Hardware - Wide Format Print

Roland DG UK today announced the new VersaCAMM SP-i series printer/cutters delivering reliable performance and unmatched print quality for a low initial investment.

With the addition of new SP-i models, the VersaCAMM series now includes four print/cut models: the high performance 54” VP-540i and 30” VP-300i, and the more affordable 54” SP-540i and 30” SP-300i.

“We remain committed to providing our customers with a wide selection of inkjets to support their business demands in this challenging economic environment,” said Brett Newman, Head of Product Management, Roland DG (UK).  “The new SP-540i and SP-300i are our most powerful entry-level printer/cutters to date thanks to the addition of innovative Roland Intelligent Pass Control technology.  This revolutionary upgrade ensures superior image quality and 1.5 times the productivity of the previous SP models in standard print mode.  Easy-to-use Roland VersaWorks 3.2 operation software complete with ink consumption and print time calculation tools is also included, making the SP-i a complete digital printing solution.”

The first opportunity to see this new machine in action will be at this month’s Sign and Digital Ireland taking place at RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin September 23rd to 24th alongside other exciting new products, including the only sneak preview worldwide of a machine not yet available for release.

New Roland VersaCAMM SP-540i and SP-300i Features:

• Complete production solution for professional-quality signs, banners, decals, labels, stickers, posters, POP displays, vehicle wraps, heat transfers for apparel and more
• Low initial investment
• Innovative Roland Intelligent Pass Control technology for professional print quality with smoother gradations and flawless solid colours
• Increased throughput – up to 50 percent faster than the previous SP models in Standard print mode on vinyl and banner media
• Integrated Print&Cut technology creates labels, decals and other graphics of any size and shape, on demand and without dies
• Roland ECO-SOL MAX ink
• Produces brilliant colours for both indoor and durable outdoor display
• Virtually odour free and packaged in easy-handling sealed cartridges
• Supports a wide variety of media including adhesive-back vinyl, banner, paper, film, tarpaulin and heat transfer paper
• Cost effective for short production runs
• Intuitive Roland VersaWorks operation software included
• Handles media rolls up to 30kg (66 lbs.) for the SP-540i and 20kg (44 lbs.) for the SP-300i
• As easy to operate as any other office equipment
• Legendary Roland reliability and world-class service and support including workshops and seminars through the Roland DG Academy
• Roland Eco Label and Energy Star Program certified
• Available in 54”-wide and 30”-wide models

Roland VersaWorks Operation Software, Designed Exclusively for the Company’s Inkjet Devices

Every SP-540i and SP-300i comes complete with VersaWorks 3.2, Roland’s own easy-to-use RIP software for professional print quality. VersaWorks includes advanced features such as the Roland Color System which enables users to accurately reproduce spot colours using Roland Color charts and swatch books. Variable Data Printing makes it easy to create a series of individualized prints based on one template, with each print featuring its own photos, messages, numbers and names. In addition, VersaWorks estimates the ink usage and print time for each graphic so users can accurately monitor their time and costs.  Users can also update VersaWorks software automatically through the Internet. Based on the genuine Adobe CPSI3018 PostScript engine, VersaWorks is designed for speedy performance and compatibility. VersaWorks supports Windows XP Professional, Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 and later versions of the Windows operating system.

Roland DG Corporation, the pioneer of integrated Print&Cut technology, today introduced the LEC-330, the company’s newest VersaUV LEC UV ink curable 30”-wide inkjet printer/cutter. Based on award-winning VersaUV technology, the LEC-330 prints CMYK+White+Gloss all in one device for luxurious, customized graphics with unique special effects and finishes. The LEC-330 delivers greater overall performance and versatility than the LEC-300, with higher image quality, up to twice the productivity in standard print mode, and support for an even wider range of materials including rigid substrates. The LEC-330 is ideal for applications ranging from high-end package prototyping to control panel production and small lot production of labels and decals.

