kyocera or ricoh?

[mad]

No problem here, just curiosity, a long time ago we repaired all kinds of copiers, and the Ricohs had the best quality in the copy image, the best grays and solids, but they were one of the most complicated to calibrate.
and when changing drums, developer had to make many adjustments if they were not done properly after a few days the gray backgrounds began etc.
I never took official ricoh courses to fully understand the xerographic process they use.
Are there here ricoh technicians here who can compare kyocera processes with ricoh?

[tjvincent]

Re: kyocera or ricoh?

We sell & service both, Ricoh is by far the better overall product

[PrintWhisperer]

Re: kyocera or ricoh?

The part of the technology you are noticing here is the developer.

Ricoh has long used a Dual Component developer system (toner is black powder with an iron type carrier). This creates excellent density (when calibrated) however the toner/carrier balance has to be kept or it will dust-up with toner and degrade in density.

Some of these types of machines even require a carrier recharge which can cost quite a bit.

Canon uses a straight mono component toner (toner only) which creates a smooth fill but not as dense as a dual component. However they run cleaner.

Kyocera's new '4' series MFP's have changed to the Dual Component only system. The mfp's prior to this used a 'hybrid' system with a dual component developer roller feeding a mono-component roller for applying toner to the drum.

This density in the new '4' series is remarkable and every bit what a Ricoh can produce. Additionally, Kyocera Toner has the carrier pre-mixed in the toner cartridge so a recharge is never required.

When it comes to servicing and total cost of ownership, Kyocera blows the competition away with their
3 Year Bumper to Bumper warranty to authorized dealers and 600k PM cycle and ease of service.

That's 600k for drums, developers, transfer and fuser and they all can be replaced without any tools.

A PM literally takes longer to unpack the items than to install them.

[Samanator]

Re: kyocera or ricoh?

I have always preferred most other manufactures over Ricoh. IMHO Ricoh machines seem to be more complex than needed. Also, Ricoh parts and supplies are more expensive making it harder to be profitable in a business where the margins are already mighty slim.

It also seems to me that ever since Kyocera has entered the market (when they bought up Mita just before the turn of the century), they have made more of an effort than most others manufactures to really improve the product every year, every new model series.

Ricoh, not so much.

[ricohmaina]

Re: kyocera or ricoh?

I worked on Ricoh's for twenty years. I jumped ship a few years back to Kyocera.

Kyo is just now getting the quality where it needs to be. For business color they are great.

Service wise. Hands down Kyo is superior to any other manufacture.

[Gab]

Re: kyocera or ricoh?

Ricoh machines had better image quality. Also if you want to use compatible toner with Ricoh machines is easy , with Kyocera you will have issues.
Kyocera machines are way better that Ricoh machines.

[L0rdC]

Re: kyocera or ricoh?

if you mean black and white printing, i choose ricoh.
if you mean color, i choose ricoh.

[Tonerkiller]

Re: kyocera or ricoh?

Kyocera is the best overall copiers and printers.