the machine uses a master and there is no pre-press preparation or click charge, the printing unit price is lower than using a digital printer when a large number of copies is required. The master is created by sending a file from a connected PC to create an image by means of tiny heat spots on a thermal plate which burns holes in a master sheet that correspond to the artwork shape.

The master sheet is then wrapped around a drum and the ink is forced through the holes onto passing sheets at high speed to create each image on the paper. Each master sheet has a minimum expected lifespan of 2,000 prints.