Choosing a digital colour press for your print room, studio or print shop? PrimeLink or Versant?

The Xerox PrimeLink C9281 and Xerox Versant 280 are both 80+ page per minute digital colour presses that handle 400gsm stock, booklets and banners. On the face of it they look very similar, but one is built for versatile in-house and corporate print, and the other for high-volume production. This guide explains the differences and which digital colour press suits your business.

How does the Xerox PrimeLink Colour C9281 compare to the Xerox Versant 280?

That’s a question that I’m sure must be on many people’s minds, well maybe not everyone’s mind, but certainly someone who is interested in buying a digital press.

• Xerox PrimeLink C9265
• Xerox PrimeLink C9275
• Xerox PrimeLink C9281
• Xerox Versant 280 (pre-owned)

Customers ask us why should they buy a Xerox PrimeLink C9281 over a Xerox Versant 280?

On the face of it you might just think that they are pretty much the same. After all, they both print as fast as 80+ pages per minute, they both require Fiery controllers as mandatory, they both have a wide range of options including full trim capable booklet makers, High-Capacity Feeders etc.

Although the C9281 and the Versant 280 are the closest matched, this guide is also helpful if you’re looking for a Xerox PrimeLink C9265 or C9275.

Cost is one thing, but which one is right for you? Hopefully if we’ve done our job properly, by the time you get to the end of this article, you’ll also know which is the right Xerox press for you.

Who needs a digital colour press?

• Print shops and copy shops (print for pay).
• In-house marketing teams and corporate reprographics rooms.
• Graphic designers, agencies and publishers who need accurate, brand-consistent colour.
• Schools, universities and councils producing prospectuses, booklets and signage in-house.

First off, we’ll compare the features and specifications, a head-to-head if you like. Feeds and speeds, as we say in the trade. Then we’ll get into the type of work that each press is good at and the key differentiators.

Buckle up as this is a full in-depth review and comparison that you’ll not find elsewhere on the internet.

PrimeLink C9281 vs Versant 280: basic specifications

Print speeds

• Xerox PrimeLink C9265 – 65 pages per minute colour
• Xerox PrimeLink C9275 – 75 pages per minute colour
• Xerox PrimeLink C9281 – 81 pages per minute colour
• Versant 280 – 80 pages per minute

Monthly print capability

• PrimeLink C9200 – 60,000 per month
• Versant 280 – 150,000 per month

Fiery hardware and software differences

All Versant presses are reliant upon EFI Fiery servers to drive them, whereas you can have a PrimeLink C9265 and C9275 without a Fiery. A Fiery controller is mandatory on the PrimeLink C9281 though.

You can choose between an internal or external Fiery on both the PrimeLink and Versant models. On both the Versant 280 and PrimeLink C9200 Series, the internal and external Fierys all run on the latest FS600 platform.

Both the PrimeLink and Versant External Fierys come with Impose as standard. It is an optional extra on the internal Fierys.

Feeding options

The PrimeLink and Versant Presses have an array of optional paper feeding and Hi-Capacity Feeders. The table below shows the options available for each model.

Feeding capabilities: heavy stock, banners and vacuum feed

Both the PrimeLink C92XX Series and Versant 280 will handle up to 400GSM media.

The PrimeLink can print on to Banner or Extra Long Sheets (XLS) up to 1,300MM long and 220GSM weight.

Versant models can print on to Extra Long Sheets (XLS) up to 660MM as standard.

One of the big differentiators between the PrimeLink C9200 series and the Versant 280 is the optional Vacuum Feeder Kit, this puts the Versant into serious production territory.

With the vacuum feed kit the Versant 280 can print on to even longer Sheets up to 1.2M long and can even duplex on to XLS sheets.

Also, for those into serious production use, the High Capacity Feeders on the Versant 280 benefit from Vacuum feeding, whereas the PrimeLink feeders are friction fed.

Finishing options

There are lots of finishing options on both the PrimeLink and Versant Presses, all of which are listed below.

Finishing capability, envelopes and registration

The Versant will print on Envelopes down to as small as 98MM X 148MM. The PrimeLink goes one step further and prints on to A7 size envelopes (74MM x 105MM).

The PrimeLink also uses an advanced HD Emulsion Aggregate Toner found on the Xerox Iridesse.

The PrimeLink has cutting-edge registration technology for tight control with a tolerance of +/- 0.5mm. The Versant isn’t quite as good, with a tolerance of +/- 1.0mm.

The Versant 280 really shows its production capabilities again as it can accommodate third party finishing from manufacturers such as Plockmatic and Duplo. Third party finishing is not available on the PrimeLink C9200 Series.

Workflow and productivity

Both the PrimeLink and Versant series come with Simple Image Quality Adjustment (SIQA) tool. This is a Semi-automated adjustment that simplifies registration and image quality.

On the Versant 280 series there is an All Stocks Rated Speed (ASRS) option. This includes an upgraded de-curler module to increase the throughput speed on heavy stocks to deliver the full rated 80PPM on stocks up to 400GSM

For the ultimate in production performance the Versant 280 has an optional Performance Package. The Performance Package comes with an upgraded de-curler module and X-Rite In-Line Spectrophotometer (ILS). The Performance Package also includes Fiery’s Color Profiler Suite, working alongside the ILS-driven Automated Color Quality Suite.

Like the basic Versant 280, the PrimeLink will slow down according to the type and weight of the media being used.

Both the PrimeLink and Versant Presses can benefit from the use of an optional Fiery ES-3000 Spectrophotometer when combined with the Fiery Colour Profiler Suite. The Versant 280 with the Performance Pack comes with this as standard as well as an inline Spectrophotometer for automated quality control.

