Your Guide to Xerox Production Print Solutions

Submitted by Keith Metzler on Fri, 01/03/2025 - 09:00
People looking at a print in front of a Xerox digital press

Digital printing has come a long way. It was once seen as a cheaper but lower-quality option compared to offset printing. Thanks to advances in technology, digital printing is now just as good. However, many organizations and businesses still don’t realize the benefits of digital printing.

As a Xerox vendor in the DFW area, we’ve partnered with many companies looking for production-style printers but are hesitant to invest in expensive offset printers. That’s where Xerox’s new digital printing technology comes in.

In this article, we’ll go over what Xerox has to offer as it pertains to digital printing equipment, technology, and software.

What are Digital and Offset Printing?

Offset printing is often what you picture when you think about a newspaper press or a large magazine production. It uses liquid ink and printing plates to create vibrant colors and sharp images. This method is great for producing high-quality results and is cost-effective for printing large quantities, like magazines and newspapers. However, it’s not the best choice for small orders like brochures, business cards, or posters.

Digital printing, on the other hand, is the simplest way to create marketing materials for small runs. In the past, digital printing wasn’t known for its quality and color accuracy compared to offset printing.

Xerox is now shaking things up by offering new color options and high-quality prints that rival those from traditional presses. Plus, their production machines efficiently manage large jobs, making printing easier than ever.  

What Does Xerox Have to Offer? 

Xerox has a lot to offer when it comes to digital printing solutions. With a range of different production-style printers to choose from, there’s a guaranteed fit for whatever your printing needs might be. 

Production Printers  

Xerox features a wide range of digital production printers, starting with simple, entry-level models like the PrimeLink family. These are perfect for small print jobs that still make a big impact. For larger needs, check out the Xerox Iridesse press, capable of printing an impressive 120 pages per minute! 

These production printers also have cool features like the ability to print in metallic and fluorescent colors using CMYK+ technology. This can really help your organization stand out when creating promotional materials and handouts.  

Xerox teams up with Fiery and other companies to make their production machines better at automating printing workflows. This means less need for people to step in and control the printing process, which helps things run more smoothly and efficiently.

Xerox Iridesse Press

Xerox Iridesse Press

For a more in-depth look at Xerox production printers, check out our article “Is a Production Printer Right for Your Business? + Costs”.

Inkjet Printing 

Inkjet printers work by spraying ink directly onto paper, which dries naturally. In contrast, toner printers use electrical currents to attract toner “dust” onto the paper. 

Inkjet printers move paper along a large wheel and then cut it to the right size. This process makes them less suitable for specialty media, like heavier paper stock, or for smaller print jobs. 

Deciding whether an inkjet or toner printer is right for your organization comes down to a few considerations, including:  

  • Volume
  • Economics
  • Personalization
  • Applications
  • Machine size

Learn more about the differences between toner and ink here.

What are the exact differences between inkjet and laser printers? Check out our blog “Inkjet vs. Laser: Which Printer Is Right for You?” to learn more

Xerox mainly specializes in laser printers, but inkjet printers have many benefits, especially for large-scale printing. For example, the Xerox Baltoro HF Inkjet Press is efficient and can handle various tasks, making it a smart choice for businesses that need quality and productivity.

Xerox Baltoro HF Inkjet Press

Xerox Baltoro HF Inkjet Press

Xerox even created a term for it: “Inkonomics.” This means looking at expanded opportunities, simplicity, and keeping the total cost of ownership low. With fewer offset volumes and faster turnaround times, and with digital page volumes increasing, it’s essential to produce high-quality pages with less effort and expense now more than ever.

For more information on the differences between offset and inkjet printing, watch this informative challenge video.  

Feeding and Finishing

We’ve taken a good look at the Xerox digital printing press lineup. While printing pages is straightforward, the real magic happens with Xerox's finishing options. There are tons of choices available: booklet makers, coaters, integrated solutions, cutters, folders, binders, hole-punchers, transport solutions, and feeders, just to name a few.

Plus, Xerox partners with top-notch vendors, so if you have a specific project in mind, we can definitely find a finishing option that works for you.  

Looking for the best accessories to enhance your office machine? Check out our blog on "6 Upgrades You Can Buy for Your Printer"

Workflow Software 

Having the right machine is important, but what a lot of people don’t realize is that having the right software for the job is just as important.  