VersaUV Special Effects and Finishes


(From left to right: multi-layered printing, gloss finish, matte finish, and high-density white ink printing)

“The new LEC-330 offers greater media compatibility, production-level print speeds and three unique ink combinations,” said Mat Drake Print Product Manager, Roland DG (UK). “Designed for a host of short-run production, packaging prototyping and labelling applications, the LEC-330 is an exceptional tool that can save time, lower pre-press costs and generate new revenues for commercial printers.”
The new LEC-330 includes a high-quality artistic print mode (1440 x 1440 dpi) for sharp, detailed graphics and text.  Additional print heads and innovative Roland Intelligent Pass Control® technology further enhance image quality. Production level print speeds enable professionals to manage urgent requests for quick delivery of prototypes, labels and products. To meet their individual business requirements, users can also choose from three ink combinations: the standard ink configuration supporting the widest variety of applications (CMYK+White+Gloss), a high-opacity white ink configuration (CMYK+White+White) and a thick gloss-ink-effect configuration (CMYK+Gloss+Gloss).

The first opportunity to see this new machine in action will be at this month’s Sign and Digital Ireland taking place at RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin September 23rd to 24th alongside other exciting new products, including the only sneak preview worldwide of a machine not yet available for release.

VersaUV Applications:

(From left to right: package prototypes, labels and decals, cosmetics package prototypes, operation panel prototypes for industrial products, custom-made goods and interior décor items)

New VersaUV LEC-330 Features:

• 30” LED-UV inkjet printer/cutter
• Supports a wide range of applications including package prototyping, control panel production and small lot production of labels, decals and custom graphics
• Beautifully prints a design in CMYK, White and Gloss inks for finished graphics with rich special effects created by multiple layers of gloss
• Prints on a wide variety of media including paper, film, leather, card stock, plastic, polycarbonate and other rigid substrates (except metals) up to 1 mm (0.04”) thick
• High-quality artistic print mode (1440 x 1440 dpi) rivals offset and gravure print quality for applications that require sharp, detailed graphics and text
• Roland Intelligent Pass Control® technology achieves smooth gradations and flawless solid colours
• Can combine matte and gloss finishes in multiple layers for interesting patterns and textures – even Braille
• Produces brilliant, durable colour graphics that can be flexed and stretched around edges and curves without feathering or cracking
• Higher productivity at an affordable cost
• No plates or films required to produce graphics
• Produces finished prototypes, labels and products quickly for next-day delivery to customers (For example, 100 wine bottle labels, as shown above, were produced in 46 minutes)
• Prints CMYK, opaque White and Gloss inks in both gloss and matte finishes for unmatched versatility
• Available in three ink configurations to meet individual business requirements:
• CMYK+White+Gloss – Standard ink configuration supporting the widest variety of applications
• CMYK+White+White – High-opacity white ink configuration enables printing on transparent films for soft package prototyping
• CMYK+Gloss+Gloss – Creates thick gloss ink effects such as embossing
• Prints and digitally die cuts graphics in virtually any shape automatically through one seamless workflow
• Includes powerful, easy-to-use Roland VersaWorks® RIP software for precision colour management
• Easy setup and maintenance
• Long-lasting LED lamps
• Operate on demand, without pre-heating or cooling down between uses
• Last approximately 10,000 hours – up to five times longer than industry standard halogen lamps
• Automatic White Ink Circulation System prevents the pigment from settling, minimizes ink waste and ensures continuous printing without interruptions
• Energy efficient – Roland Eco Label and Energy Star Program certified

Roland VersaWorks® Professional Colour Management RIP Software Included

VersaUV LEC inkjets include VersaWorks 3.2, the latest version of Roland’s colour management RIP software. VersaWorks supports Roland Intelligent Pass Control technology for exceptional image quality and features the Roland Color System for precision spot colour matching. With VersaWorks, users can print swatch books and colour charts, reference tools that make communication with clients easier. In addition, VersaWorks estimates the ink usage and print time for each graphic so users can accurately monitor production time and costs. The Roland@NET auto update service allows easy, automated access to updated VersaWorks versions and profiles. VersaWorks supports Windows Vista® and 2000/XP.

Epson today announces the launch of its high specification professional A2+ photo printer, the Epson Stylus Pro 3880. Offering flexibility of use across a broad range of media the Epson Stylus Pro 3880 can be used by professional photographers and aspirational amateurs alike. Using Epson’s advanced, fourth generation UltraChrome K3 with Vivid Magenta pigment inks to deliver long lasting, high quality large format prints in both black and white and full colour, the Epson Stylus Pro 3880 offers fast, flexible printing suitable for a number of applications.  With a uniquely small footprint the Stylus Pro 3880 is ideal for those with limited studio space and is fully equipped with all of the additional features that Epson users have become accustomed to, such as high speed connectivity with USB 2.0 and Ethernet.

