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.”