When you’re talking about a mid-production press, like the Xerox Versant 4100, research is paramount before buying.
Why? Because the Xerox Versant 4100 starts around $3,800 a month, and that is just the base model. Once you add the accessories you need to your configuration of the model, the machine gets even more expensive.
Spending that much money on a production press is required for some workgroups to get their high-volume printing completed efficiently. But if you’re one of those workgroups, you need to read this review before purchasing.
We’ve been in the printer/copier industry for almost four decades now and have extensive experience working with several different types of workgroups, including those that need production printing equipment.
As an authorized Xerox Platinum Status Partner, we retain special expertise in Xerox-branded products, which is why we regularly create reviews of their products.
Just because we sell this particular machine, we’re writing about today doesn’t mean we’re going to stray away from our honesty first policy.
This review will highlight all the positives and negatives you need to know so that you can decide for yourself whether the Versant 4100 is the right machine for you.
We’re going to start with some basics of the Versant 4100 before going into some of its key features, accessories, pros, cons, cost and a summary detailing who would and wouldn’t want to buy this machine.
Versant 4100 Basics
Here are some of the basic specifications you need to know about the Xerox Versant 4100, including its print speed, volume, resolution and size:
Print Speed: Up to 100 ppm (pages per minute)
Recommended Monthly Print Volume: Up to 250,000 pages per month
Maximum Monthly Duty Cycle: Up to 1.2 million pages per month
Print Resolution 2400 x 2400 dpi (dots per inch) or 1200 x 1200 x 10 RIP depending on what option you choose
Base Model Dimensions: Height-44”, Width-105”, Depth, 32”
Base Model Weight: 1,631 pounds
Cost: Starting at around $ 3,800 per month. However, this is for a basic Versant 4100. The more accessories you add, the more expensive it will get.
A look at the Versant 4100 Press:
Versant 4100 Key Features
Now that you’ve seen some basic numbers for the Xerox Versant 4100 Press, let’s talk about three of the main features that come with the machine:
Advanced Technology for Increased Productivity
One of the most notable features of the Versant 4100 is that it comes equipped with advanced technology that can increase printing productivity.
Particularly prominent is the Versant 4100’s automated technology, called Full Width Array (FWA), which allows for automatic press calibration and stock profiling. FWA improves productivity because it “eliminates operator-initiated tasks with greater productivity and quality,” according to Xerox.
FWA also provides automatic front-to-back alignment adjustments, optimizes tone coverage for smooth-to-textured stocks and delivers consistent toner coverage.
In addition to FWA, there are other advanced technologies that can come with the Versant 4100 Press, including:
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Xerox PredictPrint Media Manager Software, which uses cloud-based AI to automatically optimize the press based on what is in the drawer.
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Production Accurate Registration (PAR), which can be used for consistent front-to-back registration.
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Closed-Loop Process Controls that can adjust for print quality in real-time.
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Bias Charge Rolls that have automatic cleaning technology to improve the press’s overall productivity.
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Smart Decurler, which calculates coverage, paper and humidity for the flattest possible output.
The Xerox Versant 4100’s advanced technology, particularly its automated technology, is a foundational aspect of its productivity features and is something that you won’t find in many other presses on the market.
Example of a catalog made using the Versant 4100:
Innovative Image Quality
If you’re in the market for a production press, you likely understand how crucial image quality is and why it’s important to consider before purchasing.
The Versant 4100 has advanced color technology that ensures the production prints you make are graphically enhanced.
This includes the machine’s Ultra HD Resolution Technology that combines 1200 x 1200 RIP rendering with the 2400 x 2400 imaging at the engine.
See the graphic below for more information on how the Versant 4100’s Ultra HD Resolution Technology works, courtesy of Xerox:
Capable of Printing on Multiple Types of Media
In addition to the various types of technology it includes, the Versant 4100 Press can also print on different types of media of varying sizes and formats.
The Versant 4100 can print on the following media types: Coated and uncoated papers, bright papers, labels, business cards, glossy brochures, window decals, durable/synthetic papers, greeting cards, embossed, tabs, polyesters and custom solutions. Mixed-stock jobs are supported.
The machine can print at maximum sizes of 13 x 47.2” at paper weights of up to 52-400 gsm uncoated and coated. Its maximum standard sheet size is 13” x 19.2.”
Accessories for Versant 4100
Let’s now take a look at some of the standard and optional accessories you can include with the Versant 4100 Press:
Standard Accessories
Here are accessories that come standard with the Versant 4100:
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Standard capabilities include color printing.
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User interface
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Three, 550-sheet paper trays
Optional Accessories
Here are the optional accessories you can include upon purchase of the Versant 4100:
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Optional capabilities include high-capacity feeding, stacking and finishing
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Xerox EX-P 4100 Print Server or EX-4100 Print Server
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Finishing Options-Binder, booklet-making, cutting, slitting, folding, finisher, folder, hole punch and stacker.
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High-Capacity Feeder- One 2,000-sheet tray (uncoated only)
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Oversized High-Capacity Feeder- One 2,000-sheet tray (uncoated and coated)
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Advanced Oversized High-Capacity Feeder- Two 4,000-sheet trays (uncoated and coated)
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Dual Advanced Oversized High-Capacity Feeder- Four 8,000-sheet trays (uncoated and coated)
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High Capacity XLS Vacuum Feeder- Two 2,800-trays (uncoated and coated)
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Dual High Capacity XLS Vacuum Feeder- Four 7,000-sheet trays (uncoated and coated)
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250-sheet Xerox Inserter
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Manual Sheet Inserter- Tray included with feeder up to 250-sheet capacity
Here’s a look at the Versant 4100 Press with some additional accessories and finishers included (Courtesy of First Copy):
2 Pros of the Versant 4100
Now, let’s move on to the pros and cons section, starting with two of the main pros of buying the Xerox Versant 4100 Press:
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Versatile and Designed to Configure
The underlying advantage to purchasing the Versant 4100 is the machine’s versatility, with its many finishing, feeding and image quality options that will let you customize the press to your business’s needs.