The PrimeLink can benefit from Apps available through the Xerox App Gallery.

Operator productivity

Xerox boasts more Customer Replaceable Units (CRU) than any other manufacturer. Meaning that your press can keep running, without the need for an engineer to attend. For example, the fuser is a customer replaceable item on both the Versant and PrimeLink.

Compared to the PrimeLink, the Versant 280 has many more automation and workflow tools that assists busy operators in production environments. In fact there are so many that the subject deserves to be covered in a separate blog; watch this space.

Adaptive CMYK+ specialty colours

The Versant 280 Series has the option of being fitted with the Adaptive CMYK+ kit featuring Specialty Inks in Gold, Silver, White, Clear, and far-out Fluorescents.

The Adaptive CMYK kit option was available on the previous PrimeLink C90XX Series but it isn’t currently available on the new PrimeLink C92XX Series. Xerox have not stated whether it will, or won’t be available in the future.

Screen features

The PrimeLink C9200 Series has a Large LED Capacitive Touch Screen, and a built in Proximity Wakeup sensor. The PrimeLink screen can also be accessed remotely. By comparison, the Versant does use a rather old-fashioned LCD screen, with no wake up sensor or remote access.

How do the costs compare?

We compared the official list prices for matching configurations. At its most basic level, with an offset catch tray and internal Fiery, a Versant 280 costs just over 5% more than a PrimeLink C9281.

With dual high capacity feeders, a Pro booklet maker and an external Fiery, the two are almost identical in price, because the PrimeLink external Fiery includes Compose, which is an optional extra on the Versant 280. Add Compose to the Versant and it again costs around 4-5% more.

On a like-for-like basis, a Versant 280 costs around 5% more than a PrimeLink C9281. List prices rarely reflect what you will pay after discounts and promotions, so ask us for a current quote and leasing options.

Service costs

An all-inclusive cost per print depends on the volume you are willing to commit to. In our experience, typical service costs per colour print are very similar for the PrimeLink and the Versant 280, so running costs should not decide between them.

Verdict: which digital colour press should you choose?

There are many similarities between the PrimeLink C9281 and Versant 280 presses, in fact we’d say there are more similarities than there are differences, especially at the entry level.

Whether your budget is at the entry-level or much higher, we would choose the PrimeLink if you have a walk-in type of copy shop, or if you are an in-house marketing team or graphic designer.

In our opinion, the PrimeLink is more versatile for a wider range of users and is particularly well suited to a corporate environment. It can bridge the needs of casual office users as well as simultaneously cater for high-level design requirements.

If you are more of a jobbing printer or running traditional high volume print jobs in a busy print shop, we would go for the Versant 280. It suits higher volumes and has the ability to increase performance with the options and add-ons not available on the PrimeLink C9281.

Weighing up a Konica Minolta alternative for a print room or CRD? See our guide to the Konica Minolta AccurioPrint C751i Flux.

What should be included in a quote for a digital colour press?

• The exact configuration: feeders, finisher, booklet maker, trimmer and any vacuum feed or performance package.
• Which Fiery controller (internal or external) and whether Impose and Compose are included.
• Delivery, installation, colour calibration and operator training.
• A service agreement with the cost per mono and colour page, what is included and the guaranteed response time.
• The contract length, minimum volumes and annual price increases.

Should you buy, lease or rent?

Most UK businesses finance a digital colour press rather than paying outright. Buying gives the lowest total cost if you keep the machine for five years or more. Leasing spreads the cost over a fixed term (usually three to five years) and keeps cash free for the business. Renting suits short projects or businesses that need flexibility.

Our guide to buying, leasing or renting an office multifunction printer explains the pros and cons of each option in plain English.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the Xerox PrimeLink C9281 and Versant 280?

Both print at around 80 pages per minute on stock up to 400gsm. The Versant 280 is built for higher volumes (150,000 pages a month versus 60,000), with vacuum feeding, third-party finishing and inline colour control. The PrimeLink is more versatile for corporate and in-house use, with better registration, A7 envelope printing and banner sheets up to 1,300mm.

Does the Xerox PrimeLink need a Fiery?

A Fiery is optional on the PrimeLink C9265 and C9275 and mandatory on the C9281. All Versant presses need a Fiery.

Can a digital colour press print banners?

Yes. The PrimeLink prints extra long sheets up to 1,300mm at up to 220gsm. The Versant 280 prints 660mm as standard and up to 1.2m with the vacuum feed kit.

Which is better for a print shop?

For traditional high-volume jobbing print, the Versant 280. For a walk-in copy shop, in-house marketing team or designer, the PrimeLink.

Are running costs different?

In our experience, typical service costs per colour print are very similar.

Get expert advice on a digital colour press

Scriptum Document Solutions supplies, installs and supports Xerox PrimeLink and Versant digital colour presses across the UK. We will look at your workload, stock and finishing, and recommend the right press and Fiery.

See the Xerox PrimeLink Colour range, the Xerox Versant 280 and our pre-owned digital presses, or read our PrimeLink C9200 vs C9065 / C9070 guide.

Call us on 0800 011 2858, email interface@scriptumds.co.uk or fill in the short form below and we will come back to you.

Email us for a quote

About the author: Grant Wassell

For several decades Grant has been a recognised industry expert and authority in the field of copying, print and technology for business users.

Grant founded Scriptum Document Solutions and is passionate about helping businesses make reliable informed decisions on their deployment of office technology, especially multi-function print devices.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/grantwassell/