Executive Summary
The Formax ColorMax series provides robust, short-run digital color printing solutions tailored for modern mailing and packaging demands. Powered by innovative Memjet and HP inkjet technologies, these systems produce dynamic data and graphics with zero-contact printing. Whether you need the reliable desktop performance of the ColorMax 7 or the high-volume, pigment-based durability of the ColorMax 9, this series accommodates everything from standard letterhead to stuffed envelopes and cardboard.
Key Advantages
High-Speed Output: Power through massive mailing campaigns with ease. Whether you need reliable daily desktop performance or high-volume industrial production, the ColorMax series scales seamlessly to meet your deadlines.
Exceptional Quality: Deliver stunning, professional-grade mailers and packaging. With full-bleed capabilities and up to 16.8 million colors, your dynamic graphics, logos, and variable data will always print crisp and vibrant.
Versatile Media Handling: A wide, flat paper path and digital thickness control allow you to print on a massive range of substrates—easily accommodating everything from standard letterhead to stuffed envelopes, padded mailers, and thick cardboard.
Intuitive Operation: Streamline your workflow with centralized, user-friendly controls. Easily monitor system status, preview images, and access massive libraries of stored print jobs directly from the machine's interface.
Advanced Ink Delivery: Maximize your uptime and drastically lower your cost-per-piece. Featuring high-capacity ink tanks and fully automated print head maintenance for continuous, zero-hassle operation.
See the
Formax ColorMax 7, 8 & 9
in action
Technical Specifications
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ColorMax model is right for my mail volume?
The ColorMax 7 is a desktop unit producing up to 7,500 #10 envelopes per hour at 1600x1600 DPI — ideal for in-house and small-shop work. The ColorMax 8 adds a 7" touchscreen, up to 60 GB job storage, and handles thicker media (3/8") at 8,000/hr. The ColorMax 9 is the production workhorse: HP pigment inkjet, 11.7" print width, 1/2" media thickness, and up to 10,000 envelopes per hour for high-volume direct mail operations.
Can the ColorMax print on stuffed envelopes and padded mailers?
Yes. The ColorMax 8 handles up to 3/8" (10mm) thick media and the ColorMax 9 handles up to 1/2" (12.5mm), with a wide flat paper path and zero-contact printing that prevents smearing on stuffed or padded items. The digital thickness control adjusts automatically without manual setup.
What's the difference between Memjet and HP thermal inkjet on these printers?
The ColorMax 7 and 8 use Memjet thermal printheads optimized for vibrant 1600x1600 DPI color and lower running cost on dye-based inks. The ColorMax 9 uses the new HP FI 1000, 11.7" wide single thermal inkjet with pigment-based inks for greater fade resistance and durability — better suited for mailpieces, napkins and packaging that need long-term legibility or outdoor exposure. Colormax 9 prints at twice the speed and half the supply cost of Memjet technology.