Individual ink cartridges increase the economy of colour printing whilst Epson’s patented Micro Piezo print head ensures accurate ink placement. The combination of Epson’s pigment inks with the Epson Micro Piezo print head ensure colour prints show excellent colour stability, light fastness and colour gradation. Artists or those producing limited edition prints can be assured that each print will be the same as the first, even if printed months apart.

The Epson Stylus Pro 3880 incorporates a special driver mode that allows professional users to create bespoke black tones and clear whites, offering a great level of precision and artistic control. This combined with the three levels of black and the enlarged greyscale supplied by Epson’s UltraChrome K3 with Vivid Magenta ink technology, puts the Stylus Pro 3880 at the top of its class in producing sharp, precise and durable black and white prints. The ability to switch between photo and matte black as well as the neutral gradations users can achieve in colour and black and white make the Epson Stylus Pro 3880 ideal for photographers.

The Epson Stylus Pro 3880 offers excellent colour stability after just 30 minutes with no visible colour shift, thus making it an ideal printer for use in proofing. Customers can sign-off proofs quickly and have the certainty that what they see is what they will get in the final print run. This consistency of output means that the Epson Stylus Pro 3880 is also ideal for remote proofing.

The Stylus Pro 3880 is compatible with a wide range of Epson media including glossy paper, matte paper, fine art paper, plain paper, proofing paper and poster-board of up to 1.5mm in thickness. It is designed to support flexible paper handling for cut-sheet printing and users can benefit from border and borderfree printing in a range of photo sizes from 4"x6" up to 17"x22", helping to extend the usability this printer offers. The printer can be fed with different papers via three paper paths; auto sheet feeder, rear manual feeder for fine art paper and front manual insertion feeder for rigid media.

Martin Johns, Senior Product Manager, Epson UK, commented: "The launch of the Stylus Pro 3880 makes Epson’s fourth generation UltraChrome K3 VM inkset available to a broader range of users and consolidates the Stylus Pro range. The combination of Epson’s latest hardware innovations, industry-leading ink technology and an exceptionally small footprint makes this printer a perfect match for photography, fine art, proofing and POS printing. The printer’s accuracy makes it ideal for the creation of long-lasting prints to sell, exhibit or include within portfolios."

The Epson Stylus Pro 3880 is the successor of the Epson Stylus Pro 3800 and will be available from October 2009.

EPSON STYLUS PRO 3880 KEY FEATURES SUMMARY:
- Eight colour Epson UltraChrome K3 Ink with Vivid Magenta expand the printable gamut and include three black inks for superb grey balance
- Print on a variety of different media and media surfaces from 4x6" up to 17x22"
- Ideally suited for fast and flexible printing in the photography, fine art, proofing, POS prints and graphics markets
- Uniquely compact A2+ printer makes it ideal for small studios
- ENERGY STAR® qualified
- RRP excluding VAT, £995 - available 01 October, 2009

 

Roland DG UK Ltd has announced the launch of a new website to accompany its PRO range of commercial wide-format print solutions.

www.rolandpro.co.uk is now live and offers both existing and potential users the opportunity to access a number of business-savvy calculation tools, ensuring that they are getting the best out of their AdvancedJet, SolJet and VersaUV printers.

The website’s tools include a powerful return on investment tool, an explanation of finance options for purchase and for rental, and a calculation of running costs. Users create a profile when they first log in, detailing their print set-up, specifying their machines, how many hours it prints each day and the typical print quality required. Also factored in are hourly labour costs, sale price per square metre and how many days the printer runs each month. From this profile, the site calculates running costs and how many months it will take for the machine to have paid for itself.

“The ROI calculator is useful for existing Roland printer owners who want to be reassured about their investment,” explains Brett Newman, Head of Product Management at Roland. “But it is also an attractive option for new or potential investors who need to know very accurately how quickly their purchase will earn its keep depending on the inks and RIP they intend to use. More often than not it’s a nice surprise how fast that actually is.”

