MSRP $17,845
The Quadient AS-850 is all the things you loved about the Rena XT 3.0 and Rena XT 4.0, without the not-so-lovable parts! It’s nice to have a manufacturer that listens to the end-users and technicians! I’ll explain the most significant improvements later; for now, let’s get into what’s new!
With a total of 4 inches of print height, there isn’t much you can’t do on the Quadient AS-850. With three print banks, two ea banks with 1 inch of print and one bank with 2 inches of print. Each bank can be positioned anywhere in a 10.75-inch path on the mailer.
The redesigned control panel with a touch screen interface on the Quadient AS-850 is a vast improvement! Featuring quick control buttons to the left and right of the display. The new GUI makes setup, operation, and troubleshooting a whole lot easier!
The new touchscreen display is the biggest improvement! Easier to use, and navigate, and a lot more user-friendly. The display of the Quadient AS-850, AS-650, and AS-450 explain the most common error messages.
The Rena AS-850 has a wholly redesigned head height adjustment. All the electronics of raising and lowering the heads are gone. Replaced a mechanical lift that will last ten times longer.
An exit roller that was driven by a small O-Ring is gone on the Quadient AS-830. The o-ring-driven roller was good if you happen to be accident-prone and tend to be a bit careless around equipment. However, the o-ring doesn’t last forever, and calling for service because of a $10 part, tends to make customers mad. Getting slapped with a $280 bill for 15 minutes of work and a tend dollar part will make even the best clients upset! Especially if that $10 part put them out of business for a day or 2.
A smarter line of inks and print heads. The new line of Rena EASYInk earns its EASY label. Now the printer recognizes the ink you put in the stall and optimizes the settings on that specific head! This feature is typically only found on floor model equipment. Now, on the Quadient AS-850, AS-650, and AS450, it’s done automatically.
FEEDERS: Purchase the Quadient AS-850 with the AS-FDR14, and they call it System Package AS-850S. I’m not sure, but I believe the S on the end stands for SIMPLE! And the AS-FDR14 does just that. Pairing a great printer with an outdated feeder may drive your operator crazy! The AS-FDR14 interfaces with the Quadient AS-850 to pause between trays and packs. It also makes sure your mailer enters the printer straight! By using guides that guide the mailer completely through the feeder and straight into the printer. This feeder utilizes bow separation eliminating pinch points that wear down rollers and belts on lesser feeders. Replacing the feed belts can be done in 15 minutes by the operator. No technician is needed! The separator is even easier to replace.
Conveyor Dryers: If your only printing basic envelopes, most of the time, you can get away without a conveyor or dryer. But if you are to print anything close to coated with your Quadient AS-850, a conveyor is a must. Even better, a conveyor dryer! Nothing cripples the productivity of a printer like the Quadient AS-850 more than the ink not drying on the mailer!
If you do not need 4 inches of print, save your money and look at the Quadient AS-650, then spend the savings on a better drying system.