Our history

2016 - ColorGrip introduced

ColorGrip for Océ VarioPrint i-series introduced. A new approach to increasing inkjet print quality and adhesion on multiple substrates on the VarioPrint i-series.

2015 - Océ metaljet

Océ metaljet technology introduced for jetting of molten metal.

2015 - Océ POWERsync

WARP controller branded as Océ POWERsync. Introduced for the Océ ColorWave series.

2014 - irista

irista photo library in the could introduced. Canon’s irista makes online photo storage easy, and means you no longer have to search your hard drive, Facebook page or countless USBs when looking to relive that special memory.

2008 - Sustainability strategy

A clear sustainability strategy is formulated, to be integrated into Océ’s business model, strategic planning processes, and daily operations.

2008 - Océ radiant fusing

Introduction of Océ Radiant fusing

Océ Radiant Fusing is an Eco friendly fusing method providing instant-on machine availability with no warm-up time. It consumes less energy and emits less noise and ozone when compared to other fusing methods. In addition to the environmental benefits, it also provides incredible, consistent quality.

2008 - CrystalPoint

Océ CrystalPoint and Toner Pearls introduced Oce Cobalt Pearl- 0012

2007 - Coloring

Océ introduces new world standard in color printing, building its leading market position. Océ has introduced a new world standard for color printing that enables direct marketing customers to significantly improve their business. The Océ JetStream, a high-speed full color inkjet printing system, can process over 60 million pages a month.

2006 - Industry leading printing system in graphic arts market introduced

Océ introduces new industry leading printing system in fast-growing graphic arts market. Océ launched a new industry-leading printing system for the graphic arts market with the introduction of the Océ Arizona 250 GT. This advanced printing system brings a new standard to the fast-growing graphic arts market, enabling companies to significantly improve the image quality of outdoor advertising and banners, amongst others.

2006 - Océ OCEAN

Introduction of Océ OCEAN style for software

In 2006, the Océ OCEAN corporate GUI style was introduced. In the same year it has won an IF communication design award in the digital media category. The iF award jury of international design experts recognized the user-friendly concept and complexity-free operation of Océ OCEAN at all levels.

2006 - Océ Gemini technology

Océ invents a better way to duplex with Océ Gemini technology

Océ decided to bypass evolution and introduce a revolution in digital cutsheet printing. In 2006, the first cutsheet printer to feature Gemini Instant Duplex technology is introduced, the Océ VarioPrint® 6250, the world’s fastest duplex printer. By simultaneously printing both sides of a sheet while maintaining 100% accurate registration and offset-like quality, Océ has raised the benchmark for high volume cutsheet printing like never before.

1994 - Océ Image Logic

Océ introduced Océ Image Logic, a technology that automatically gives users perfect quality copies and printed originals every time

Océ Image Logic scans and converts hard copy information into a digital format. The result is easier, faster, and more reliable copying, from every original, with combined text and photographs, all at full engine speed. The technology automatically optimizes all scans and/or copies for a perfect reproduction of text, photos, and fine drawings. With this software, perfect scans and copies can be made in a very productive way – without the need for any user interference.

1983 - First large format copier equipment

The Océ 7500 was the first large format copier equipment which could make black & white copies on plain paper up to A0 format.

Following the line of copiers for the office market, Océ introduced electrophotography for the drawing office as well. In 1983 the Océ 7500 was the first large format copier equipment which could make black & white copies on plain paper up to A0 format. By the end of the 1980s, it was possible to make large format color prints, with the Océ 7900, using penplotting technology.

1980's - Direct Imaging Process

Océ once again entered a completely new field and developed a technology entirely of its own: D.I.P. or Direct Imaging Process.

1960's - Copying on plain paper

Copying on “plain paper” became important.

In the 1960s copying on “plain paper,” or the xerographic process, became important. Staying current, Océ developed its own plain paper copier for the office market, the Océ 1700, which was available from the start of the 1970s. The Océ 1700’s developing process was the model for the development of the Océ 1900, which was introduced in 1981. This equipment was designed for toner and transfusion technology developed within Océ. These technologies are still applied in Océ equipment.

1937 - Transparent paper

An extremely important commercial invention came with the discovery of “Transparent paper.”

This process could cheaply produce a copy of an original that could be used to make a limitless number of copies. For once, no patent was applied for on this discovery. This was probably because Louis and the patent department, which he has set up in the meantime, acknowledged that the invention did not qualify for patent. Production was therefore surrounded by the utmost secrecy. No one outside the company was given the recipe. Attempts by licensees to copy the material were constantly unsuccessful.

1927 - Ohne Componente

Lodewijk’s grandson, Louis, invents a diazo coating that requires no ammonia component during the development.

He notes it with O.C., abbreviated German for Ohne Componente, or Without Components. A name is born. Louis and Karel’s efforts at perfecting the system were successful. When they launched their “semi-dry diazo process,” Kalle withdrew its legal action and finally acknowledged that the Van der Grinten brothers’ invention was unique. The process was brought onto the market in 1930 under the name Océ, which was simply an abbreviation for “Ohne Componente” – which means “without components” in German. In 1931, Van der Grinten ceased selling Premulin paper and focused almost entirely on the new Océ.

1927 - Diazo paper

Van der Grinten presented his own development of a light-sensitive diazo paper, Primulin paper.

After Kalle’s patent application Louis concentrated on diazo compounds, and this was not without success. In 1927, he launched his first product: Primulin. Primulin paper gave strong black lines on a white background. From then on the company made two products for copying in the drawing room: blueprinting material and Primulin.

1919 - Blueprint

Start of production of a blueprint material developed by Louis van der Grinten, one of Frans’ sons.

Following a loss-making year in 1918, Frans van der Grinten decided to use his knowledge of pigments to research into blueprint materials. The first steps in this market were the production of blueprint paper, popularly used in the 1920s to replicate line drawings. These were not the black and white copies common today: they produced blue paper with a white line drawing, hence the name “blueprint.” With this product, the company entered the copier market.

1902 - First production hall

Frans built the first production hall for the industrial manufacture of butter coloring.

In 1902 Frans built the first production hall for the industrial manufacture of butter coloring, and the company entered a new period of prosperity, lasting until the outbreak of the First World War in 1914.