Xerox alternatives in a creative print/prototype shop

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  • hrtl
    Inkyfingers
    • May 2015
    • 29

    #1

    Xerox alternatives in a creative print/prototype shop

    hi everyone –
    I have been using Xerox machines in my small prototype print business for ages and I think I'm finally fed up and might be looking for an alternative.
    I'm currently using an Altalink C8170 – the toner is relatively expensive, and the machine worked great, until it started acting up and I'm unable to track the issue down without extensive knowledge, and techs are somehow hard to come by. I do like the fact that it feeds relatively heavy cardstock and longer formats, which I need often. I also run a WorkCentre 7845, which has been reliable and good quality for years, but is getting a little long in the tooth... Consumable are cheaper for this machine and I might replace it with a C8055, which seems to be the next iteration with the same consumables, unless someone can convince me that competitor brand machines perform better.

    I'm pretty much self-reliant and have been able to fix most things myself, however I find these Xerox machines not very user friendly in the service department and was wondering if other major brands might be easier to service if needed. What's up with Canon, Konica Minolta and Ricoh? It might be fairly important to note that I do not do any volume printing & this class of machine has served me well over the years. I do however, run both machines with a Fiery RIP for a more convenient workflow & I do a lot of registration sensitive duplex work on heavier stock that gets die-cut (think packaging protoypes). I do like –and prefer– the feature set of the C8170.

    Thank you, any input would be appreciated.
  • Hart
    Trusted Tech

    250+ Posts
    • Feb 2024
    • 421

    #2
    The new generation would be the Fujifilm Apeos C7070
    I had some basic training on this series, which is super easy for a technician to troubleshoot.

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    • hrtl
      Inkyfingers
      • May 2015
      • 29

      #3
      Originally posted by Hart
      The new generation would be the Fujifilm Apeos C7070
      I had some basic training on this series, which is super easy for a technician to troubleshoot.
      thank you – I'll check it out in detail. At a quick glance it very much looks like the AltaLink or PrimeLink series. Maybe they are not so bad afterall?

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      • emmascott63
        Junior Member
        • Jul 2025
        • 2

        #4
        I’ve also had a love-hate relationship with Xerox—great print quality and stock handling, but when something breaks, it feels like you need a degree just to open a panel. I’ve heard Konica Minolta machines are a bit more forgiving when it comes to servicing, but not sure how they handle heavy duplex work compared to the C8170. Anyone using them for packaging prototypes? heardle

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        • lossstarry
          Junior Member
          • Jun 2025
          • 3

          #5
          Originally posted by emmascott63
          Stickman Hook I’ve also had a love-hate relationship with Xerox—great print quality and stock handling, but when something breaks, it feels like you need a degree just to open a panel. I’ve heard Konica Minolta machines are a bit more forgiving when it comes to servicing, but not sure how they handle heavy duplex work compared to the C8170. Anyone using them for packaging prototypes?
          The Konica Minolta is easier to maintain, opening the machine and clearing jams faster than the Xerox. High volume duplexing is fine, but the C8170 is a bit more durable in the long run. The Konica is fine for packaging samples as long as the paper isn’t too thick or heavily inked.

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