Low cost investment, innovative creativity and an easy transition to wide-format digital production are just three of the reasons governing Roland's decision to attend this year's Northprint which runs from 10 to 12 May at the Harrogate International Centre, North Yorkshire. The growth of interest from the commercial print sector, and the desire to learn more about the versatility of inkjet, will be satisfied by a vast range of original ideas and production options being demonstrated in the Applications Area (stand A318) at the Harrogate based event.

Extensive industry research has resulted in Roland's dedicated involvement with commercial printers who want to add new revenue streams to their services without having to make a heavy, risky investment into capital intensive equipment. With a broad range of wide format inkjet solutions that incorporates both eco-solvent and UV-curable ink technologies plus integrated precision cutting, the company's portfolio now includes practical, reliable core technologies from which users can create highly visual and tactile applications to boost standard applications.

Roland's Creative Centre will be featured strongly in Northprint's Applications Area, and this will include examples of inspirational applications that can be produced easily and cost-effectively using its systems. Knowledgeable team members from the company will be on hand to provide full technical and creative information, with full facts and figures showing the high levels of profitability which can be generated from a Roland solution.

The technology offered by Roland is simple to set up and use, with the company's plug-and-print philosophy making it easy for new and experienced users alike to produce profitable results from day one. In addition to posters, signs, banners, event graphics and other displays, the machines are designed to create limitless output, right down to contour-cut labels and decals. Typical options include interior décor, home and office furnishings, fine art and photographic canvas prints, plus industrial applications and membrane switch panels.

Roland's innovative ink technologies also add colourful and tactile indoor and outdoor alternatives which extend the product offerings that commercial print houses can offer their customers. The inclusion of white and metallic ink enables high value applications to be generated and produced easily and cost effectively, and layered clear varnish makes it simple to output Braille and a host of special textures and effects.

All Roland solutions are backed up by comprehensive training courses at The Roland Academy. These options include introductory and intermediate digital print, colour management and software, plus application and finishing techniques. New additions include a special course that concentrates on optimising the use of metallic inks to create unusual premium quality applications.

Mathew Drake, Business Manager – Commercial Print, at Roland DG (UK), stresses the importance of discovering new application areas in today's highly competitive commercial print market. "The days of relying on standard offset production to maintain margin and profitability are long gone as end customers expect greater versatility, shorter runs and more innovation in their print jobs," he states. "Roland has concentrated on research into how to help businesses add increased creative services to their production portfolios. Although there are plenty of manufacturers out there who sell wide format machines, we believe we stand alone in working closely with customers by bringing them full solutions and new ideas to help their businesses grow."

Drake continues: "Our presence at Northprint is testimony to the relevance of how important creativity is to the commercial print sector. Everyone is always surprised at what can be output on one of our wide-format solutions, so the show's Applications Area will provide visitors with plenty of food for thought, and inspirational ideas to take away with them."

Roland DG's belief that wide format production is easy and profitable will be demonstrated clearly at Northprint 2011. The company's specialist staff will be available to give personal, tailored demonstrations to visitors, and investors in the company's solutions are backed up by Roland DG Care's ongoing support programmes and The Roland Academy for training and introductions into new production techniques.

Roland are offering succinct and practical information on their stand (A224) at Northprint for those interested in moving into wide format inkjet printing. Free copies of their popular wide format digital print guide will be handed out at the show, for those who may not be attending but would like to receive a copy you can requested one here: http://commercial.rolanddg.co.uk you can also read inspiring stories of commercial printers who've already made a successful move into wide format.