The Versant family of Xerox production printers is widely recognized for delivering exceptional value and capabilities. For years, the Versant 180 has offered mid-production printing capabilities and an array of finishing options that can be used to meet emergent needs, all at an affordable price point.

The newly released Versant 280 takes the capabilities of the Versant 180 press and extends them even further. Boasting the ability to print on thicker stock media and enhanced automation functionality, the Versant 280 introduces enhanced flexibility for print-on-demand applications. 

Versant 180

The Versant 180 was released in 2016 alongside the heavier-duty Versant 3100 as a mid-production digital press. Since its introduction, the Versant 180 has demonstrated itself to be a versatile and dependable production press that can be tailored for a variety of different applications. 

These are some of the features that have made the Versant 180 such an asset for meeting different business needs:

• Monthly print volume up to 80,000 and a duty cycle of 750,000.
• Ability to print onto stocks up to 350 gsm at speeds of up to 80 ppm with the optional performance package.
• 200 ipm color and monochrome scanning, with an integrated Single-Pass Duplex Automatic Document Feeder featuring a 250 sheet capacity. 2400 x 2400 dpi VCSEL ROS scanning technology.
• Wide-variety of optional finishing options (Z-Fold, staple, tri-fold, sort-and-collate, booklet, square fold, half-fold, tabloid Z-fold, hole punch, basic punch, face trim and two-sided trim).
• Easily handles traditional or specialty media (coated, uncoated, polyester, mixed-stock, colored, textured, banner, envelopes, tabs, and custom media).

The Versant 180 press is a versatile and powerful system in a small footprint, which makes it great for small to medium-sized businesses looking to expand their in-house printing options. Alongside the core functional capabilities of the Xerox Versant 180, the suite of workflow and automation tools helps businesses improve efficiencies and achieve true print-on-demand. Many of these features are also shared on the Versant 280. 

Here are some of the automation and workflow enhancements featured on both the Versant 180 and 280:

• Integrated Registration Alignment (IRA) – The IRA automates the process of aligning an image with the media in the system. This allows the Versant systems to print higher quality images to a wider range of media in less time.
• Simplified Image Quality Adjustment (SIQA) – SIQA works in conjunction with IRA to enhance the flexibility of media while still allowing you to effectively print-on-demand. SIQA ensures proper front-to-back alignment and registration, no matter which media type or weight you’re printing on.
• X-Rite® Inline Spectrophotometer (ILS) – This is a scanning device placed on the print path that feeds information back into the Automated Color Quality Suite (ACQS) to ensure color accuracy. This component eliminates the need to use a spectrophotometer to analyze the color manually.
• Automated Sheet Decurling – Enables your prints to come out laying flat in a single pass.
• Closed-Loop Process Controls – Make adjustments in real-time to ensure the accuracy of your prints.
• Compact Belt Fuser – Allows you to print at faster speeds on heavier media.
• Xerox EA Low Melt Dry Ink Toner – Consistent particle size allows you to achieve finer lines, better detail, and enhanced clarity.

Versant 280

The Versant 280 is a reimagined and updated version of the Versant 180. While many of the core capabilities and features of the Versant 180 and 280 are the same, there are some key differences that may make the Versant 280 a clear choice for your needs.

Here’s what’s new on the Versant 280:

• All Stocks Rated Speed (ASRS) – This option uses an upgraded integrated decurler that allows you to print at fast speeds (80 ppm) on stock up to 400 gsm. 
• Ability to handle a wide range of stocks up to 400 gsm, in comparison to 350 gsm for the Versant 180.

The key feature that the Versant 280 offers over the 180 is the ability to print on heavier paper. With the ASRS upgrade, you’ll be able to print on stocks up to 400 gsm at full production speed, which is faster than any other mid-production press on the market. 

Closing Thoughts

Since its introduction, the Versant 180 digital production press has offered a powerful and flexible printing system in a small-footprint machine. With an array of finishing options that can be configured for any number of operational needs and a suite of automation enhancements that improve workflows and streamline production, the Versant 180 has proven to be a reliable and cost-effective machine for light to medium printing needs.

Those capabilities have been taken to the next level with the release of the Versant 280. Featuring many of the same capabilities and automation enhancements as its predecessor, the Versant 280 allows for printing on heavier media, up to 400 gsm. With the optional ASRS enhancement, the Versant 280 can achieve a full 80 ppm on 400 gsm weight media. For our comparison between the Versant 4100 vs 280, check out our blog!

No matter which Xerox Versant model you choose, you’ll be sure to enhance your productivity and streamline your workflow. Interested in finding out more about these systems and other Xerox printer services? Contact us at X-Digital today!

Sources:

1. “Xerox Versant 180 Press” https://www.office.xerox.com/latest/V18BR-02U.pdf
2. “Xerox Versant 280 Press”  https://www.office.xerox.com/latest/V28BR-01U.pdf
3. “The Xerox Versant Family of Presses” https://www.xerox.com/digital-printing/latest/V18WP-01U.pdf