Your Guide to Formax ColorMax High-Speed Color Printers

Formax ColorMax printers are a line of high-speed digital color printing systems designed for mailing and labeling applications. These printers use advanced inkjet technology to produce professional full-color output on envelopes, letters, labels, and more – all with the ability to personalize each piece with variable data like addresses or barcodes. In other words, ColorMax printers let businesses print vibrant, full-color mailings and labels in-house, on demand, at a fraction of the cost and time of traditional methods. Whether you need to print hundreds of address envelopes for a mailing campaign or custom product labels in short runs, the Formax ColorMax line has a solution to get it done quickly and efficiently.

What Are Formax ColorMax Printers Used For?

Formax ColorMax printers are specialized digital color printers primarily used for high-volume mailing and labeling tasks. Unlike standard office printers, ColorMax systems are built to handle envelopes, postcards, letterhead, and labels at extremely fast speeds while printing in full CMYK color. This makes them ideal for applications such as:

• Envelope Printing & Addressing: ColorMax envelope printers can print addresses, return addresses, logos, and even postage indicia or barcodes directly onto envelopes at thousands per hour. Each envelope can be uniquely addressed (variable data printing) for direct mail campaigns, billing statements, invitations, etc. in a single pass.
  
  
• Full-Color Mailing Pieces: Because they support full-bleed color printing up to 8.5″ wide, you can create eye-catching marketing mailers with company branding, colorful graphics, or personalized messages on each piece. This capability is great for promotional postcards, holiday cards, or any mailed item where full-color impact is desired.
  
  
• Windowed Envelopes & Letterhead: ColorMax inkjet technology prints without heat or contact, meaning it won’t damage window envelopes or pre-printed letterhead. You can safely print addresses on envelopes that have cellophane windows, or add color logos and text to your organization’s letterhead and forms.
  
  
• Variable Data & Barcoding: These systems excel at variable-data printing – for example, printing a unique name, address, barcode, or QR code on each piece for personalized mailings. They can produce high-quality barcodes and USPS automation codes at high speed for mailing efficiency.
  
  
• Labels and Packaging: The ColorMax LP model (Label Printer) is designed specifically for producing full-color labels. Businesses use it to print product labels, shipping labels with color logos, packaging stickers, and more on rolls of label stock. It prints vibrant, professional labels at up to 60 feet per minute, which is ideal for on-demand label production.
  
  

Formax ColorMax printers are used wherever there is a need for fast, on-demand color printing on paper media beyond the capability of a normal office copier or toner printer. They let you bring tasks like envelope addressing, direct mail marketing, and label printing in-house – saving time and outsourcing costs while adding the power of personalization and color to your documents.

Who Can Benefit from ColorMax Printers?

Many organizations that produce mailings or labels in volume can benefit from the ColorMax line. Here are some of the businesses and departments that find these printers especially useful:

• Mail Centers and Fulfillment Houses: Companies or service bureaus that handle large mail merges, billing statements, or direct mail campaigns can vastly speed up envelope addressing and personalize mailers with ColorMax printers. The high throughput (thousands of envelopes per hour) and variable data capability are ideal for bulk mailing operations.
  
  
• Corporate Offices & Government Agencies: Any office that sends out significant correspondence – utility companies, government offices sending notices, financial institutions mailing statements, etc. – can use ColorMax envelope printers to print letterhead, return addresses, and postage all in one go. For example, a county tax office or university admissions department could print envelopes with full-color crests or logos and addresses for different recipients in-house, ensuring a professional look for every piece.
  
  
• Schools and Universities: Educational institutions often send newsletters, alumni outreach, fundraising letters, and admission packages. A ColorMax printer lets a school print its mascot, seal, or custom design on envelopes and letters in full color, with each address tailored to the recipient – great for alumni relations or recruiting mailings. The speed and cost-effectiveness (inkjet cost-per-page is about one-third that of older methods) make it practical even for smaller print runs.
  
  
• Print Shops and Marketing Firms: Commercial print providers and marketing agencies can expand their services with ColorMax equipment. For instance, a print shop can use a ColorMax 7 or 9 to offer quick-turnaround envelope printing with client logos and branding, or variable-data printing for direct mail campaigns. The ability to print high-quality color envelopes without the setup of traditional presses is a big advantage for short-run jobs. Marketing firms running personalized mail campaigns can similarly benefit by producing attention-grabbing full-color mailers that are customized to each recipient.
  
