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Roland, VersaUV LEC-540 + VersaCAMM VS-640 + Video
Roland’s VersaCAMM VS-640 helps DVLC motor forward at higher speeds
Not every company needs the benefits of special colours and effects in its wide-format printer, and Washington based Discount Vehicle Lettering Company is a classic example of a business which relies on fast, regular and reliable output. When the Roland VersaCAMM VS-640 was brought to market, it wasn’t the metallic and white option which appealed to this North East display specialist but, instead, it was the 1.62m width and its ability to produce dual CMYK with precision contour cutting.
Directors Mark and Helen Taylor are the brains behind the cannily named DVLC and its specialist services to the UK’s motor trade. The company was formed 14 years ago to cater for growing popularity of vehicle graphics and liveries and this incorporates computer-cut vinyl applications as well as full-colour digital print. Steady growth has seen business grow and, when investment into new technology has become essential, the acquisition of the right machines has enabled increased production to take place seamlessly.
A devotee of Roland DG’s systems for many years, DVLC has been using a SolJet Pro III XC-540 for the production of colourful and durable print-and-cut designs which are used to decorate every type of vehicle, from a single car through fleets of vans, to trailers and other modes of transport. This is complemented by showroom and forecourt point-of-sale applications, such as pop-up and roll-up banners, posters, window graphics and virtually every other type of display likely to be used by the motor trade.
Short-term displays for special events, such as sales promotions and special offers, can be designed and created along with longer life, durable applications which are able to handle the tough life to which vehicles are subjected on an every-day basis. Larger motor groups, agencies and fleet customers have become so accustomed to DVLC’s impeccable service and fast turn-round that many now rely on the company’s dedicated on-line ordering system which allows clients to order new and replacement graphics quickly and efficiently.
Because of the growth in demand for DVLC’s full-colour applications, in the spring of 2010 the company recognised that it needed to invest in an additional print-and-cut solution to maintain its turn-round and delivery criteria. As important as the quality of print was the accuracy in cutting, and both these essentials have now been realised since the purchase of the Roland VersaCAMM VS-640.
The generous 1.62m width of this combined print-and-cut is deceptive because of its compact footprint, and its space-saving attributes are complemented by low running costs and ability to run unattended. Knowing the high standards of Roland quality from its earlier unit, DVLC recognised that CMYK was more than adequate for its needs and decided to invest in the dual CMYK version of the machine.<embed width="500" height="400" quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" wmode="transparent" name="main" id="main" allowfullscreen="false" src="http://www.isigntube.com/player/vPlayer.swf?f=http://www.isigntube.com/player/vConfig_embed.php?vkey=44bc40f3bc04f65b7a35" type="application/x-shockwave-flash">
Print quality is only part of the story at DVLC, however, as Mark Taylor explains: “As well as being able to rely on consistent and accurate colour at the highest throughput speeds, absolutely vital to us is that the machine can cut accurately. A combination printer/cutter needs to be able to maintain the highest tolerances, even on long rolls of media. There would be nothing worse than printing a job only to find that the cutting hasn’t maintained the correct registration in the production cycle.
“When we went to try out the Roland VersaCAMM VS-640 with Roland’s partner, Signmaster, we really put the machine through its paces by giving it the most difficult samples to print and cut,” Taylor continues. “No matter how demanding we were with our test files, the unit refused to let us down and maintained the finest tolerances throughout. Its performance was outstanding and we decided, there and then, that this was the right machine for our company.”
Helen Taylor comments on some of the other advantages that DVLC has discovered since installing the VS-640. “Because we print bi-directionally using dual CMYK, we’re able to output many jobs in what is essentially a draft mode, resulting in very fast throughput rates,” she says. “The new arrangement of the print-head and inks in this machine means there’s no banding even at the highest speed and lowest resolution, with solid vibrant colours and smooth graduated tints. The time savings are significant, with no compromise on end quality.”
“We also find the life of the cartridges is astonishing,” Mark Taylor emphasises. “Unlike some ink-jet printers which appear to run out when they’re far from being empty, the VS-640’s options continue until the ink has genuinely been exhausted. The savings we’ve noticed are considerable, and we wouldn’t be surprised if the vertical cartridge design is partly responsible for this.”
Since its launch, the modestly-priced yet highly advanced Roland VersaCAMM VS-640 wide-format print-and-cut solution has been joined by three narrower models, the VS-540 (1.37m), the VS-420 (1.06m) and the VS-300 (762mm). All of these versatile solutions are available in three versions of CMYKLcLm plus metallic and white, standard six-colour (CMYKLcLm) and dual CMYK.
