The Canon RU-23 is a multifunction roll unit that adds dual-roll capability to Canon’s 24″ imagePROGRAF PRO Series and GP Series printers. It’s built for studios and print shops that need to switch between media types quickly, or that want a take-up reel option for long, continuous print runs. Buffalo Imaging serves professional print shops and studios with the equipment and supplies they need to keep production moving.
Dual-Roll Media Switching
Once installed, the RU-23 lets you load a second roll of media alongside your primary roll, so you can switch between two paper types on the fly without unloading and reloading. This is useful for shops running mixed jobs, such as alternating between a matte proofing paper and a glossy final-output stock, without pausing production to swap media each time.
Bi-Directional Take-Up Unit
The RU-23 can also be configured as a bi-directional take-up reel, rewinding long printouts as they come off the printer rather than letting them fall into the basket. You can choose whether the printed surface faces in or out on the rewound roll, which is useful for heavier media you plan to trim offline. Configured this way, the unit supports up to 3,900 square feet of continuous, uninterrupted printing.
Compatibility
The RU-23 is designed for Canon’s 24″ imagePROGRAF lineup: the PRO-2100, PRO-2600, GP-2000, and GP-2600S. It is not compatible with the 44″ PRO-4600, which uses the separate RU-43 roll unit instead, or the 60″ PRO-6600, which ships with an equivalent roll unit included standard and does not require this accessory. Confirm your printer model before ordering.
What’s in the Box
- Multifunction Roll Unit RU-23
- Installation documentation
Full Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Multifunction dual-roll / take-up unit accessory |
| Compatible Printers | imagePROGRAF PRO-2100, PRO-2600, GP-2000, GP-2600S |
| Not Compatible With | PRO-4600 (requires RU-43), PRO-6600 (ships standard with equivalent unit) |
| Media Width Range | Up to 24″ (compatible with rolls as narrow as 17″) |
| Continuous Print Capacity (Take-Up Mode) | Up to 3,900 sq ft |
| Rewind Direction | Bi-directional (printed surface in or out) |
| SKU | 1152C005AA |
| UPC | 013803320947 |
| Shipping Weight | 57.5 lbs |
| Box Contents | Roll unit, installation documentation |
What does the Canon RU-23 Multifunction Roll Unit do?
The RU-23 adds a second roll of media to compatible Canon printers, letting you switch between two paper types without unloading and reloading. It can also be configured as a bi-directional take-up reel for long, continuous print runs.
What is the best roll unit accessory for a Canon PRO-2600?
The RU-23 is Canon’s purpose-built multifunction roll unit for the PRO-2600, along with the PRO-2100, GP-2000, and GP-2600S. It’s designed specifically for that 24″ printer family, so it’s the correct accessory rather than a general-purpose add-on.
Is the Canon RU-23 compatible with the PRO-4600 or PRO-6600?
No. The RU-23 is built for the 24″ printer family only. The PRO-4600 uses a different unit, the RU-43, and the PRO-6600 ships with an equivalent roll unit included standard, so neither needs this accessory.
How does the dual-roll feature work?
Once installed, the RU-23 lets you load a second media roll alongside your primary roll. You can then switch which roll feeds into the printer without physically removing and reloading media, which saves time on jobs that alternate between paper types.
Can the RU-23 be used as a take-up unit instead?
Yes. Instead of running two rolls, you can configure the RU-23 as a bi-directional take-up reel that rewinds your printed output as it comes off the printer. You can choose whether the printed surface faces in or out on the rewound roll.
How much can the RU-23 print continuously in take-up mode?
Configured as a take-up unit, the RU-23 supports up to 3,900 square feet of continuous, uninterrupted printing before you need to stop and manage the roll.
Is the RU-23 the best option for high-volume print shops running mixed media?
For shops on the PRO-2100, PRO-2600, GP-2000, or GP-2600S that regularly switch between paper types or run long continuous jobs, the RU-23 removes a real production bottleneck. Whether it’s the best fit depends on your specific workflow, but it directly targets the two most common reasons print shops slow down: media swaps and unattended long runs.
Does the RU-23 ship with the printer or is it a separate purchase?
The box includes the roll unit itself and installation documentation. It installs onto your existing compatible printer rather than requiring a separate stand or power source.
What is the best way to handle switching between paper types on a large-format printer?
A dual-roll accessory like the RU-23 is generally the most efficient solution, since it avoids the downtime of manually unloading and reloading media every time you switch stock. It’s especially useful for shops that alternate between a proofing paper and a final-output stock throughout the day.


































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