Roland extends metallic ink printer range
On the back of its VersaCamm VS-640 metallic and white ink capable print-and-cut inkjet machine launched in February Roland DG (UK) has now added three smaller versions. The company has also introduced the VersaUV LEC-540, a 1.37m version of its VersaUV LEC-330 roll- and sheet-fed UV-curable print-and-cut solution.
The new VersaCamm VS-540 (1.37m), VS-420 (1.07m) and VS-300(0.76m) printers use the same dedicated feed and printhead mechanism as the 1.62m VersaCamm VS-640 and come in three options: as a CMYKLcLm configuration plus metallic and white; as a standard six-colour ink version; or dual CMYK which is aligned in a mirrored array for achieving quality output at higher production speeds.
Roland OnSupport provides remote tracking of the VS printers’ activities and automatically sends e-mails direct to a computer or mobile phone with important notifications, such as when a job has been completed or when ink is running low. The media handling system also enhances the unattended running capability of the machines. The take-up unit can automatically rewind the media after printing so that it’s positioned for subsequent contour cutting. Once complete, it then moves the contour-cut output onto the take-up without operator intervention.
In common with their larger counterpart, the three new Roland VersaCamm VS machines are designed from the ground up to incorporate the company’s Eco-Sol Max metallic and white inks. These are complemented by CMYKLcLm that, combined with the specially configured printhead array, enable output that also benefit from the company’s library of over 500 metallic shades.
The construction of the ink feed in the VS series is designed to accommodate the viscosity of both metallic and white formulations, ensuring accurate and seamless integration with the standard colour palette. A recirculation system keeps the inks mixed and in the correct suspension to eliminate clogging of the particles and costly, time consuming maintenance and cleaning cycles.
Roland’s Intelligent Pass Control and the greater range from the variable dots generated by the new generation printhead result in consistently vibrant and accurate output, with smooth gradations and vivid solid shades. The integrated recirculation function means that there are no fluctuations in density, and the correct combination of metallic, white and colours is assured during printing.
Because all Roland printers are supplied with its VersaWorks Rip, it is easy to integrate metallics and white into a workflow without having to invest in additional software. Using any industry standard graphics’ package, the Rip interprets the metallic layers available in the Roland Color System Library and blends them with process colours and white.
As mentioned above, also new is the VersaUV LEC-540 with incorporates Roland’s LED curing technology and flexible inks, which include a highly opaque white and clear varnish. It has been designed to output very fine quality displays, customised and prototyped packaging, control panels, labels and decals as well as handle industrial applications.
With a maximum resolution of 1,440 x 1,440dpi and the ability to support thicker/rigid materials up to 1mm, the VersaUV LEC-540 benefits from a refined LED curing system for long life high production and a new ink circulation system for lower running costs. The machine can be used to output matte and gloss clear varnish which can be applied in multiple layers to produce special effects and tactile finishes, including Braille. The integrated cutting capabilities of the LEC-540 incorporate cutting, perforating and creasing tools, with the machine’s table unit enabling thicker materials to be handled. As with all Roland inkjet systems, its VersaWorks Rip is included and has 72 ready-to-use textures and special finishes.
There are three ink combinations: CMYK plus white and clear; CMYK plus two white ink channels for high opacity; or CMYK plus two clear varnish channels, useful for multi-layer effects.