The TrueVIS range of wide-format printers for the signage and graphic communications industries has received a big shakeup as six new machines are added to the line-up. 

That’s right, not one, not two, but six new models have been released making this the biggest product expansion to date for Roland.

As a group of European trade press and Roland dealers gathered at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on a sunny January morning, we knew something exciting was in the air, but we had no clue the news would be quite this big.

The event was held at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya 

The event kicked off with a warm welcome from Roland DG executives including President and chief executive officer of Roland DG Corporation Kohei Tanabe and president and chief executive officer of Roland DG EMEA Gregory Bilsen.

We, the audience, were reminded of the ethos behind the manufacturer, namely to empower creativity and excitement worldwide with its products. 

The company has done this by continuously investing in innovative digital solutions with 2021 seeing a strong focus on promoting structural reform and growth under the keyword ‘shift’. For Roland, this refers to a shift to grow together with customers and partners in the sign and graphics industry.

Machines for makers

Why the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya? Well, Roland has been working with the BWT Alpine F1 team for some time with the team’s cars being wrapped using TrueVIS machines as well as producing a range of durable stickers and graphics for the team’s cars, hospitality areas, and even the side of the lorries that transport the cars.

The benefits of using this method rather than spray painting was highlighted at the event by Bob Bell, strategic advisor for BWT Alpine F1 team and Joe McNamara, head of paint and graphics for BWT Alpine F1 team. 

These benefits include accurate colours which is imperative for branding, the ability to easily replace branding and stickers quickly and efficiently, and the fast output and short drying time of the inks.

Bob Bell, strategic advisor for BWT Alpine F1 team gave the audience an insight into the F1 team’s relationship with Roland DG machines 

One example given of time savings was a painted stripe which took 30 hours to paint but took only two hours to produce using printed vinyl. 

The ability to print on demand also comes into its own during anniversaries and special occasions as different graphics and branding can be produced to celebrate these times and then easily removed and switched back.

“I’ve been using Roland DG’s printer/cutters for years now, and they’ve proven to be very good,” says McNamara, adding: “We currently have three printers running at full capacity, including our newly acquired TrueVIS VG3. What do we print on it? Probably a better question to ask is what we don’t print on.

“We print all kinds of things on various media, from vehicle stickers, to floor graphics, to banners used at the circuit."

After hearing all about the ways in which Roland kit is used by the Alpine F1 team and the benefits of this technology, it was time for the big reveal.

Drop the curtain…

Described as the “next generation of printers for the next generation of print”, Roland has added a whopping six machines to its TrueVIS range of printers.

The launch:

- LG print and cut range (LG-640, LG-540, and LG-300)

- MG print and cut range (MG-640 and MG-300)

- AP-640 resin printer 

The portfolio was first introduced to the market with the launch of the VG and SG TrueVIS models back in 2016 and since then, the range has continued to evolve and grow.

User experience has been continuously developed such as incorporating a bigger screen, improved media loading and unloading systems, an auto-adjustment system, the introduction of ink pouches rather than plastic cartridges, and Roland DG Connect compatibility which launched in 2021.

All the models in the TrueVIS range have a common structure and operate the same user experience in each. 

In March 2022, Roland introduced four new models within the VG3 and SG3 ranges which were very successful and monthly average sales grew by 34%.

The TrueVIS VG3 and SG3 ranges were launched in March 2022

Roland’s most recent launch this week sees the addition of three new models made up of six new machines and brings the total number of printers in the portfolio to ten. 

This is in the form of five new printer/cutter UV models (within the LG and MG ranges) and a new resin printer (AP-640).

The new LG range features three print and cut models (LG-640, LG-540, and LG-300) which on the outside appear to look like the VG3, but the differences are found inside. 

These new machines feature staggered print heads and ECO-UV inks. There are a range of ink configurations possible dependent on the needs of the user including the ability to combine orange and red inks and the use of high opacity white ink.

The two models that make up the new MG range are the MG-640 and the MG-300. These print and cut machines are the successors to the VersaUV LEC2 Series and now have an optimised curing system. 

