Roland DG Announces the Launch of the VG-640/540, the First Eco-Solvent Printer/Cutters from Its New TrueVIS Series

Hamamatsu, Japan, March 8, 2016 – Roland DG Corporation, a leading manufacturer of wide-format inkjet printers and printer/cutters worldwide, today announced the launch of the TrueVIS VG-640/540 64" and 54" printer/cutters, a new generation of advanced wide-format, eco-solvent inkjet printer/cutters to be released under the TrueVIS brand name.

According to Yuko Maeda, division president of Roland DG business development unit, the TrueVIS brand expands Roland DG's technical capabilities in ink formulation, print head design, precision control, and firmware engineering, resulting in far greater flexibility for Roland DG customers moving forward. "We will now be able to match the most appropriate head technology to each application and market that we serve, delivering the best available solutions to all of our users," said Maeda.

The VG series represents Roland DG's most advanced printer/cutters ever. Maeda states, "Our goal was to provide an innovative, state-of-the-art solution for our customers' businesses, while delivering optimum production capability for a vast array of signs and graphics. VG printer/cutters are the ideal tool for producing indoor and outdoor advertising, vehicle graphics, banners, posters and displays, labels and decals, packaging prototypes, apparel heat transfers and more."

TrueVIS VG series printer/cutters are equipped with four newly developed Roland DG FlexFire print heads which more flexibly control the metallic plate attached to the ink chamber, for a higher firing frequency. The FlexFire print heads also deliver precision droplet placement in three sizes, and an approx. 25% wider print swath compared to previous Roland DG models. Maeda said, "The combination of the new FlexFire head and new TrueVIS INK – engineered specifically for the print heads – delivers stunning fine details and vibrant colors at a production speed of 10.6m² per hour in High Quality mode on vinyl and up to 34.8m² per hour on banner in dual CMYK ink configuration*¹."

The VG-640/540 also offers seven-color (CMYK plus Light Cyan, Light Magenta and Light Black) or eight-color (CMYKLcLmLk plus White*²) ink configurations. White ink provides excellent opacity for transparent window graphics while Light Cyan, Light Magenta and Light Black offer smooth gradations, perfect skin tones and beautiful images.

The VG-640/540 uses new TrueVIS INK which comes in cost-effective 500cc pouches that fit neatly into reusable cartridges that slide into a hidden ink bay for clean operation with less waste. In dual CMYK configuration, up to one liter of ink can be loaded for each color, ideal for high-volume, unattended production.

New Roland VersaWorks Dual RIP software – included with the VG – features a new core engine that accurately interprets native PDFs as well as legacy PostScript files, including files with transparencies. The precision cutting mechanism of the VG-640/540 is adopted from Roland DG's latest cutting advancements, facilitating reliable contour cutting of complex designs, and expanding the range of possible applications such as cutting thick materials for laminated floor signs.

The VG-640 and 540 are also designed to be easier to use than other similar devices. The newly developed Roland DG Mobile Panel allows users to perform control panel functions with their existing smartphones or tablets with iOS or Android operating systems, utilizing a Bluetooth connection. This innovative new feature provides a rich interface either directly on, or remotely in range of the VG, enabling operators to receive machine status updates as well as make adjustments and conduct test printing and cleaning functions from their mobile device. In addition, newly featured LED lights boost visibility inside the printer, making it easier to check printing status and perform maintenance work, as well as providing color-coded operation updates.

Finally, Maeda said that the TrueVIS marks a new level of reliability and economy. "The optimized printing technology enables the VG to produce vibrant color with low ink consumption and minimal electricity in comparison with alternative ink technologies. This results in a total savings of tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the product."

"Roland DG introduced eco-solvent wide-format printers and printer/cutters more than 10 years ago," Maeda said. "And they continue to be the number one choice for durable graphics worldwide. As a global leader, we recognized the need to continue moving the market forward which is why we developed the TrueVIS brand. The brand concept of TrueVIS," Maeda continued, "represents harnessing true precision and power – "VIS" in Latin – to bring our customers' VISION to life, in order to achieve stunning VISUAL results. We believe the functionality of the VG series, combined with our extensive customer support – including Roland DG Care, Roland DG Creative Center and Roland DG Academy – will lead to the expansion of our customers' businesses and the entire industry."

*1 For the VG-640 in dual CMYK ink configuration.
*2 White ink is scheduled to be available early in the second half of the year.

For more information, contact:

Toshiyuki Okino
+81 (0)53-484-1201
E-Mail：rdg-globalpr@rolanddg.co.jp