  
• Manufacturers and Retailers (Labels): The ColorMax LP2 label printer is perfect for companies that need to produce their own product labels, bottle labels, or color-coded shipping labels on demand. For example, a craft brewery or food producer can print short runs of full-color labels for seasonal products, or a retail warehouse can generate color shipping labels with logos and barcodes. The LP2’s support for various label stock (paper, polyester, polypropylene, vinyl) and fast roll-to-roll printing make it ideal for production print environments where you need professional labels without ordering large quantities from an outside vendor.
  
  

In summary, any organization that regularly sends mail or needs custom labels could benefit from a Formax ColorMax. These machines are especially valuable when you have mid-to-high volumes and want to improve turnaround time, customization, and print quality in your mailings or packaging. By investing in a ColorMax printer, businesses can do more in-house – from mass mailing with full-color impact to quick label printing – while keeping costs per piece very low.

Comparing the Formax ColorMax Models

The Formax ColorMax family currently includes several models, each with different capabilities suited to specific needs. All models use high-speed inkjet technology (either Memjet or HP thermal inkjet) rather than traditional toner, which is one reason they achieve such high throughput and low cost per print. Below we’ll compare the key features of each model – including print technology, speed, duty cycle, and ideal use cases – so you can determine which one fits your business:

The flagship Formax ColorMax 9 Digital Color Envelope Printer features a high-capacity feeder and alignment system for maximum output. It offers pigment-based inkjet printing up to 10,000 envelopes per hour, making it suited for high-volume mailing operations.

Overview of ColorMax Models

For a quick side-by-side comparison, the table below summarizes the core specifications of each ColorMax model:

Notes: #10 envelope = standard business envelope (4.125″ x 9.5″). ColorMax 9 achieves 10k/hr in “production mode” (lower DPI); ~5k/hr at full 1200 dpi quality. ColorMax 8 monthly duty is 400k per manufacturer spec. ColorMax LP2 throughput in envelopes/hour is not applicable in the same way – 720 env/hr is an rough equivalent if one envelope-length label (~9.5″) were printed per pass at 12″/s.

ColorMax 7 Digital Color Printer

The ColorMax 7 is the entry model in the ColorMax line, but it’s a powerful machine for office and mid-volume mailing needs. It uses Memjet thermal inkjet technology with a fixed printhead that spans the width of the page, allowing astonishing speed compared to traditional printers. In fact, the ColorMax 7 can print full-color CMYK envelopes three times faster than a typical shuttle-head toner printer, at about one-third the cost per page. This model produces up to 7,500 #10 envelopes per hour with resolutions up to 1600 dpi, meaning even fine details like small fonts or barcodes come out crisp.

Despite its speed, the ColorMax 7 is compact and easy to use. It has a built-in top-loading feeder for continuous feeding of envelopes or paper stacks. It prints on a variety of media up to 9.5″ wide, including envelopes, letterhead, invitation cards, and even cut-sheet labels. Because it’s a thermal inkjet (no fuser or heat needed), it can safely print on windowed envelopes without melting or smudging the window plastic. High-capacity ink tanks (250ml colors and a 500ml black) ensure long runs without frequent cartridge changes.

Ideal uses: The ColorMax 7 is well-suited for organizations with moderate mailing volumes – for example, a school district mailing out thousands of letters to parents, or a business sending regular customer notices. It handles the bulk of everyday envelope printing jobs efficiently. With a monthly duty cycle up to 500,000 pieces, it’s built to reliably produce large runs when needed (e.g. a quarterly billing or fundraising mailer), yet it’s cost-effective even for smaller batches thanks to the low per-print ink cost. If you need a fast, full-color envelope/address printer to bring mailing tasks in-house, the ColorMax 7 offers an excellent balance of speed, quality, and affordability.

