29 Mar 2024

Roland partners with Clemson University

Roland DGA Corp. and Clemson University's Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics have teamed up to bring the benefits of Roland's advanced VersaUV UV-LED inkjet technology to the school's students, faculty, research staff, and corporate partners.

"The Sonoco Institute is one of the nation's leading educational programs focused on packaging science and graphic communications disciplines," said Hiroshi Ono, group product manager for Roland DGA Corp. "We are honoured to work with this renowned organisation and to help Sonoco develop exciting new concepts for packaging, graphic design and corporate branding."

Winner of prestigious DPI and EDP awards and, most recently, the 2010 Label Industry Global Award for New Innovation, Roland VersaUV UV-LED inkjet printer/cutters go beyond CMYK and White inks to offer Clear Coat which can be layered into unique textures and patterns for embossing and varnishing effects. VersaUV prints, creases, contour cuts, perforates and embosses designs all on one device, allowing professionals to create packaging prototypes and labels in any shape through one seamless workflow.

VersaUV comes with VersaWorks RIP software including media profiles and advanced features that ensure image quality, minimise maintenance and costs, and provide out-of-the-box success for users. In addition to labels and packaging prototypes, VersaUV can be used to produce press proofs and is supported by leading commercial colour management and proofing solutions from CGS, EFI and GMG. VersaUV is Energy Star certified.

"We are very pleased with the unit," said Charles Tonkin, director of Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics. "We have only had it a couple of weeks and the students have just begun utilising it and producing phenomenal output. As a creative tool in the design process, it not only allows the ability to print on an incredibly wide variety of substrates, but can also create the actual textures and varnishes (matte and gloss) that were simply impossible before. It is a great tool and I really look forward to seeing the results this coming semester."

 

SDC Reprographics expands wide format and digital business with Fujifilm

SDC Reprographics was established as a dyeline printer in Sutton, Surrey, in the late 1940s, when its main function was to reproduce architectural plans. Several decades later, in the early 1980s, the company expanded its offering by acquiring a black & white, A4 digital printing device and later diversified to a wide range of colour digital and wide-format work.

Today, a large amount of the company's work comes from local businesses, architectural firms and construction companies, although it also has a number of well-known high street brands on its customer list. And, as it is situated on a main route into London, SDC Reprographics has a lot of walk-in orders for leaflets, brochures and booklets. While still plotting CAD drawings for its architectural and engineering clients, it also offers a range of packages for exhibition graphics.

Julie Carter took over the business in 2005 and has spent a great deal of time and effort over the past five years strategically expanding it. As part of this process, Julie investigated the latest wide-format flatbed printers with roll-to-roll options to replace the company's previous roll-fed machine.

"With our old roll-fed wide format device, although we could print banners, board graphics had to be printed on vinyl and hand mounted, which meant our orders for board graphics took a long time to produce," says Julie. "When the time came for an upgrade, we decided to look for a hybrid model that would allow us to continue printing onto vinyl and banner media, but also directly onto board and other substrates including diabond and acrylics. Fujifilm's Acuity Advance perfectly fitted the bill so we went to Fujifilm's Broadstairs facility to test the device."

After a successful series of tests, SDC Reprographics placed an order for the Acuity Advance HD 2545 digital inkjet printer, and expanded its ground floor production area to house the device.

Julie continues: "The installation took place without a hitch and Fujifilm provided us with all the necessary training. Since then, we have seen time savings of up to 75% with a large number of jobs, as we now have the ability to print directly onto banners and board with no drying time. This not only enables us to offer our customers much shorter turnaround times, but also allows us to be more competitive."

The Acuity Advance HD 2545 incorporates greyscale print head technology to produce near-photographic quality print - unrivalled in the market today. It prints at a speed of 22m2/hr in production mode and 15m2/hr in high quality mode with an additional white ink option complementing the CMYK colour set.

As part of the ongoing business development strategy, Julie approached Fujifilm with a view to upgrading SDC's colour digital device.  After considering SDC's production requirements, Fujifilm suggested the DocuColorT 7002 digital printer in conjunction with the Duplo Digital System 445 booklet maker.

"We looked at a number of the key players in the digital printing market at Ipex," says Julie. "The DocuColorT 7002, however, was unique in that it can duplex 300gsm card - which was one of our requirements. Fujifilm listened carefully to what we wanted to achieve and also suggested an offline finishing solution. The Duplo device slotted in nicely with the DocuColorT 7002 and, as Fujifilm had already proved to be a reliable partner with our first investment, the decision to order from them again wasn't a hard one to make."

The DocuColorT 7002 is an all-in-one digital colour press that can handle a wide range of stock, produce high-quality output and offer advanced, versatile finishing options. It has an output speed of up to 70ppm on all stock, with weights ranging between 60gsm-300gsm.

Duplo's Digital System 445 is an economical booklet making device for digital colour print that cuts, creases and makes booklets in one pass. It has 15 different programmes that offer 'load and go' unattended operation, including side trimming, producing CD size booklets and square spine finishes.

Julie concludes: "Thanks to Fujifilm, we can offer our customers the highest quality print in very competitive turnaround times which we are still managing to improve on an almost daily basis.  And, with the time we are now able to save with our Acuity Advance on a large number of jobs, not only can we take on extra work, but the cost savings are huge.  We are delighted to have found a partner that shares our ethos of openness and honesty and trust that this relationship will continue in the future."

HP demonstrates Designjet L25500 printer with latex inks at West 2011

At West 2011, an event co-sponsored by The Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association and the US Naval Institute, HP demonstrated its expanded portfolio of HP Latex Printing Technologies designed to broaden production capabilities for public sector customers with ease while reducing their environmental impact.

