GELJET Technology

Inkjet printer technology has continued to make significant advances, especially for applications such as postcard and photo printing. Consequently, Inkjet printers have become widely used as convenient color printers for home use. Subsequently, they were increasingly used at offices as printers for business applications thanks to their lower unit prices and use of water-resistant pigmented inks. However, conventional inkjet systems were not able to deliver the performance of laser systems in terms of image quality (character quality and image density) on plain paper and printing speed (including duplex printing speed), and the running costs of ink and other printing supplies were not at a satisfactory level for general business use.

To provide a top class printing environment for general business use, Ricoh developed a printer equipped with its unique inkjet technology, GELJET, and launched it in 2003. The model achieved high image quality on plain paper, high-speed printing, and low running costs. This technology is also incorporated in the GELJET printers we currently offer.

Its high viscosity and high permeability allow the ink to set and dry instantly upon contact with the paper, thereby reducing bleeding and spreading. Furthermore, by increasing the amount of colorant that stays on the surface of the paper, it achieves sharper and more beautiful printing quality. Improved permeability also contributes to quick-drying, enabling faster printing speeds. Under normal office conditions, the viscous ink provides light stability equivalent to approximately 50 years, so documents can be safely stored in regular facilities without special environmental settings.