Hardware - Wide Format Print

Contex, the world-leading developer of wide format scanning and imaging solutions, today announced the first professional wide-format scanner with a suggested retail price under $4,000 USD, excluding freight and local taxes (price may vary by region). The XD2490 scanner provides architects, engineers and construction personnel with the first affordable way to scan and communicate drawing changes directly from the field. Contex designed the XD2490 scanner for businesses who want to improve efficiency, reduce costly delays and mistakes and offer greater service to their customers. With the XD2490, users can mark-up drawings, then quickly and easily Scan-to-Email to communicate the drawing change with other team members. Drawings can also be copied for distribution to team members in the field or archived to a file server.

This 24-inch sheet-feed scanner is rugged enough for the construction site, and small enough to transport between locations. Contex’s advanced CIS technology ensures scanner stability during transport. The XD2490 comes standard with Nextimage SCAN, and is upgradeable to Nextimage SCAN+COPY. The XD2490 provides precise, accurate images with high 1200 dpi optical resolution. It scans at up to 240 A1/D size drawings per hour in color and up to 514 drawings per hour in monochrome. It saves file space with intelligent 8-bit index color scanning, as well as accurately capturing full 48-bit color and 16-bit grayscale image data, making it ideal for archiving applications.
 

“The rugged, portable XD2490 scanner can be used right at the construction site,” says Niels Appel, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing. “This enables AEC customers to update their drawings and immediately communicate the changes to their team via Scan-to-Email. With its low budget price, the XD2490 provides a return on investment not previously seen in this market sector by improving workflow efficiency and saving time and resources. Innovations like this keep Contex in the forefront of scanning technology.”


The XD2490 begins shipping in mid-September in most countries and is available through Contex’s authorized resellers. Contex invites new channel partners who have a strong web-direct business model and experience with large format scanners, high speed office scanners or copiers to inquire about the new market potential available with the XD2490.

 

The world's first large format metallic inkjet printer: Open up a whole world of new opportunity, and set yourself apart from the competition in an increasingly competitive marketplace, with the world’s first mainstream large format inkjet printer to feature metallic inks - another first from Roland DG.

Imagine: all the speed and versatility of a high-speed Roland production printer, including integrated Print&Cut, plus the added versatility and profit potential of metallic ink.

New technology, new opportunities, new profit

Fast, effective and affordable, the new metallic ink solution from Roland will open up a whole new revenue stream for your business.

See the worldwide preview on Stand E2 at Sign & Digital Ireland, taking place at RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin, September 23rd to 24th.

Further attractions on Stand E2 include the new VersaCAMM SP-i series, and the new faster VersaUV LEC-330, which also make their public debuts at the show.

Not visiting the show? Pre-register your interest in Roland Metallic Inkjet printing by contacting Roland DG UK on Tel: 0845 230 9060 or email sales@rolanddg.co.uk

Roland DG UK today announced the new VersaCAMM SP-i series printer/cutters delivering reliable performance and unmatched print quality for a low initial investment.

With the addition of new SP-i models, the VersaCAMM series now includes four print/cut models: the high performance 54” VP-540i and 30” VP-300i, and the more affordable 54” SP-540i and 30” SP-300i.

“We remain committed to providing our customers with a wide selection of inkjets to support their business demands in this challenging economic environment,” said Brett Newman, Head of Product Management, Roland DG (UK).  “The new SP-540i and SP-300i are our most powerful entry-level printer/cutters to date thanks to the addition of innovative Roland Intelligent Pass Control technology.  This revolutionary upgrade ensures superior image quality and 1.5 times the productivity of the previous SP models in standard print mode.  Easy-to-use Roland VersaWorks 3.2 operation software complete with ink consumption and print time calculation tools is also included, making the SP-i a complete digital printing solution.”

The first opportunity to see this new machine in action will be at this month’s Sign and Digital Ireland taking place at RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin September 23rd to 24th alongside other exciting new products, including the only sneak preview worldwide of a machine not yet available for release.

