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Buying a production printer isn’t like picking out a new office copier. It’s a big investment that can shape how your organization produces marketing materials, manages workloads, and even finds new revenue streams. But with so many options on the market, it’s no surprise that many organizations feel overwhelmed by the decision.
The truth is that the “best” printer isn’t the same for everyone. A small nonprofit that needs to print fundraising newsletters has completely different needs than an enterprise in-plant running thousands of transactional statements a day. Even within the same industry, one school might need vibrant posters for student events while another is producing yearbooks and booklets that require more advanced finishing.
That’s where expertise matters. At STPT, we’ve worked with a wide range of businesses, nonprofits, and institutions to help them find the right production printer.
In this guide, we’ll break down Xerox’s production printer lineup, highlight what each device is best suited for, and give you a clearer path to figuring out which one might be the right fit for you.
If you’d like a broader look at Xerox’s production print solutions, including software and finishing options, check out our Guide to Xerox Production Print Solutions.
Table of Contents
- Entry-Level Light Production: Xerox PrimeLink Series
- Mid-Range Production: Xerox Versant 280 Press
- Advanced Production: Xerox Versant 4100 Press
- Premium Specialty Production: Xerox Iridesse Production Press
- Quick Comparison Summary
Entry-Level Light Production: Xerox PrimeLink Series
If you’re just stepping into the world of production print, the Xerox PrimeLink family is often the best starting point. It’s the bridge between an office printer and a full-scale production press. Learn more about the difference between office printers and production printers here.
PrimeLink C9200 Series (Color):
- Ideal for schools, nonprofits, and marketing teams that need professional-quality brochures, booklets, and posters.
- Handles a wide range of paper stocks and finishing options.
- Designed for growing organizations that want a future-proof, versatile production device.
Check out our in-depth reviews of the C9200 Series:
Download the PrimeLink C9200 Series brochure here.
PrimeLink B9100 Series (Black & White):
- Perfect for high-volume, cost-conscious environments like universities, churches, and enterprises producing manuals, booklets, and course materials.
- Lower cost per page than color while still offering professional finishing.
Check out our in-depth reviews of the B9100 Series:
Download the PrimeLink B9100 Series brochure here.
The PrimeLink series offers a versatile and expandable foundation that can accommodate a wide range of printing needs. Depending on the Series you choose, you can create vibrant marketing materials or manage high volumes of black-and-white documents.
Mid-Range Production: Xerox Versant 280 Press
For organizations that have outgrown entry-level solutions but aren’t quite ready for the demands of high-volume publishing, the Xerox Versant 280 hits the sweet spot.
Who It’s For:
- Universities and in-plant print shops producing course packets, recruitment materials, and event signage.
- Marketing agencies that want to expand into higher-margin specialty applications.
- Print shops serving local businesses with short to medium-run jobs.
Why It Works:
- Consistently sharp image quality, even on long runs.
- Automation tools (like Xerox’s SIQA) that reduce setup time and keep color accurate.
- Compatible with Adaptive CMYK+ Kits for metallics, fluorescents, white, and clear.
- Strong balance of volume, versatility, and affordability.
Check out our full Versant 280 review here.
Download the Versant 280 brochure here.
Advanced Production: Xerox Versant 4100 Press
When volume and efficiency become priorities, the Versant 4100 provides more horsepower without sacrificing quality.
Who It’s For:
- Regional print shops handling large direct mail campaigns.
- Enterprises producing regular customer communications.
- In-plants with demanding deadlines and high throughput.
Why It Works:
- Speed and automation designed for heavy workloads.
- Offset-like quality with digital flexibility.
- Broad media support, making it capable of handling specialty projects alongside everyday print.
Check out our full Versant 4100 Press review here.
Download the Versant 4100 Press brochure here.
Premium Specialty Production: Xerox Iridesse Production Press
For organizations that want to push creative boundaries, the Xerox Iridesse is the flagship digital press designed for standout print.
Who It’s For:
- Agencies focused on premium marketing campaigns.
- Print providers looking to upsell high-value applications like packaging, invitations, and direct mail.
- Brands competing in crowded markets that need eye-catching materials.
Why It Works:
- Prints up to six colors in a single pass, combining CMYK with specialty colors like metallics, fluorescents, and clear.
- Advanced finishing and embellishment options that create tactile, high-impact pieces.
- Allows businesses to offer unique, high-margin print services competitors may not provide.
Download the Iridesse Press brochure here.
Quick Comparison
Matching the Printer to the Need
The truth is, there isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” production printer. The right solution depends on your volume, your applications, and how much value you want to add to your print. A nonprofit looking to save on newsletters doesn’t need the same device as a creative agency aiming to wow luxury clients.
That’s why it’s helpful to think of Xerox’s production lineup as a spectrum. You start with the versatile PrimeLink and go to the high-volume Iridesse, along with everything in between. No matter where your needs fall, there’s probably a printer designed to meet them.
Xerox recently announced three brand new production machines that will be unveiled at PRINTING UNITED in Florida later in 2025. As soon as these product are revealed to the public we will add them to this blog.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you’ve seen how the PrimeLink, Versant, and Iridesse, each serve different needs, it’s time to find the one that fits your organization.
Request a Quote for a Xerox Production Printer to start customizing the right solution for you.
Or, if you’re still weighing your options, check out our guide: Is a Production Printer Right for Your Business? + Costs to learn more about ROI and what to expect.
