Océ PlotWave 340 & 360 Large-Format Print Systems Are Cloud Integrated

The Océ PlotWave 340 and Océ PlotWave 360 large-format print systems offer users the flexibility of mobile and handheld technologies. Image courtesy of Canon Solutions America.

Canon Solutions America (Melville, NY) launched its new Océ PlotWave 340 and Océ PlotWave 360 large-format monochrome printing systems that, it says, enable technical users working through project portals or via the cloud to access documents directly. In a related announcement, Canon U.S.A. announced the 6.1 release of its Océ PRISMAprepare all-in-one document preparation software.

The Océ PlotWave 340/360 was “developed to address the practical needs of technical users who are working on projects with other parties via online portals or the cloud and require more flexibility from their multifunctional printing system,” said Sal Sheikh, vice president, large format systems, Canon Solutions America, in the press announcement. “The Océ PlotWave 340/360 provides superior ease-of-use via a multi-touch panel, affording users the flexibility of the mobile and handheld technologies they are accustomed to using.”

The Océ PlotWave 340 and Océ PlotWave 360 systems are equipped with the new Océ ClearConnect multi-touch user panel, a 10.4-inch color LCD from which users can pan, zoom, swipe, and spread in a manner similar to tablet and mobile technologies. The company says the gesture-controlled touch software allows users to print faster and see the orientation of documents with a live preview while scanning/copying, which can help avoid costly errors.

Technical users working via project portals or in the cloud can access documents directly at the printer using the Océ ClearConnect multi-touch panel. Files can be pulled to the printer from cloud-enabled workflows and scanned to the cloud of choice. Users also can browse files and print them from a USB stick or network location. If a file is on a mobile phone, users can access their Océ PlotWave 340/360 and print via the Océ Publisher Mobile App through an existing WiFi connection. Users can print from a desktop PC via Océ Publisher Select, when needing to manage more complex document sets.

The Océ PlotWave 340 and Océ PlotWave 360 can print up to four to six D-size plots in one minute, with virtually no warm-up time, according to the company. Said to be designed for fast file processing, the printers can handle such file formats as HP-GL/2, PDF, DWF, and JPEG. Concurrent operation enables the scanner to be used for copying or scanning while printing is taking place. Print speeds range from 10 linear feet per minute with the Océ PlotWave 340 to 13 linear feet per minute with the Océ PlotWave 360.

The 6.1 release of Océ PRISMAprepare all-in-one document preparation software reportedly streamlines the make-ready process from composition to production, which can help shorten production turnaround times, enhance productivity, and reduce operational costs. The new release also allows users to create and compose Variable Data Printing (VDP) applications.

An example of the PRISMAprepare production make-ready interface. Image courtesy of Canon U.S.A. Inc.

Canon says that PRISMAprepare’s device-independence optimizes the productivity capabilities of Canon’s imagePRESS and imageRUNNER ADVANCE digital color press lineups, the Océ VarioPrint DP line, and a variety of color and black-and-white production cut-sheet printers.

“The document preparation process can be one of the most time-consuming aspects of production work,” said Sam Yoshida, vice president and general manager, Marketing, Business Imaging Solutions Group, Canon U.S.A, in a press statement. “When this process is not optimized, profitability and customer satisfaction is at risk. The improvements Canon made to the Océ PRISMAprepare software will support print providers and enhance their ability to meet increased and more complex customer needs.”

VDP composition capabilities include adding specific content and graphics to each printed piece based on information in a linked database and the ability to allow users to create simple VDP applications without having to open a specialized software application.

Version 6.1 is also said to offer end-to-end workflow based on open Adobe PDF standards, and support for multiple PDF plug-ins. Print providers can take advantage of hot-folders to automate make-ready for repeating job types, eliminating unnecessary steps. Color management features include the ability to ensure consistent spot color usage and modification of individual image tone and color reproduction prior to printing.

For more information on the Océ PlotWave 340 and Océ PlotWave 360 large-format printing systems, go here. For more on PRISMAprepare 6.1 click here.

Download the Océ PlotWave 340/360 brochure.

Download the Océ PlotWave 340/360 spec sheet.

Download the Océ “Wide Format Printer Buyer’s Guide” (sign-up required).

Download the Océ PRISMAprepare brochure.

See why DE’s editors selected the Océ PlotWave 340 and Océ PlotWave 360 large-format print systems as their Pick of the Week.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.