New Roland VersaCAMM SP-540i and SP-300i Features:

• Complete production solution for professional-quality signs, banners, decals, labels, stickers, posters, POP displays, vehicle wraps, heat transfers for apparel and more
• Low initial investment
• Innovative Roland Intelligent Pass Control technology for professional print quality with smoother gradations and flawless solid colours
• Increased throughput – up to 50 percent faster than the previous SP models in Standard print mode on vinyl and banner media
• Integrated Print&Cut technology creates labels, decals and other graphics of any size and shape, on demand and without dies
• Roland ECO-SOL MAX ink
• Produces brilliant colours for both indoor and durable outdoor display
• Virtually odour free and packaged in easy-handling sealed cartridges
• Supports a wide variety of media including adhesive-back vinyl, banner, paper, film, tarpaulin and heat transfer paper
• Cost effective for short production runs
• Intuitive Roland VersaWorks operation software included
• Handles media rolls up to 30kg (66 lbs.) for the SP-540i and 20kg (44 lbs.) for the SP-300i
• As easy to operate as any other office equipment
• Legendary Roland reliability and world-class service and support including workshops and seminars through the Roland DG Academy
• Roland Eco Label and Energy Star Program certified
• Available in 54”-wide and 30”-wide models

Roland VersaWorks Operation Software, Designed Exclusively for the Company’s Inkjet Devices

Every SP-540i and SP-300i comes complete with VersaWorks 3.2, Roland’s own easy-to-use RIP software for professional print quality. VersaWorks includes advanced features such as the Roland Color System which enables users to accurately reproduce spot colours using Roland Color charts and swatch books. Variable Data Printing makes it easy to create a series of individualized prints based on one template, with each print featuring its own photos, messages, numbers and names. In addition, VersaWorks estimates the ink usage and print time for each graphic so users can accurately monitor their time and costs.  Users can also update VersaWorks software automatically through the Internet. Based on the genuine Adobe CPSI3018 PostScript engine, VersaWorks is designed for speedy performance and compatibility. VersaWorks supports Windows XP Professional, Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 and later versions of the Windows operating system.

Roland DG Corporation, the pioneer of integrated Print&Cut technology, today introduced the LEC-330, the company’s newest VersaUV LEC UV ink curable 30”-wide inkjet printer/cutter. Based on award-winning VersaUV technology, the LEC-330 prints CMYK+White+Gloss all in one device for luxurious, customized graphics with unique special effects and finishes. The LEC-330 delivers greater overall performance and versatility than the LEC-300, with higher image quality, up to twice the productivity in standard print mode, and support for an even wider range of materials including rigid substrates. The LEC-330 is ideal for applications ranging from high-end package prototyping to control panel production and small lot production of labels and decals.

VersaUV Special Effects and Finishes


(From left to right: multi-layered printing, gloss finish, matte finish, and high-density white ink printing)

“The new LEC-330 offers greater media compatibility, production-level print speeds and three unique ink combinations,” said Mat Drake Print Product Manager, Roland DG (UK). “Designed for a host of short-run production, packaging prototyping and labelling applications, the LEC-330 is an exceptional tool that can save time, lower pre-press costs and generate new revenues for commercial printers.”
The new LEC-330 includes a high-quality artistic print mode (1440 x 1440 dpi) for sharp, detailed graphics and text.  Additional print heads and innovative Roland Intelligent Pass Control® technology further enhance image quality. Production level print speeds enable professionals to manage urgent requests for quick delivery of prototypes, labels and products. To meet their individual business requirements, users can also choose from three ink combinations: the standard ink configuration supporting the widest variety of applications (CMYK+White+Gloss), a high-opacity white ink configuration (CMYK+White+White) and a thick gloss-ink-effect configuration (CMYK+Gloss+Gloss).

The first opportunity to see this new machine in action will be at this month’s Sign and Digital Ireland taking place at RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin September 23rd to 24th alongside other exciting new products, including the only sneak preview worldwide of a machine not yet available for release.

VersaUV Applications:

(From left to right: package prototypes, labels and decals, cosmetics package prototypes, operation panel prototypes for industrial products, custom-made goods and interior décor items)

New VersaUV LEC-330 Features:

• 30” LED-UV inkjet printer/cutter
• Supports a wide range of applications including package prototyping, control panel production and small lot production of labels, decals and custom graphics
• Beautifully prints a design in CMYK, White and Gloss inks for finished graphics with rich special effects created by multiple layers of gloss
• Prints on a wide variety of media including paper, film, leather, card stock, plastic, polycarbonate and other rigid substrates (except metals) up to 1 mm (0.04”) thick
• High-quality artistic print mode (1440 x 1440 dpi) rivals offset and gravure print quality for applications that require sharp, detailed graphics and text
• Roland Intelligent Pass Control® technology achieves smooth gradations and flawless solid colours
• Can combine matte and gloss finishes in multiple layers for interesting patterns and textures – even Braille
• Produces brilliant, durable colour graphics that can be flexed and stretched around edges and curves without feathering or cracking
• Higher productivity at an affordable cost
• No plates or films required to produce graphics
• Produces finished prototypes, labels and products quickly for next-day delivery to customers (For example, 100 wine bottle labels, as shown above, were produced in 46 minutes)
• Prints CMYK, opaque White and Gloss inks in both gloss and matte finishes for unmatched versatility
• Available in three ink configurations to meet individual business requirements:
• CMYK+White+Gloss – Standard ink configuration supporting the widest variety of applications
• CMYK+White+White – High-opacity white ink configuration enables printing on transparent films for soft package prototyping
• CMYK+Gloss+Gloss – Creates thick gloss ink effects such as embossing
• Prints and digitally die cuts graphics in virtually any shape automatically through one seamless workflow
• Includes powerful, easy-to-use Roland VersaWorks® RIP software for precision colour management
• Easy setup and maintenance
• Long-lasting LED lamps
• Operate on demand, without pre-heating or cooling down between uses
• Last approximately 10,000 hours – up to five times longer than industry standard halogen lamps
• Automatic White Ink Circulation System prevents the pigment from settling, minimizes ink waste and ensures continuous printing without interruptions
• Energy efficient – Roland Eco Label and Energy Star Program certified

