Continuing to drive wide-format production techniques to the desktop, Roland DG (UK) has announced the new VersaUV LEF-12 which incorporates UV-curable production and LED curing technology in a cost-effective compact solution. Designed to handle two- and three-dimensional applications up to a maximum size of 334 x 310mm, this innovative new unit can be used to create and generate decorative, promotional and specialist jobs for a broad range of commercial and industrial requirements.

Based on the company's award-winning VersaUV technology integral to its wide-format LEC and LEJ machines, the LEF-12 has been designed for the quick and easy production of applications such as name tags, labels, logos, photographs, industrial marking and promotional items. With none of the chemicals required for pad printing, and instantly dry and durable output, the machine is also ideal for short runs of small batch items which formerly could only be produced using a screen process.

Roland's VersaUV LEF-12 features its Eco-UV flexible UV-curable inks with their CMYK capabilities enhanced by the additions of white and clear varnish. These enable the machine to be used for applications where a tough, durable and high quality finish is required. Special effects include matt and gloss options to highlight specific areas or for flood coating, and it is easy to reproduce unusual textures such as faux leather, crocodile skin and tactile output, including Braille.

The advanced inks and long-life, low energy LED curing technologies in the Roland VersaUV LEF-12 result in the highest quality print and attractive, specialist finishes. Instant curing means that drying is immediate and permanent, with no lamp warm-up time necessary. A wide variety of substrates can be handled including plastics and their derivatives, polyester based media, wood, leather and aluminium composites as well as conventional display materials, papers and films.

Ideal for retail, office and creative environments, as well as for commercial print houses, the Roland VersaUV LEF-12 has a flat table area of 335 x 310mm and a height of 100mm so that users can output direct to a broad range of both conventional and unusual substrates.

Roland's white ink circulation system is designed to ensure that the pigment never settles nor clogs the print-heads, ensuring perfect results every time. The CMYK and white inks are formulated for bright, crisp text and graphics and makes the machine ideal for use with transparent and coloured materials.

The Roland VersaUV LEF-12 also incorporates built-in safety features so that the system can be used within any environment. A safety hood shields the operator from light generated during the UV curing process, and an integrated screen prevents dust from falling onto the material surface during the printing process.

Supplied complete with Roland's VersaWorks RIP, the VersaUV LEF-12 benefits from 72 ready-to-use finishes in the included Roland Texture Library; users can also create their own special effects quickly and easily by adopting easy-to-use plug-ins available for both Adobe CS Illustrator and CorelDraw. Precision spot colour matching is incorporated in the Roland Color System to enable the creation of printed reference tools, swatch tools and colour charts.

"This new addition to the growing Roland portfolio of innovative products is another example of how the company's solutions are extending into new and niche market areas where businesses need low-cost, high quality options which incorporate our ink-jet technologies," states Adam Wyles, Business Manager – Promo, Screen and Textile of Roland DG (UK). "We are increasingly acknowledging the demand for easy-to-use desktop units that incorporate the benefits of our wide-format digital expertise. Our VersaUV LEF-12 is just one example of how we're bringing practical production options of all sizes to every sector of the printing industry."

For further information, please visit www.rolanddg.co.uk or call 0845 230 90 60.