There is still a considerable opportunity for digital production print in the B2 format, by moving short runs from offset to digital, by consolidating EP volumes, or by opening new opportunities in on-demand print. At drupa 2016, Canon showed the Voyager, a prototype B2 inkjet press. Since then, Canon collected customer feedback on a B2 inkjet press and it seems that the efforts paid off and culminated in the launch of the varioPRESS iV7.

A key for a competitive inkjet press is productivity. For one, the varioPRESS iV7 has a speed of 8,700 impressions on a B2 sheet per hour or 4,350 sheets in duplex print. With a larger sheet that supports 6-up impositioning (614 x 675mm/24-in. x 26.6-in.), the speed drops to 7,200 impressions/hour, equating to 720 A4 ipm (in 6-up). Additionally, the iV7 has been designed for high availability and includes productivity-enhancing features like multiple paper trays and automated quality control.

Other features position the iV7 equally well for the commercial market. Uncoated paper from 60 to 450 gsm and (standard) coated papers from 75 to 450 gsm are supported, which includes light board. With a 1,200 dpi printing resolution and multi-level drop sizes, the press aims for a high print quality.