Alongside these business development tools is a side-by-side comparison of Roland’s wide-format printing options and an in-depth overview of the VersaWorks RIP, which is supplied with the company’s PRO range machines. There is also an update section which showcases how other users are making the most of their products, with a particular focus on new, innovative applications and uncommon, niche markets.

Users of the PRO site can request a ring-back from a Roland employee at any time and adjust their profile to account for changes in circumstance, media or use. Printers supported include the AdvancedJet AJ-1000i and AJ-740i; the SolJet PRO III XJ-740 and XJ-640; the SolJet PRO XC-540; and the VersaUV LEC-300.

Website: www.rolandpro.co.uk

 

Attendees at Print can see the most productive digital press and its newest enhancements that are revolutionising the packaging industry.

Agfa Graphics today announced plans to demonstrate the :Dotrix Modular high speed digital press at Print '09, McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, September 11th -16th 2009 (booth #2600). Attendees will see live demonstrations of a variety of packaging and specialty printing applications including folding cartons, flexible packaging, labels, POP and more.

Since its introduction to the marketplace, Agfa has continually invested and enhanced the :Dotrix Modular to meet the expanding needs of the packaging industry and specialty printing markets. According to Sheila Nysko, Business Development Manager, Agfa Graphics, "The time is now. Today, more than ever, customers are driving the demand for innovation and digital printing. They are being forced to cut costs, better manage their supply chain, reduce waste and increase speed to market all while maintaining or increasing quality. Only Agfa's :Dotrix Modular has responded to this need."
The base of the :Dotrix Modular is an industrial flexo press from Edale, a UK-based manufacturer of narrow web printing and converting presses. This guarantees the system's highly accurate and stable web transport. :Dotrix Modular can produce output on a wide variety of substrates including paper, multi-wall, biodegradable plastics, PE, PP, BOPP, PET heat and pressure sensitive materials, and more. Its high speed, unique width of 25.6 inches and extremely high quality bring on-demand printing to a whole new level. It can print on a wide range of thicknesses ranging from 25 to 600 micron (1-24), plus it offers users many additional benefits. The :Dotrix is fully modular and can be configured roll-to-roll or roll-to-sheet, and there's absolutely no limitation to graphic or job length. Customization and versioning are also available to support the growing need for target marketing and regionalization within the industry.

According to Carol Constantino, President of Noteworthy, Amsterdam, NY, "We bought Agfa's :Dotrix Modular so that we could provide our clients with even higher levels of quality and service. It's a phenomenal inkjet machine that allows us to provide low minimum orders and faster turnarounds while providing a print quality that is unparalleled. Every plastic bag we print for our clients can be framed as a work of art."

Print '09 attendees, the media and industry experts will have the opportunity to learn about the newest enhancements to the :Dotrix Modular as well as Agfa's entire line of industry leading inkjet and prepress solutions at the Agfa Graphics News Conference on September 11, 2009 at 10:30am in McCormick Place, booth #2600, South Hall.

Colourgen is launching a trade-up promotion for the Seiko II ColorPainter V-64S eco-solvent printer. Anybody with a 42”+ solvent printer or any 42”+ printer from Epson, Encad or Kodak can trade-up to the new ColorPainter V-64S and claim a  £1,500 discount on their new printer if they buy before 30th September 2009.

Melanie Enser, Marketing Manager at Colourgen, comments, “We hope that this offer will give those that want to purchase, the opportunity to enjoy a significant trade-up discount on their existing printer. The Seiko II ColorPainter V-64S is the perfect all-rounder for indoor and outdoor durable output. It delivers stunning graphics quality using low odour inks making it ideal for interior décor, canvases and back-lit applications as well as vehicle graphics and outdoor signage.”

The Seiko II ColorPainter V-64s produces 720 x 720 dpi printing resolution with CMYK and LcLm colours. The newly developed print head allows the printer to achieve print speeds of 16sqm/h in quality mode, the fastest speed in its class. The new EX mild solvent ink set has very low-odour, which offers a better working and display environment while providing extensive media versatility, exceptional colour, dry times, glossiness and overall outdoor lightfastness.

This offer is available only through authorised Colourgen resellers. The Seiko ColorPainter V-64S has an RRP of £22,950 (ex VAT).