14 Dec 2024

Roland DG launches its first direct-to-garment printer

Roland DG launches its first direct-to-garment printer for on-demand personalisation.

Roland DG Corporation, a leading manufacturer of wide-format inkjet printers and 3D devices worldwide, today announced the forthcoming launch of the VersaSTUDIO BT-12 desktop direct-to-garment printer for printing directly on cotton-based* products.

Built for on-demand personalisation, the BT-12, which will be available from April 2019, is ideal for businesses look-ing for new revenue opportunities by offering an engaging in-store experience for their customers.

According to Etsuo Harada, Division President of COTO Business Division for Roland DG, since the in-troduction of VersaCAMM SP-300 in 2003, Roland DG inkjet printers have increasingly been used in the production of custom apparel and fabric goods. “More recently,” Harada said, “in-store personalisation services for printing customer designs have grown rapidly. To meet this demand, the COTO Business Division has developed the new DTG printer.”

VersaSTUDIO BT 12 2

The BT-12 is an easy-to-use A4 size printer that prints full colour graphics including photos, logos and text directly on a wide variety of cotton-based items, such as t-shirts, tote bags and textile interior decoration products. Its compact size and affordable pricing enables businesses to offer personalisation services with a low initial investment and in locations where space is limited, including shopping malls, kiosks, apparel stores, hotel gift shops and tourist destinations, and even at events.

Capable of producing a product from start to finish in just a few minutes, the BT-12 is designed for ultimate ease of use. Bundled with Roland Design Software, which features an intuitive user interface, with the BT-12 users can create unique designs with minimal training. Cassettes hold the items for printing and finishing, ensuring the safety of operators and customers.

VersaSTUDIO BT 12 3

The printer unit requires very little space, with dimensions of 399 mm (W) x 760 mm (D), and the optional HB-12 finishing equipment stacks with the BT-12. This clever design dramatically reduces the installation space that is typically required for a traditional direct-to-garment printer.

The BT-12 can be used as a standalone in-store personalisation solution, or as a complement to Roland’s VersaSTUDIO BN-20 printer/cutter, VersaUV LEF Series UV- LED printers and the LD-80 digital foil decorator. These solutions not only help to add value to merchandise, but also provide customers with a rewarding new shopping experience.

“Consumer behaviour has been shifting from consumption to experience due to the diversification of consumer values,” Harada said. “As a result, businesses have an opportunity to offer high-value merchandise such as personalised products to meet customer needs and desires.”

“Our goal,” Harada continues, “is to provide our users with tools that help deliver a unique experience and quality time for their customers and to transform their imagination into reality.”

* Fabric must be 50 - 100% cotton.