These days, there’s software to help with just about anything, and Xerox offers a suite of innovative software tools tailored to streamline operations, enhance print quality, and maximize efficiency for digital presses.

Xerox workflow software solutions cover everything from job management and web-to-print applications to advanced tools like prepress automation and variable data printing. These tools not only simplify the printing process but also open up opportunities for businesses to deliver personalized, high-quality print materials at scale.

► Prepress Automation

Prepress software, such as Xerox FreeFlow Core, automates repetitive tasks like file preparation, resizing, and imposition. It also speeds up job routing tasks for any job. For example, if you're printing postcards on an 11x17” sheet, the software automatically calculates the optimal layout to fit as many postcards as possible on a single page.

This way, when you cut the sheet, you’re not left with any additional paper, and you can reduce the time spent on manual setup. It can also save you a considerable amount of money since you are charged per page.  

► Variable Data Printing (VDP)

Xerox’s variable data printing solutions, like XMPie, allow businesses to create personalized print materials with ease. Imagine being able to print thousands of postcards, each uniquely addressed to individual customers, with personalized messages and tailored images. This level of customization increases engagement and response rates, making it a powerful tool for targeted marketing campaigns.

► Advanced Workflow Tools

Xerox also provides Web-to-Print solutions, enabling businesses to accept online print orders seamlessly. Tools like XMPie's PersonalEffect StoreFlow integrate digital printing with online publishing, allowing businesses to offer both print and digital outputs from a single platform.

Benefits for Businesses

  • Enhanced Efficiency: Automate time-intensive tasks to focus on growing your business.
  • Cost Savings: Reduce waste and operational costs with precise file preparation and resource allocation.
  • Increased Engagement: Personalize print materials for a more targeted and impactful customer experience.
  • Scalable Solutions: Adapt your workflow to handle everything from small runs to enterprise-level print demands.

With continuous innovation in workflow software, Xerox is helping businesses not just meet but exceed their printing goals. Whether it’s improving operational efficiency, enabling creative marketing campaigns, or supporting high-volume production, Xerox workflow solutions are designed to optimize every step of the printing process.

Want to know how Xerox workflow solutions can benefit your business? Contact us for personalized advice.

Packaging Printing 

Packaging printing is a trend that’s on the rise with manufacturers looking for smarter ways to package items to grab the attention of consumers. We’ve all noticed how amazon boxes have changed from a smiley face logo on the outside to advertising the latest Marvel movie, but this is just the tip of the iceberg for packaging printing.

Now, there are options for folding cartons, smart packaging that can communicate information digitally, and flexible options like printing onto plastic before it’s molded, so there’s no need for labels. 

Xerox takes packaging printing to the next level with digital print packaging solutions like the Xerox BrandSecure Packaging and Xerox Automated Packaging Solutions. These tools combine vibrant digital printing, customization, and security to help businesses stand out while staying efficient.

► Xerox BrandSecure Packaging Solution

For industries like pharmaceuticals and luxury goods, counterfeiting is a big concern. The BrandSecure Packaging Solution lets you add security features—like microtext, invisible marks, or serial numbers—directly during the printing process. This makes it simple to track products through the supply chain and verify authenticity without extra steps. It’s a practical way to protect both your products and your brand.

► Xerox Automated Packaging Solution

If you need short runs or customized packaging, the Automated Packaging Solution is built for flexibility. It combines printing, coating, stacking, and cutting into one process, so you can create high-quality folding cartons quickly and efficiently. It’s ideal for things like regional branding, test campaigns, or personalized designs. Plus, it helps reduce waste and keeps inventory low, which can save time and money.

The Possibilities Are Endless

You don’t have to spend a fortune on offset printing presses to get the vivid colors and high-quality prints you want. You also don’t need to settle for low-quality, cheaper printers. Now you can enjoy the benefits of an offset press with an affordable office-sized digital printer.

Want to know more about choosing the right printer for your business? Check out our free Guide to Purchasing or Leasing a Printer.

Thinking about a Xerox digital production press but unsure which one is the best fit for you? Reach out to us! We’d be happy to help you get a quote or discuss your printing needs to find the right Xerox solution that fits your budget, printing volume, and customization needs.