ColorMax 8 Digital Color Printer

The ColorMax 8 builds upon the capabilities of the 7 and adds enhancements for heavier-duty use and media flexibility. Notably, the ColorMax 8 features a wider, flatter paper path with electronic thickness control, which allows it to print on materials up to 3/8″ thick. In practical terms, this means the ColorMax 8 can handle printing on stuffed envelopes, large 10″ x 13″ flats, padded mailers, chipboard or corrugated sheets, and more – items that would jam or be impossible in a typical printer. For organizations that need to print outbound address info or graphics on thick mailers or small packages, the 8 is ideal.

Despite handling thicker media, the ColorMax 8 is extremely fast – up to 8,000 envelopes/hour in standard #10 envelope mode (at comparable print resolution to the 7). It shares the Memjet inkjet system (1600 dpi, 70,400-nozzle fixed head) so you get the same vibrant color range (16.8 million colors) and low maintenance printing as the 7. One upgrade is the intuitive 7″ color touchscreen interface on the ColorMax 8. The touchscreen makes it easy for the operator to control jobs, preview images, and adjust settings right at the printer, without needing to go to a connected PC. The 8 also includes built-in memory for up to 60 GB of stored print jobs, so commonly run jobs can be saved and recalled from the touchscreen instantly.

With similar high-capacity CMYK ink tanks as the 7, the ColorMax 8 is geared for continuous operation. Its duty cycle is about 400,000 pieces per month (and like the 7, around 30 million over its life). The rugged, production-ready design (including a clamshell opening for easy access and maintenance) ensures reliability even under daily heavy use.

Ideal uses: The ColorMax 8 is perfect for print/mail centers, government mailrooms, or commercial printers that have to print on a wide range of mail materials. For example, a print shop using the 8 can take on jobs printing logos and addresses on padded envelopes or rigid mailers for e-commerce clients – tasks that inkjet presses often struggle with. Universities printing on thick invitation envelopes, or fulfillment companies printing shipping information directly on small parcel boxes, would also benefit from the 8’s capabilities. You get all the speed of the ColorMax inkjet platform plus the versatility to print on almost anything that can fit through the 10.5″ wide feed. In summary, the ColorMax 8 is the go-to model for high-speed color printing on challenging media and is a workhorse for high-volume, varied print jobs.

ColorMax 9 Digital Color Envelope Printer

As the flagship, the ColorMax 9 represents the latest advancement in the ColorMax series. It differs from the 7 and 8 in that it uses HP’s thermal inkjet technology with pigment-based inks rather than Memjet dye inks. This has several major benefits: the ColorMax 9’s pigment CMYK inks are water-resistant and UV-resistant, so the printed text and images can withstand moisture, handling, and sunlight without smearing or fading. If you’re printing pieces like envelopes or packaging that may get wet or need archival-quality durability, this is a crucial advantage.

The ColorMax 9 is also the fastest of the lineup – it can print up to 10,000 envelopes per hour in production mode. It achieves this through a combination of an intelligent synchronized feeder/registration system (which feeds envelopes in landscape orientation for faster throughput) and the high-speed HP printhead. The printhead itself is a long-life, stationary bar with over 59,000 nozzles, similar in concept to the Memjet, but optimized for the pigment inks. Print resolution is up to 1200 x 1200 dpi, producing very sharp text and vibrant graphics. And like the 8, the ColorMax 9 has a large 7″ touchscreen and ample internal memory (64 GB for job storage) to make operation and job recall easy.

Where the ColorMax 9 truly shines is in heavy-duty production and large format output. It can handle material up to 15″ wide and 1/2″ thick – essentially small packages, padded envelopes, even stacks of materials, in addition to envelopes of all sizes. This wide print width also means you could print on flat sheets or oversized envelopes that the 8 and 7 cannot (for example, mailing flats up to 15″ long). The machine is available with optional configurations like a 3-foot output conveyor for high-volume throughput, a robust metal workbench, and the CCS9 Command Station (a dedicated PC + 32″ monitor setup) for power users. In terms of monthly volume, the ColorMax 9 is rated for up to 500,000 pieces per month, matching the ColorMax 7’s heavy-duty capacity.

The Formax ColorMaxLP2 Label Printer is a compact, industrial-grade system for roll-to-roll label production. It prints full-color labels at up to 60 feet per minute and includes unwinder and rewinder attachments for continuous operation.

