Hamamatsu, Japan – 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 released under the TrueVIS brand name.

According to Yuko Maeda, division president of Roland DG business development unit, the VG series represents Roland DG’s most advanced printer/cutters ever. Maeda comments; “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.”

Maeda went on to explain that the TrueVIS brand expands Roland DG’s technical capabilities in ink formulation, printhead 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.

TrueVIS VG series printer/cutters are equipped with four newly developed Roland DG FlexFire print heads which flexibly control the metallic plate attached to the ink chamber, for a higher firing frequency. The FlexFireprintheads also deliver precision droplet placement in three sizes, and an approx. 25% wider print pass compared to previous Roland DG models. Maeda continues; “The combination of the new FlexFire head and new TrueVIS INK – engineered specifically for the printheads – delivers stunning fine details and vibrant colours 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-colour (CMYK plus Light Cyan, Light Magenta and Light Black) or eight-colour (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 500cc pouches that fit neatly into reusable cartridges which slide into a hidden ink bay for clean operation with less waste. In dual CMYK configuration, up to one litre of ink can be loaded for each colour, ideal for high-volume production. TrueVIS ink is Greenguard and Greenguard Gold certified, further proving Roland DG’s dedication to produce environmentally friendly products.

Included with the VG Series is new Roland VersaWorks Dual RIP software whichfeatures 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, utilising a Bluetooth connection*3. 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 colour-coded operation updates.

Finally, Maeda says that the TrueVIS marks a new level of reliability and economy. “The optimised printing technology enables the VG to produce vibrant colour with low ink consumption and minimal electricity in comparison with alternative ink technologies. This results in significant savings 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 recognised 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.”