An important new partnership has been formed between Roland DG (UK) and specialist partner to the graphic arts industry, Image2Output. With a comprehensive background in digital imaging, the Hatfield based company has added to its portfolio the Roland VersaUV LEC UV-curable and the VersaCAMM VS series of wide-format integrated print-and-cut solutions.

Image2Output was founded seven years ago by Mike Warnes, formerly of MCImaging, and Mark Middlebrook. The duo used their considerable experience to develop the company specifically to distribute and maintain a strong catalogue of digital imaging, CGI and 3D products. Since its inception it has rapidly built up a strong customer base of users within the printing and proofing sectors.

Wanting to extend its services further into the digitally generated and colour managed proofing and prototyping areas, Image2Output plans to grow its position in the packaging sector. It is set to achieve this with the addition of the two families of integrated print-and-cut solutions which enable the fast production of accurate output onto a broad range of materials.

Image2Output sees the Roland VersaUV LEC-330 and LEC-540 as invaluable options for proofing and packaging mock-ups, with inline cutting and creasing and the ability to output onto virtually all materials saving time and money, as well as removing chemicals from the pre-press area. These integrated solutions feature flexible UV-curable ink with a high opacity white and clear varnish that can be used for matte and gloss textures and finishes. LED curing means that even the most sensitive and delicate materials can be printed, making it suitable for proofing onto the final media and accommodating packaging substrates up to 1mm thick.

The VersaCAMM VS series is well suited to all applications ranging from posters and displays down to intricate labels and decals. The range is represented by four integrated print-and-cut machines in a choice of widths, and with three ink configurations of dual CMYK, CMYKLcLM and six colours plus metallic and white. These compact systems start with the VS-300 at 762mm wide, followed by the VS-420 at 1.07m and the 1.37m VS-540, complemented by the VS-640's 1.62m, and all benefit from Roland's long lasting, durable Eco-Sol Max inks.

Both the VersaUV LEC and the VersaCAMM VS series can be integrated with industry standard colour management solutions for accurate proofing and packaging mock-ups. Their integrated contour cutting simplifies workflow, with exacting tolerances also making the machines suitable for short run labelling applications. Both machines include Roland's VersaWorks dedicated production software and RIP, with libraries of special textures and finishes, plus spot colour emulation.

"We were impressed by the build quality and versatility of the Roland printers and feel there is huge potential for them in both new and emerging market applications," comments Lance Britnell, Director at Image2Output and Head of the Inkjet Programme. "This, in addition to our long experience in end-to-end colour management across various print media, makes the Roland range of printers a very exciting addition to our carefully selected product portfolio and one we are really looking forward to making the most of."

"The growing demand for foolproof, user friendly solutions for proofing and prototyping is accommodated by our latest wide-format print-and-cut solutions. Thus, the appointment of Image2Output as a partner comes at exactly the right time as more and more companies are wanting to move across to colour managed digital systems," states Steve Chappell, UK Business Development Manager at Roland DG (UK). "Because we can offer high quality, low-cost alternatives to the pre-press sector, we're witnessing a significant shift to chemistry-free proofing which brings environmental benefits as well as convenience to the commercial print arena."