Canon imageFORCE: Pushing the boundaries of print technology innovation
October 10, 2024
Articles, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud, Cloud print, Future of work
To address the evolving printing needs of businesses in today’s dynamic workplace, Canon has launched the imageFORCE A3 Colour MFP. Featuring AI machine learning and D2 Exposure technology, the imageFORCE platform represents a significant leap forward in Canon’s product innovation, setting a new benchmark for performance, security, sustainability, and serviceability.
Building on a heritage of innovation
Canon has a long and distinguished history in the printing industry, dating back to the 1970s. The company’s pioneering spirit has led to numerous technological advancements that have shaped the modern printing landscape. One of Canon’s most significant contributions to the industry was the development of the LBP-10, the world’s first desktop laser printer, introduced in 1979. Building on the success of the LBP-10, Canon continued to innovate and expand its product line. In 2000, Canon introduced the imageRUNNER series, and over the years, this has been a cornerstone of its portfolio. Canon has continued to refine and enhance its imageRUNNER series, culminating in the imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX, which incorporates advanced technologies such as high-speed scanning, robust security, and cloud connectivity through its flagship uniFLOW print management and scan platform.
Extending Canon’s office print portfolio
Canon’s new imageFORCE C7165 is positioned as a hybrid office/light production device, aimed at small and medium-sized businesses looking to produce short runs of professional-quality materials in-house, helping reduce reliance on external commercial printers and enhancing overall efficiency. It offers print speeds of up to 65 pages per minute in both black-and-white and colour and versatile paper handling such as printing on synthetic (water-resistant) media through the multipurpose tray, which also has a media sensor that can identify the media type and automatically adjust the print settings. In addition, Canon’s Air Assist technology detects operating environment temperature and humidity to ensure the separation of coated media to prevent sticking.
Quocirca believes Canon has successfully addressed some key areas of differentiation that are critical in today’s market:
Technology innovation
Using Canon’s newly developed technology, D2 Exposure, the imageFORCE C7165 device offers high-definition image quality with print resolutions up to 4800 x 2400 dpi. According to Canon, D2 Exposure uses organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) as the light source, combined with silicon wafer technology, to help improve print quality beyond traditional laser or standard LED technologies. However, LED has not really crossed the line from standard office to light production print, which leaves laser as the main technology for standard office document production. Compared to traditional laser technology, OLED provides a shorter light path, contributing to less interference, which helps provide high-definition quality, fine lines, and accurate colour registration. This technology helps enhance the overall print output and enables businesses to produce a wider variety of applications in-house.
Advanced security
Canon’s imageFORCE retains the robust security of the imageRUNNER MFPs across device, network, and document security. Notable security enhancements include OAuth 2.0 open-standard authorisation, Microsoft Entra ID cloud-based authentication, and FIPS 140-3SSD Encryption.
In addition, Canon has introduced Security Environment Estimation technology, which uses an estimation algorithm developed using machine learning (ML) to analyse and recommend security settings based on the work environment. For instance, it will analyse whether the device is connected via private or public network and optimise the security settings.
Faster installation times and improved serviceability
Device installation and deployment can be a time-consuming and costly task for an organisation. Canon reports that the average installation time for an imageFORCE C7165 is 24 minutes, compared to 33 minutes for its imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX C800 series.
Improved serviceability plays a crucial role in reducing service costs, minimising service engineer intervention, reducing the user administrative burden, and also promoting sustainability through remote diagnostics.
To build on its proactive support and maintenance, Canon has introduced an innovative E² analysis machine learning technology to support predictive maintenance and remote service. This technology is powered by the imageFORCE on-device sensors, which have been further improved with this next-generation device, offering better levels of serviceability and supporting sustainability. Canon reports that this technology will also support previous Gen3 imageRUNNER models. This is currently only available in the Canon EMEA region.
Improved sustainability
Canon has an established ‘sustainable by design’ approach across its portfolio and has made a number of improvements with the imageFORCE MFP. It reports that 30% of the resin material used in the device is made with recycled plastic material – increased from 2% on the conventional Canon office MFP.
Along with the use of E² Analysis technology, to help reduce unnecessary service calls and enable remote support, Canon has reduced its use of plastic materials for the main unit by switching from conventional foam packaging to interior cardboard packaging materials, which are recyclable. In addition, the drum cover is made from regrind plastic and reused materials, and Canon continues to use packaging designed to reduce the impact of transportation and logistics.
Quocirca opinion
In a mature industry such as the printing and imaging market, successful innovation is imperative for growth and building competitive advantage. Canon has built a comprehensive product portfolio that will enable customers to future-proof their print environment for the cloud and AI-centric era.
Canon has recognised changing customer requirements and offers an appealing solution for light production for smaller businesses that can reduce costs and reliance on external print providers.
Security is particularly a strong differentiator given the extensive, enhanced security features and its new Security Environment Estimation technology.
With customers increasingly conscious of environmental impacts, it is encouraging to see Canon increase its use of sustainable materials that reduce waste and lower the environmental footprint. Remote monitoring and diagnostics are also key to sustainability by enabling proactive maintenance and reducing the need for on-site visits.
Quocirca’s research shows that energy efficiency, sustainable ink/toner, and device longevity are top environmental considerations. Canon should amplify its efforts here, with stronger messaging around its approach to modular design and how this facilitates easier repairs, upgrades and extended product lifespan.
Ultimately, Canon’s imageFORCE technology advancements demonstrate how innovation can revitalise a mature industry. Canon has built on its strong imageRUNNER technology legacy and by harnessing a host of new features an and product improvements into the imageFORCE platform, Canon will undoubtedly solidify its market leadership.