For organizations that demand the highest output and print durability, the ColorMax 9 is the answer. It is quiet, fast, and highly economical on a per-print basis – qualities that drive a quick return on investment for high-volume mailers. Moreover, the pigment ink system means your mail pieces can have a more professional look and feel (no risk of ink bleed if a postcard gets damp in the rain, for example).

Ideal uses: The ColorMax 9 is tailored for large corporate mail centers, service bureaus, and any enterprise with massive mailing requirements or the need for color printing on thick media. For instance, a nationwide insurance company printing customized policy packets and envelopes could use the 9 to output tens of thousands of addressed, logo-bearing envelopes per day. A direct mail marketing firm that sends millions of pieces annually would value the 9’s speed and low cost per piece, as well as the fact that the prints are durable (important for postcards or self-mailers). Additionally, any scenario requiring color printing on packaging materials (like printing logos and addresses directly onto kraft paper mailing bags or boxes) is a great fit for the ColorMax 9’s wide media handling and pigment ink. This model is an investment for serious volume, but it delivers top-tier performance to match.

ColorMaxLP2 Digital Color Label Printer

Rounding out the product line is the Formax ColorMax LP3, a powerful and compact digital color label printer. While the other ColorMax models focus on envelopes and cut-sheet media, the LP3 is purpose-built for on-demand, full-color label printing on rolls of stock—delivering exceptional speed, quality, and flexibility. It features Memjet waterfall inkjet technology with a stationary print head containing 70,400 nozzles, producing vivid CMYK output at resolutions up to 1600 x 1600 dpi.

The ColorMax LP3 prints at speeds up to 12 inches per second (60 feet per minute), making it ideal for high-volume label production. Whether you're printing standard 4" x 6" shipping labels or longer continuous rolls, it can output thousands of labels per day with ease. A standard high-speed unwinder and rewinder system allows for continuous roll-to-roll printing, while an integrated cutter gives you the flexibility to switch to print-and-cut mode for short-run or individual label jobs.

What sets the ColorMax LP3 apart is its ability to deliver professional-quality labels on a wide range of substrates. It supports paper, polyester, polypropylene, and vinyl stocks, making it suitable for everything from vibrant product labels to durable industrial stickers. Its five high-capacity 250ml ink tanks (CMYKK) are easily accessible from the front, ensuring dense blacks, cost efficiency, and minimal downtime. On-the-fly maintenance allows the printhead to be cleaned without disrupting your workflow or removing the label web. A responsive 7” color touchscreen with onboard job storage makes operation intuitive, while the “warm start” feature powers the printer up in under 10 seconds.

Ideal uses: The ColorMax LP3 is a perfect fit for manufacturers, food & beverage producers, warehouses, and growing retail brands that want to bring label printing in-house. Whether you’re printing seasonal bottle labels, color-coded inventory tags, or compliance stickers, the LP3 gives you the speed and flexibility to do it efficiently. It essentially lets you run a professional-grade label print shop within your business—on your timeline, with your branding, and without relying on outside vendors. Compact yet production-ready, the LP3 is built to keep up with demanding workflows and high-quality expectations.

Choosing The Right ColorMax For You

The Formax ColorMax series offers a range of high-speed envelope and label printers that can significantly improve your mailing and packaging processes. By bringing full-color, variable-data printing capabilities in-house, businesses can save money, increase flexibility, and create more impactful mail pieces and labels. Whether you opt for the ColorMax 7 for general office mailings, the ColorMax 8 for thicker media, the ColorMax 9 for top-tier volume and durability, or the ColorMax LP2 for on-demand labels, you’ll be getting a professional-grade solution that is quiet, fast, and cost-effective – hallmarks of the ColorMax line.

As an authorized Formax dealer, American Business Machines is here to help you evaluate which model best fits your needs. We can provide expert guidance on the ColorMax printers, demonstrate their capabilities, and support your team in implementing a new high-speed color envelope printer or label printer in your workflow. If you’re looking to enhance your mailing operations or take control of your label production, contact American Business Machines for more information.  With Formax ColorMax printers in your arsenal, you’ll be equipped to produce vibrant, personalized mailings and labels with unmatched efficiency – giving your business a competitive edge in communication and branding.

Learn more about the entire line of Formax products including cutters, folders, laminators and more.