Canon Introduces the Inspection Unit C1, an Automated Inspection Solution for Commercial Printing
SINGAPORE, 19 January 2026 — Canon today announced the launch of the Inspection Unit C1, an advanced accessory for the imagePRESS V series colour production printer. This innovative solution automates the inspection of variable data and barcodes which are often unreadable to the human eye. This ensures the delivery of remarkable precision and productivity for print service providers.
As the demand for personalised and data-driven printing continues to grow, traditional manual inspection methods have become increasingly challenging, leading to potential errors and operational inefficiencies. The Inspection Unit C1 addresses these issues by integrating advanced inspection capabilities directly into the printing process. It verifies barcodes during printing against pre-registered data, ensures consistency of text on both sides of printed materials, and monitors colour stability for brand-critical jobs.
By leveraging Auto Reference Data (ARD) technology, which uses RIP data as a reference image, inspections are performed with exceptional accuracy and minimal user intervention. Defective sheets are automatically purged and reprinted, ensuring flawless output without any disruption to production.
Beyond operational efficiency, the Inspection Unit C1 provides users with insights through comprehensive reporting. Detailed inspection results can be easily exported in PDF or CSV formats, providing trackable printed records that assure customers that their data remains secure. This capability is particularly valuable for businesses handling confidential documents or jobs requiring strict colour management, such as corporate branding materials and product catalogues. This also ensures that no additional copies of customer data are printed unnecessarily and can be accounted for.
"The launch of the Inspection Unit C1 in Asia represents a significant step forward in our commitment to innovation and customer success. By automating complex inspection tasks, we empower print service providers to deliver superior output with confidence and efficiency," said Katsuya (Kurt) Tode, Director, Regional Commercial and Industrial Printing, Canon Singapore.
Beyond a technological upgrade, the Inspection Unit C1 is a strategic solution for print service providers seeking to improve reliability, reduce waste, and meet the evolving demands of modern commercial printing.
About Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Canon is a global leader in photographic and digital imaging solutions. Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd. is the headquarters for South & Southeast Asia driving sales, marketing and service strategies. Besides handling the domestic market, the company covers 22 other countries and regions. The parent company Canon Inc. has a global network of more than 300 companies and employs about 170,000 people worldwide. Canon is guided by its kyosei philosophy that focuses on living and working together for the common good.
More information is available at https://asia.canon.