Offering the same colour configurations as the LG series, the MG series also uses ECO-UV inks and according to Roland, shares the same core functionality as the LG series but at a more entry-level price point. 

An optional extension table also lets users print onto semi-rigid card stock and an optional take-up unit allows for unattended printing.

Three new models and six new machines have been added to the TrueVIS portfolio of machines 

A brand new offering from Roland is the addition of the AP-640 resin printer to the portfolio. A monumental moment, the launch is the result of feedback and demand from customers with the manufacturer describing this new addition as “TrueVIS quality, now in a resin ink”.

Able to be used in any environment without restrictions, the machine features new variable dot piezo printheads in a staggered layout with an optimiser printhead and dedicated CMYK printhead for a finer dot. 

The TrueVIS resin ink is GREENGUARD Gold Certified and the water-based ink provides quick-drying, scratch-resistant, safe results on a variety of media. 

A high productivity dryer unit means prints can be dried quickly reducing downtime. What’s more, the newly developed water-based resin ink and True Rick Color 3 preset can be used together to achieve vibrant colour.

The AP-640 is Roland DG's first resin printer and is the result of consumer demand 

During the reveal, Roland explained that as well as creating new opportunities for its customers, it believes this new offering will also attract new customers and says the launch “lays the foundations for future developments to come”.

During a quick-fire Q&A session with the press following the announcement Roland DG confirmed all the new models will be going on the road throughout 2023 to be showcased to new and existing customers. 

UK appearances will include the upcoming Sign & Digital UK show, and the FESPA Global Print Expo will provide a stage for the machines in Europe in May. The demand for these new machines look set to be popular with orders already having been made during the launch event.

Ready, set, action!

Once the cat was out of the bag, it was time to go and check out what these machines can do. We were broken into groups and treated to a series of interactive activities to showcase the various applications possible with this technology. 

First up was a walk-through tour of the machines themselves which provided the opportunity to see the new ink pouches up close and touch and feel some of the applications produced on the machines.

Next up and it was into the pits of the racetrack to watch wrappers in action adding graphics to a Formula 1 car. This enabled us to see how smoothly the vinyl can be applied to the curvaceous shapes of the car, and the vibrant colours possible. 

In keeping with the F1 theme, visitors had the chance to try their hand in a virtual F1 race, as well as take a coach tour around the real-life track and experience every twist and turn.

Guests had the opportunity to see first hand how the graphics produced using the technology are used on the F1 cars 

Another recent project completed using Roland’s TrueVIS range of printers was a collaboration with the manufacturer and two professional female skateboarders. 

Louisa Menke and Raisa Abal were approached by Roland to create bespoke designs to symbolise what skateboarding means to them. 

Editor of Dolores Magazine, Abal used collage to demonstrate themes of community, activism, sisterhood, and nature. Menke painted her design using acrylic paints and scanned the artwork in to be produced into graphics for the deck.

The designs were created using a TrueVIS VG3-640 which is the third generation of the TrueVis and is designed for the sign, graphics, and personalisation markets.

The professionals were on hand to talk us through the inspiration behind their designs, their experience of using the Roland kit, and also to treat us to some impressive skateboarding tricks. 

Professional skateboarders Louisa Menke and Raisa Abal were approached by Roland to create bespoke deck designs

Commenting on the launch of the new models within the TrueVIS portfolio, Tony Miller, president of Roland DG’s Global Sales and Marketing Division, says: “Consumer needs have and continue to change against a backdrop of fast-paced technological innovation, changes in social structure, and the growing awareness of environmental issues. 

"As a result, printed graphics are increasingly required not only to transmit information, but to offer functionality and expressiveness that create positive impressions and experiences.

“We are excited to support our customers through this changing landscape by launching an expansion to our TrueVIS line-up – offering more options and better, innovative solutions for all. No matter which printing technology they choose, our customers can count on the same industry leading TrueVIS quality of printing and reliability to produce across the full range.”