On display in booth #609, the HP Designjet L25500 Printer delivers easy, low-maintenance printing of a wider range of applications—from indoor point-of-purchase displays, exhibition graphics and interior décor to outdoor banners, bus shelters and vehicle wraps—than is possible with eco-solvent or traditional water-based printing alone. Since introduction, the HP Designjet L25500 Printer and HP Latex portfolio have seen tremendous market acceptance with more than 3,000 latex ink printing systems shipped, producing more than 100 million square feet of materials.

"Combining versatility and durability with the ability to lower the impact of printing on the environment, the HP Designjet L25500 Printer is truly a unique large-format printing option for public sector customers," said Jan Riecher, vice president and general manager, Americas Graphics Solutions, HP. "This proven HP Latex ink device is easy to use for indoor or outdoor signage, durable maps and even PVC-free wallpaper, all at a remarkably low cost per page."

Available in 42- and 60-inch models, the HP Designjet L25500 Printer delivers unrivaled versatility for a broad range of high-quality and flexible, outdoor and indoor applications and durability comparable to eco-solvent inks while meeting the needs of environmentally conscious customers.

The ease of use afforded by water-based HP Latex Inks and HP 789 Designjet Printheads enables an easy transition into large-format or outdoor printing for public sector office environments, entry-level sign shops, photo labs and digital printers thanks to unattended printing with no daily printhead maintenance required, user-replaceable printheads and an embedded spectrophotometer for accurate and consistent colour across prints and between printers.

Designed to reduce the impact of printing on the environment, HP Latex Inks produce odourless prints that allow placement in point-of-purchase environments where odour is a concern. HP Latex Inks are non-flammable and non-combustible, do not require hazard warning labels, and contain no hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). Additionally, no special ventilation equipment or external dryer is required and the HP Designjet L25500 Printer features the ENERGY STAR rating, which demonstrates compliance with strict energy-efficiency guidelines.

To complement the Latex Ink portfolio, HP offers a variety of Original HP printing materials, including several recyclable and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-free substrates as well as the HP large-format Media take-back program. This program allows customers to easily return and recycle prints produced with HP Latex Inks on HP recyclable media and Original HP 789 Latex Designjet Ink Cartridges and Printheads for free. Customers simply pack up the used media and HP pays the shipping charges and handles sorting and recycling.

 

Imagefactory selects HP Scitex FB7500 printer

Imagefactory, a Wiltshire-based display graphics company, has selected the HP Scitex FB7500 flatbed printer to help it achieve its aims of being more competitive on price, increasing its capacity and improving its response times.

Due to be installed in February 2011, the new printer will – according to Imagefactory’s Head of Digital Technologies, Tim Boore – “increase our digital printing speed by more than four times.”

He adds, “Although our existing digital equipment is very good, it can struggle on long runs due to print speeds. The cost savings associated with digital production over screen are evident.”

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.

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 at Beams International Ltd, 4a Bloors Lane, Rainham, Gillingham, Kent ME8 7EG, telephone 01634 265480, e-mail enquiries@beamsint.com. Jan Edgecombe at Revolution can be reached at The Factory, 43 North Avenue, Coalville LE67 3QX, telephone 01530 510080, e-mail sales@revolutiontransfers.co.uk.

Launch of Océ TDS750 offers CAD customers optimal large format printer

Océ, an international leader in digital document management and delivery, today announced the launch of the Océ TDS750 large format printing system. The new Océ TDS750 printer offers architects and engineers a fast, easy and reliable solution for their large format print, copy and scan needs. Based on the multi-award winning Océ TDS700, the Océ TDS750 provides a reliable, environmentally-friendly printing solution for departmental or print room environments.

Fast and productive large format printer

Engineering departments can easily meet their challenging deadlines with the consistent print speed of 9 D prints per minute and no warm-up time for the Océ TDS750. Load the system with 6 media rolls and up to 1,200m capacity for long uninterrupted printing, making it ideal for productive central print rooms. With secure print job management features, customers can prioritize urgent jobs and quickly complete projects.
Easy and intuitive

The Océ TDS750 was designed with the user in mind and makes using all aspects of the machine simple and intuitive, from media loading to defining scanner settings. Users spend less time trouble shooting and defining settings with the green button approach of the Océ TDS750. Capture color markups or as-builts and streamline project collaboration with the advanced scan technology. The result is faster turnaround times, less wasted materials and a more productive staff.

This exceptional new large format printer maintains the solid radiant fusing technology with instant-on behavior and low noise, heat and ozone emission as well as low energy consumption. Businesses have grown to love the sustainability aspects of this unique technology and the flexibility of placing it in departmental print settings without distracting employees.

Dependable output quality and performance

The Océ TDS750 600x1,200 dpi pico printing provides exceptional output quality – sharp fine details and smooth gray scales in rendering, 3D images and intricate graphics. Users have the peace of mind that document details are captured exactly as intended with no missing information.

Based on the Océ TDS700 with thousands of satisfied customers worldwide, Océ TDS750 users can count on dependable, high performance large format printing, for years to come. With restricted controller access, safe data storage and system safeguards, the Océ TDS750 also provides a secure, productive print environment.

"For years, customers have been appreciating the quality, reliability, and support provided by Océ large format printers," said Erik van Eldik, Vice President Business Group Technical Document Systems at Océ. "We know our customers' workflows and are pleased to be able to evolve our core black & white technology to address the ever-changing needs of the technical document market place. The Océ TDS750 is an excellent large format system building upon the features that customers valued in the Océ TDS700 to further improve large format workflows while maintaining the flexibility to grow with their changing needs."
Availability and more information

The Océ TDS750 will be available in early 2011.