Danka Introduces New Accessories to Enhance Performance of Heidelberg Digimaster 9110.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 12, 2000

Danka Business Systems PLC (Nasdaq:DANKY), a worldwide leader in office imaging equipment, announced today the availability of several new Heidelberg hardware accessories, as well as a new Heidelberg software platform for the Heidelberg Digimaster 9110 Imaging System. These new product offerings were designed to further enhance digital printing productivity and workflow.

Hardware accessories include the Imagedirect(TM) 665 Production Scanner, the Heidelberg Inserter and the Heidelberg Perfect Binder manufactured by C.P. Bourg. The new ImageSmart(TM) Workflow Suite Software platform consists of the ImageSmart Document Mastering Software along with the workstation and the ImageSmart Production Software.

"We are excited to add these new Heidelberg offerings to our existing product portfolio that already includes the Fiery DPS 9110 front-end solution we developed in collaboration with Electronics For Imaging (EFI)," said Brian Merriman, President and Chief Operating Officer of Danka Office Imaging. "By having multiple offerings, Danka has the ability to customize solutions tailored to the specific requirements of our customers," Merriman added, "Danka remains committed to working with Heidelberg and our other software partners to develop and provide innovative technology that further enhances the powerful performance of the Digimaster 9110."

High Speed Scanning At 600 DPI 

Designed to complement the 9110's benchmark image quality and high volume printing capabilities, the Imagedirect 665 Production Scanner features true 600 by 600 dots per inch (dpi) Optical Capture, and a continuous loading document feeder for fast processing of 65 pages per minute (ppm).

Auto duplexing enables users to scan documents in faster due to a smooth paper path and precision engineering. Heidelberg technology ensures precisely registered page images at full rated speed. A new software suite optimizes scanning operations with flexible features allowing users full-scale flexibility - the ability to scan, assemble, edit, proof, store, modify and print documents.

The Imagedirect has an average duty cycle of 100,000 scans per month, with a peak capability of 300,000 scans per month, and accepts up to 110-pound paper, in sizes ranging from 5 1/2 x 8 1/2-inches to 11 x 17-inches.

"The Imagedirect 665 Production Scanner is offering superior productivity, dependable and high quality reliability, on-board diagnostic capabilities and unsurpassed image quality to our customers," said Sam Errigo, Danka Vice President of Digital Marketing. "It far outperforms other scanners in its category and gives 9110 users a high-end quality digital printing experience from start to finish."

Insert Color Images Easily

With the use of color in print on demand materials growing exponentially, businesses of all types are taking advantage of this new way to stand out from the competition. With the new Post Process Inserter, 9110 users can safely and easily incorporate pre-printed stock materials (including color) for in-line finishing at the full-rated speed of 110 images per minute (ipm).

The Post Process Inserter provides post-fuser paper insertion, eliminating the danger that color inks or photos in pre-printed materials will be damaged by heat when they are fed through the machine. This feature lets customers take full advantage of the 9110's extensive finishing capabilities, such as saddle-stitching and pamphlet-making, to incorporate both black and white and color documents into one finished product.

The inserter has three paper drawers, for a total of nine paper supplies, increasing the capacity of the Digimaster by 4,000 sheets of paper. This increases the machine's capacity to 12,000 sheets, making it more convenient than ever to print on demand.

Perfect Binding For Book Making

Manufactured by C.P. Bourg and supported by Heidelberg, the Inline Perfect Binder features hot bind technology to produce off-line binding of books and booklets as small as 2 1/3 x 4-inches up to 12 x 14-inches. Booklets ranging from as few as 15 sheets of paper up to those 1 1/2-inches thick can be bound, pressure fed and trimmed online.

An automatic cover feeder has the ability to handle various cover stocks. Customers can choose from a variety of different cover types, ranging from glossy paper, with or without dye-cuts, to kromekote or transparent front cover stock, depending on their particular application and business need.

All three new accessories are expected to be available by the end of this year and are compatible with existing DigiSource and Digimaster equipment.

Danka Business Systems PLC, headquartered in London, England and St. Petersburg, Florida is one of the world's largest independent suppliers of office imaging equipment and related services, parts and supplies. Danka provides office products and services from more than 29 countries around the world. For additional information about copier, printer and other office imaging products from Danka, visit the website at www.danka.com or call 1-8000-OK-DANKA.

Heidelberg Digital is a division of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg), the world's largest printing and publishing solutions provider. The division designs and manufactures high-performance digital printing systems, including electrophotographic equipment; high-quality scanners for graphic and prepress applications; prepress output equipment; digital workflow management systems for prepress and printing applications; and digital finishing systems. With headquarters in Rochester, N.Y. and facilities in England, Germany and Mexico, the division employs 3,100 of Heidelberg's 24,000 employees worldwide. Marketing of Heidelberg Digital-manufactured black-and-white products is performed by NexPress Solutions L.L.C., a Heidelberg-Kodak joint venture.