“The flexibility in configurations of our VersaCAMM VS series is demonstrated clearly with the machine in daily use at Discount Vehicle Lettering Company. Quality, high speed output of CMYK is matched by exacting tolerances for precision contour-cutting,” states Mat Drake, print product manager at Roland DG (UK). “Although we are amazed at the innovative results being created with the metallic and white ink models, we don’t want to over-shadow the fact that this system is also absolutely perfect in environments where reliable four-colour print-and-cut is the order of the day.”http://www.rolanddg.co.uk
0845 230 90 60______________________________________________________________
Prototyping specialist opts for the versatility of Roland DG’s VersaUV LEC-540
The first Roland DG VersaUV LEC-540 UV-curable printer to be sold in Europe has been installed at Kent based packaging specialist, Beams International. This innovative wide-format print-and-cut system, which offers colour managed proofing and prototyping as well as high quality display production, features a 1.37m width plus white ink and clear varnish. It was selected for its unparalleled versatility, low investment cost and accuracy of output on all materials.
Beams International specialises in the design and manufacture of gift packs, and packaging of goods for promotions in the food and drinks’ industry. The company creates and produces branded and bespoke items for the retail market in the UK and overseas, designed to build awareness for consumers through innovative and unusual packaging solutions.
Realising that its existing wide-format proofing system was limited because its aqueous-based inks were not able to output to the actual materials used in a final production run, Beams wanted a solution which would provide a true simulation of its packaging creations. Working with UK specialist Roland DG’s partner, Revolution, the company opted for the print-and-cut versatility of the VersaUV LEC-540 which uses flexible UV-curable inks and outputs extremely high quality results onto a broad range of substrates.Because of the special finishes incorporated into its packaging prototypes, Beams also required a combination system which not only could print, crease and cut but was able to simulate accurate proofs on a variety of materials. Being able to produce precise mock-ups, incorporating both matched colour and accurate folding, was of vital importance to the company so that brand owners and customers could view and touch a true representation of finished products.
“From the moment that we ordered the new printer we had a demand for its unique capabilities and since its installation and commissioning we have been able to produce prototype packaging that is as good as the real thing,” states Matthew Russell, Commercial Director at Beams International. “Our customers have been able to understand in an instant what our proposition is and what the finished packaging will eventually look like.”
Jan Edgecombe, managing director of Revolution, comments: “For Beams International it was essential for the company to invest in a dedicated proofing solution which could produce accurate mock-ups and prototypes for the quality end of the bespoke food and drink markets. The existing aqueous-based system was restrictive because it couldn’t be used for proofing onto the final material and, with an increase in demand for specialist finishes, both highly opaque white and a versatile clear varnish also bring added value.
“Roland’s VersaUV LEC-540 is a complete print-and-cut solution that incorporates LED curing so that even the most difficult materials can be dried satisfactorily,” continues Edgecombe. “Combined with its high quality output and ability to produce a range of different finishes and textures, this machine is proving itself in the packaging and labelling sectors for short runs and specialist applications, as well as for proofing and prototyping.”
Beams International, was formed nearly 14 years ago to develop gift products for retailers and duty free outlets. The company, which already had considerable experience within the beer, wine and spirit industry, concentrates on the packaging and branding of original and licensed products with emphasis on special promotions.
Based in Coalville, Leicester, Revolution supplies a wide range of printers, materials and software, and has developed a strong reputation for providing added-value solutions for all wide-format users including display producers, fine art specialists and proofing companies. The company also concentrates on colour management and profiling, an area of particular importance and relevance to the prototyping market.<embed width="500" height="399" quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" wmode="transparent" name="main" id="main" allowfullscreen="false" src="http://www.isigntube.com/player/vPlayer.swf?f=http://www.isigntube.com/player/vConfig_embed.php?vkey=a2fd00c72faacf0cb8ac" type="application/x-shockwave-flash">
The Roland VersaUV LEC-330 and LEC-540 are UV-curable print-and-cut solutions which offer modestly-priced turnkey systems for very high quality graphics and text for a variety of applications. For proofing and prototyping, this duo of combination machines is ideal for packaging and labelling, with the ability to output direct onto metallic and synthetic papers, PE and PET films, BOPP, card stocks and plastic boards, polycarbonates and other rigid materials up to 1mm in thickness.
Designed to integrate with a colour managed workflow, fully accurate results can be achieved even on difficult and unusual substrates, such as suede and leather. The Roland VersaUV produces output up to a maximum of 1440 x 1440dpi, and benefits from the addition of white and clear varnish to its CMYK palette, enabling complex and tactile graphics. The use of UV-curable flexible inks allows jobs to be cut, creased and folded without any chipping or flaking, with a tough and durable finish on all surfaces.
“This installation of the first LEC-540 at Beams International is a clear indication of how print businesses who need consistent and accurate proofing onto all materials can benefit from Roland technology,” confirms Steve Chappell, Business Manager – Packaging and Proofing at Roland DG. “Not only is the VersaUV a low-cost versatile integrated print-and-cut option for this type of production, it is also chemistry-free and can be used in a normal office or studio environment.”Further information is available by contacting;-
Matthew Russell
Beams International Ltd
4a Bloors Lane, Rainham
Gillingham
Kent ME8 7EG
01634 265480
e-mail enquiries@beamsint.comJan Edgecombe
Revolution
43 North Avenue
Coalville LE67 3QX
01530 510080
sales@revolutiontransfers.co.uk..
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