When Dan Rye and Alex Holloway decided to enter a new business area seven years ago, opting initially for sign-making, they chose a combination print-and-cut solution from Roland in their subsequent step into wide-format ink-jet production. Winchester based HolloGraphics has now moved up to a VersaCAMM VS-640 primarily so that the company can incorporate white ink in its vast range of applications, from labels and stickers through to vehicle and window graphics.

Five years ago HolloGraphics invested in a Roland print-and-cut system which enabled the company to move up from smaller thermal transfer output to wide-format applications. This addition opened new doors to Rye and Holloway who have seen their business grow steadily as the machine was used to create an increasingly diverse range of contour-cut printed applications including vehicle liveries and window films as well as nested labels, stickers and decals.

Wanting to add value to the jobs being produced at HolloGraphics, Rye returned to Roland with a view to purchasing a new generation machine which would provide more versatility and faster throughput at a sensible investment price. Working with specialist distributor, Spire Digital Solutions, he was attracted by the idea of being able to integrate white into the company's applications, plus the possibility of incorporating metallic shades.

"We produce a considerable amount of window graphics using static cling specialist films, for both the retail and domestic markets. The fact that we can achieve stunning results using a relatively low-cost wide-format ink-jet printer appealed enormously," states Rye. "The Roland VersaCAMM VS-640's ability to output highly opaque white has been a huge benefit to HolloGraphics as we can produce special and seasonal graphics just using this colour as well as over- and under-printing general applications onto clear materials."

The quality of output, colour accuracy and contour cutting were also strong reasons behind Rye and Holloway's decision to invest in a new machine from Roland. "We've been a customer of the company for several years and our original print-and-cut machine has never let us down, giving us flawless performance for half a decade," explains Holloway. "When we decided the time had come to upgrade to a newer solution, it was logical for us to return to Roland for our next system."

Speed of turn-round is crucial for HolloGraphics and the company's busy web site features an on-line store with the opportunities for customers to buy stock items or order specials. Innovative products range from decorative and seasonal stickers, decals for motor sports, window and body graphics for vehicles plus diverse retail and domestic applications.

The addition of the Roland VersaCAMM VS-640 has seen throughput increase as its fast print speeds and highly accurate cutting capabilities have enabled HolloGraphics to keep pace with the increasing numbers of orders being received for all types of job. Decorative and novelty labels and stickers are complemented by colour-accurate health and safety signs which need to conform with mandatory regulations, and the company is able to produce stock items which can be ordered easily and quickly on-line for fast turn-round.

Ideal for the production of large and small contour-cut applications, the VS-640 is particularly well suited to label and decal production with its fine tolerances enabling printed material to be laminated, if when required, and put back into the machine for subsequent cutting. Similarly, very accurate displays can be cut to intricate shapes in varying sizes, with precision results and absolute consistency guaranteed across the full width and length of the material.

The high quality print generated from the 1.62m machine is a result of the latest print-heads combined with Roland Intelligent Pass Control Technology which produces variable dots for smooth graduations and strong, solid colours. HolloGraphics particularly values the addition of white as a complement to the system's six-colour inks and the inclusion of metallic ink will enable the company to add special colours and finishes to applications.

"The addition of the Roland VersaCAMM VS-640 was instrumental in enabling Hollographics to bring business and residential customers their own white Christmas," concludes Rye. "But the versatility of output from this system overall is proving itself across a range of applications, from the smallest of industrial and decorative labels, through colourful window graphics to tough, outdoor durable vehicle liveries."

The VS-640 was supplied and installed by Spire Digital Solutions, based in Trowbridge, Wiltshire. Concentrating on Roland DG's printing, cutting and engraving solutions, the company also provides a wide range of accessories plus materials and software solutions.