Meet Canon’s New imageFORCE Series: C5100 (Color) and 6100 (Mono)

Canon’s imageFORCE lineup brings a fresh platform built for mid-to-high-volume teams that need speed, quality, and enterprise-grade security. The series introduces Canon’s D² Exposure Technology, which uses OLED-based solid state exposure to deliver up to 4800 x 2400 dpi output for crisp text, fine lines, and consistent tones. Both series also support rapid single-pass duplex scanning up to 270 images per minute and the same streamlined user experience across models.

What they are

• imageFORCE C5100: A3 color multifunction printers for teams that need vibrant color output plus fast scanning. Models run from 40 to 70 ppm and include optional imagePASS-T1 controller support for color-critical or complex jobs.
  
  
• imageFORCE 6100: A3 monochrome multifunction printers focused on sharp black-and-white output with the same high scan speeds and 4800 x 2400 dpi print resolution. Models run at 55, 60, and 70 ppm.
  
  

Across both, Canon adds the Unified Firmware Platform so devices can receive ongoing feature and security updates, and a security stack that includes Verify System at Startup, FIPS 140-3 storage encryption, SIEM integration, and Trellix Embedded Control.

What’s New

• Higher native detail: D² Exposure with OLED targets up to 4800 x 2400 dpi for text clarity and fine lines that stand out on forms, contracts, and marketing pieces.
  
  
• Faster digitization: Single-pass duplex scanning up to 270 ipm helps push paper workflows into cloud apps and ECM systems with less bottleneck.
  
  
• Enterprise hardening out of the box: Verify at Startup, FIPS 140-3 encryption, SIEM hooks, and whitelisting to help align with modern security programs.
  
  
• Consistent UI, shared options: A 10.1" touchscreen, familiar iconography, and common finishing and feeding options simplify training and fleet management.
  
  

How C5100 and 6100 differ from each other

• Color vs. mono: C5100 is full color; 6100 is monochrome. Choose C5100 for client-facing color materials and 6100 for cost-efficient B&W document production.
  
  
• Model ranges:
  
  
  • C5100: C5140/C5150/C5160/C5170 at 40/50/60/70 ppm.
    
    
  • 6100: 6155/6160/6170 at 55/60/70 ppm.
    
    
• Controller options: C5100 lists optional imagePASS-T1 and dual-controller support for color workflows; the 6100 brochure emphasizes core platform capabilities without an imagePASS option noted.
  
  
• Footprint and weight: Both share the same dimensions; C5100 is ~231.5 lb, 6100 is ~207.2 lb.
  
  

Which industries could benefit from the new imageFORCE

• Education and enterprise departments: C5100 at 60–70 ppm suits busy campus copy rooms and enterprise teams that need color charts, flyers, and training materials at volume.
  
  
• Coworking and professional offices: C5100 at 50 ppm or 6100 at 55 ppm map well to shared floors where speed and scanning matter day to day.
  
  
• Finance and insurance: 6100 at 60 ppm is positioned for higher-volume B&W document workflows with fast scanning and precise output.
  
  
• Security-sensitive environments: Any site with strict IT standards benefits from the platform’s Verify at Startup, FIPS 140-3, SIEM integration, and Trellix controls.
  
  

imageFORCE C5100 vs. 6100: Quick Comparison

How to choose

• Need color brochures, training decks, or client-facing materials at speed? Start with the C5100. Scale from 40–70 ppm and add imagePASS-T1 if you handle complex color or tight brand requirements.
  
  
• Running high-volume B&W workflows with strict IT standards? The 6100 keeps costs in check while offering fast scans and a strong security posture. Finance and insurance are clear fits at 60 ppm.