You asked for it, and now we can provide it: XLS Vacuum Feeders for Xerox Versant 4100 and Iridesse for production-grade feeding and an extended application range.
The Versant 280 also benefits from this technology.
The new feeders support increased automation and help you make the most out of your digital print platform investment. With both Versant models, the Vacuum Feeder tray extends extra-long sheet (XLS) capability up to 1.2m. The tray improves feeding of standard stocks as well as XLS.
More reliable. More configurable. More volume through your press.
What is the Xerox High Capacity XLS Vacuum Feeder (HCVF)?
The Xerox High Capacity XLS Vacuum Feeder uses vacuum feed technology to feed sheets into your press, in contrast to roll-feed technology used by existing Advanced High Capacity Feeders (AHCFs).
The new Vacuum Feeders offer enhanced reliability and media handling, especially for large sheets (XLS, which stands for extra-long sheet).
There are Single and Dual XLS Vacuum Feeder options. The former has one XLS feeder and one standard, while the latter has one XLS feeder and three standard. Both have a Multi Sheet Inserter (MSI). The Vacuum Feeder works with all trays (both standard and XLS), but not the MSI, in both cases. A single cannot later be converted to a dual.
How does Vacuum Feed Technology work?
Vacuum feeding offers greater reliability over belt-driven feeding. Here’s how:
Side blowers fluff and separate individual sheets from the tray stack.
The Air Knife makes sure only one sheet at the top of the stack is fed at a time.
Xerox’s unique Shuttle Head Technology gently sucks and transports each sheet using vacuum innovation, reducing sheet damage and increasing accuracy.
Jams are reduced by as much as 50% with vacuum technology. Xerox’s Vacuum Feeder gets less wear and tear than a roll-fed version, and – given the lack of belt transport – the contaminant build-up on friction-fed devices isn’t such an issue.
Want to see how it works in a video? Contact us, we will share additional content.
What applications does the XLS Vacuum Feeder enable?
If you currently print any of the following (or would like to do so in-house), then an XLS Vacuum Feeder could make your life simpler:
The above list is not exhaustive.
How many sheets does the XLS Vacuum Feeder tray hold?
The XLS tray holds up to 700 XLS sheets (52-400 gsm; up to 864mm) or 100 for sheets between 864mm and 1.2m, so-called ‘mega-XLS’. Another 250 sheets can be held in the MSI.
The standard trays can hold up to 2100 sheets each. In a single feeder, you have one standard tray, in a dual, three.
The XLS tray can also run smaller stock. Our specialists are happy to discuss all specifications.
The XLS Vacuum Feeder tray for the Xerox Iridesse Production Press
When paired with an Iridesse, the tray supports auto-duplex up to 729mm via the XLS top tray (52-400 gsm). With simplex, go as high as 1.2m (with a lower recommended gsm).
You can make adjustments to the air-assist profiles using your Stock Library Manager. Use EX-P 6 Print Server v3.1.
The XLS Vacuum Feeder tray for the Xerox Versant 4100 Press
When used with a Versant 4100, you can simplex 1.2m and auto-duplex up to 864mm via the top tray (52-300 gsm) and up to 488m (52-400 gsm). The specifications contain more information about weights and sizes – please discuss with our specialists.
You can use PredictPrint Media Manager to make adjustments to air-assist profiles.
In addition, there is an optional Xerox Large Envelope Support Kit to extend envelope capacity and allow open flap printing (please note, this means stacking more envelopes, not larger envelopes).
DFE: Use EX 4100 v1.1 or EX-P 4100 v1.1 Fiery Print Servers.
The XLS Vacuum Feeder tray for the Xerox Versant 280 Press
The Xerox Versant 280 also works with the new XLS Vacuum Feeder tray. You can simplex 1.2m XLS media and auto-duplex up to 864mm (52-220 gsm; note this is different to the 4100 press). For full specifications relating to size/weight, please discuss your options.
Make adjustments to air-assist profiles with Admin Tools Mode. As with the 4100, a Large Envelope Support Kit increases envelope capacity and allows open flap printing.
DFE: Twin your Versant 280 Press with either an EX-i 280 v2.1 or EX 280 v2.1 Fiery Print Server to enable Fiery Edge Profiles for Vacuum Feeding.
Why should I invest in a Vacuum Feeder tray?
Your investment in an Iridesse or Versant platform is a significant one. Choosing a vacuum feeder tray at installation ensures you can extend your XLS options alongside your Beyond CMYK capabilities and offer more value than your competitors. What’s more, you’ll deal with fewer jams and feeding issues. With Versant, a Vacuum Feeder tray will extend your XLS capability beyond what you can achieve without.
Configure your press precisely as you need it for your market, and protect that investment with a fine-tuned, reliable solution.
Can I upgrade my existing Iridesse or Versant?
We expect this to become an option in due course. If you are interested, please discuss with our specialists so we can check the configuration of your machine.
What are the main differences between an Advanced High Capacity Feeder and a High Capacity XLS Vacuum Feeder?
Obviously, the technology is different (as discussed above). In terms of total capacity, the MSI in both Dual options handles 250 sheets, but the lack of an XLS tray in the Advanced version means it can take a total of 8250 sheets compared to 7250.
Currently, the Advanced High Capacity Feeder (AHCF) has more options: XLS Automatic Feeding Kit and Envelope Support kit on Versant and Banner Feeder Extension Kit and Envelope Feeder/Conveyor on the Iridesse. However, the new High Capacity XLS Vacuum Feeder has an optional Large Envelope Support Kit for Versant platforms. The Vacuum Feeder doesn’t need as many options because it can already do more than an AHCF.
Can I access vacuum feed technology without a High Capacity XLS Vacuum Feeder?
There is a product that offers you some of the benefits of air-feed technology without such a large investment. That product is the XLS Automatic Feeding Kit (Air Assist) for Versant models and Iridesse. This improves feeding reliability through the MSI in your existing Advanced High Capacity Feeder (AHCF) or Oversized High Capacity Feeder (OHCF) using blower fans.
The Air Assist Kit is aimed at printers that do some XLS, but not so much that a Vacuum Feeder becomes the better option.
Learn more in our dedicated article.