Workgroups that require a production printer need the ability to tailor their machine to the types of prints they want to make, and the Versant 4100 is designed to be configured to your specific workplace.
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Automated Technology Increases Productivity and Image Quality
One of the distinguishing features of the Versant 4100 is the advanced technology it comes with, particularly its automated features.
If you revert back to the first section under “Key Features” advanced technology like IRA and SIQA help automate manual image aligning that can take up a lot of time, especially if you’re doing it every day.
The image alignment automation helps improve productivity by giving you back the time that it would take to manually complete those tasks while also improving image quality.
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Efficient and Long-Lasting
In addition to its versatility, the Xerox Versant 4100 is an efficient machine, printing at speeds of up to 100 pages per minute (ppm) depending on the size of the media you’re printing.
Because it’s a powerful machine, you can also expect it to serve your workplace for the long haul as long as you adhere to its recommended monthly print volume of 250,000 pages per month.
Following the recommended print volume of a machine is crucial to making a production press last, as consistently overusing the machine can lead to increased service issues and potentially a breakdown of the machine altogether.
2 Cons of the Versant 4100
Let’s now cover the most prominent cons of the Versant 4100 Press, starting with the size of the machine:
1. Not Ideal for Small Workspaces
The Versant 4100 has base model dimensions of 44” x “105” x 32” and weighs over 1,600 pounds. Because you will likely add other accessories to the machine if you buy it, it can get much bigger, too.
Because of the machine’s massive size, it will be difficult for businesses with compacted workplaces to adequately fit the production press into their work environment.
You will also need to make sure you have an electrical outlet that can accommodate the machine’s electrical capacity. The electrical requirements for the Xerox Versant 4100 are below:
Base Configuration: 208-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 30A (sole use)/single phase/NEMA 14-30
Additional electrical required for print server, feeding/finishing devices: 115 VAC 15 Amp for 60 Hz or 220 VAC 10 Amp for 50 Hz (Western Hemisphere)
Space and electrical requirements are essential to consider before purchasing a production press because having a machine that doesn’t fit in your workplace can lead to issues like overheating, which could potentially cause a fire hazard.
2. Not a Traditional Printer Option
As you can probably tell by this point, the Xerox Versant 4100 meets ultra-specific production printing needs and is not a machine built for a traditional office space.
It is not a viable option for businesses or individuals who are seeking a basic multifunction (print, copy, scan and fax) or single-function (print-only) printer.
Versant 4100 Cost
The base cost of the Xerox Versant 4100 is around $3,800, not including the accessories you can add as a part of your configuration.
This also doesn’t include the Fiery Print Server, which, although technically optional, will most likely be necessary to execute production features. Depending on the specifics, a Fiery Print Server can range from $5,900-$11,500.
The Versant 4100 is a mid-production press equipped with advanced technology, so it’s not going to be cheap. You will likely want to lease the machine to offset some of the short-term cost of buying a press of this magnitude.
Leasing breaks up the total amount into more affordable monthly payments. For more information on leasing vs. purchasing, and general information on how much a printer can cost, read the blogs below:
Who Is the Versant 4100 a Good Fit for?
The Versant 4100 is a good fit for:
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Businesses that need a mid-level production press capable of handling a volume of around 250,000 pages per month.
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Businesses that routinely print manuals, pamphlets, booklets and other specialty media in color.
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Businesses that desire a production press that they can customize to their printing needs.
If you fall into one of these categories, then you would be a candidate for the Xerox Versant 4100. However, because of the price of the machine, you would want to extensively evaluate your specific printing goals, ideally with an expert, before purchasing.
Who Is the Versant 4100 Not a Good Fit for?
The Versant 4100 is not a good fit for:
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Businesses that don’t have adequate space to accommodate the machine’s large size.
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Businesses or individuals who need a basic multifunction printer or single-function printer.
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Businesses that need a high-level production press capable of printing over 250,000 pages per month.
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Businesses that don’t require printing specialty media or production-level prints.
If you fall into one of these categories, then this is not the model for you. Read our blog on how to choose a printer for your budget and business needs to help with choosing the model that best aligns with your goals.
Think the Versant 4100 Is Right for You?
The Xerox Versant 4100 Press is a solid production printing option for workgroups that are in the market for a high-volume, efficient and versatile mid-production press.
However, the Versant 4100 will cost a lot of money and is not an option for the traditional workplace. Because it’s a mid-production press, it will not be an option for workgroups that need an advanced production press capable of printing over a million pages per month.
Finding the right production printing equipment is not easy; it requires extensive research and guidance from a trustworthy source.
We’ve helped numerous workgroups find the production machine that aligns most with their printing goals, and if you need a partner to provide you with the machine or advice you on what to do next, we’re here to help---in an honest and transparent way.
If you think the Xerox Versant 4100 Press could be for you, request a quote for a free estimate on how much you could expect to pay for your configuration of the machine, or reach out to us if you have any additional questions.