Roland VersaWorks® Professional Colour Management RIP Software Included

VersaUV LEC inkjets include VersaWorks 3.2, the latest version of Roland’s colour management RIP software. VersaWorks supports Roland Intelligent Pass Control technology for exceptional image quality and features the Roland Color System for precision spot colour matching. With VersaWorks, users can print swatch books and colour charts, reference tools that make communication with clients easier. In addition, VersaWorks estimates the ink usage and print time for each graphic so users can accurately monitor production time and costs. The Roland@NET auto update service allows easy, automated access to updated VersaWorks versions and profiles. VersaWorks supports Windows Vista® and 2000/XP.

Epson today announces the launch of its high specification professional A2+ photo printer, the Epson Stylus Pro 3880. Offering flexibility of use across a broad range of media the Epson Stylus Pro 3880 can be used by professional photographers and aspirational amateurs alike. Using Epson’s advanced, fourth generation UltraChrome K3 with Vivid Magenta pigment inks to deliver long lasting, high quality large format prints in both black and white and full colour, the Epson Stylus Pro 3880 offers fast, flexible printing suitable for a number of applications.  With a uniquely small footprint the Stylus Pro 3880 is ideal for those with limited studio space and is fully equipped with all of the additional features that Epson users have become accustomed to, such as high speed connectivity with USB 2.0 and Ethernet.

Individual ink cartridges increase the economy of colour printing whilst Epson’s patented Micro Piezo print head ensures accurate ink placement. The combination of Epson’s pigment inks with the Epson Micro Piezo print head ensure colour prints show excellent colour stability, light fastness and colour gradation. Artists or those producing limited edition prints can be assured that each print will be the same as the first, even if printed months apart.

The Epson Stylus Pro 3880 incorporates a special driver mode that allows professional users to create bespoke black tones and clear whites, offering a great level of precision and artistic control. This combined with the three levels of black and the enlarged greyscale supplied by Epson’s UltraChrome K3 with Vivid Magenta ink technology, puts the Stylus Pro 3880 at the top of its class in producing sharp, precise and durable black and white prints. The ability to switch between photo and matte black as well as the neutral gradations users can achieve in colour and black and white make the Epson Stylus Pro 3880 ideal for photographers.

The Epson Stylus Pro 3880 offers excellent colour stability after just 30 minutes with no visible colour shift, thus making it an ideal printer for use in proofing. Customers can sign-off proofs quickly and have the certainty that what they see is what they will get in the final print run. This consistency of output means that the Epson Stylus Pro 3880 is also ideal for remote proofing.

The Stylus Pro 3880 is compatible with a wide range of Epson media including glossy paper, matte paper, fine art paper, plain paper, proofing paper and poster-board of up to 1.5mm in thickness. It is designed to support flexible paper handling for cut-sheet printing and users can benefit from border and borderfree printing in a range of photo sizes from 4"x6" up to 17"x22", helping to extend the usability this printer offers. The printer can be fed with different papers via three paper paths; auto sheet feeder, rear manual feeder for fine art paper and front manual insertion feeder for rigid media.

Martin Johns, Senior Product Manager, Epson UK, commented: "The launch of the Stylus Pro 3880 makes Epson’s fourth generation UltraChrome K3 VM inkset available to a broader range of users and consolidates the Stylus Pro range. The combination of Epson’s latest hardware innovations, industry-leading ink technology and an exceptionally small footprint makes this printer a perfect match for photography, fine art, proofing and POS printing. The printer’s accuracy makes it ideal for the creation of long-lasting prints to sell, exhibit or include within portfolios."

The Epson Stylus Pro 3880 is the successor of the Epson Stylus Pro 3800 and will be available from October 2009.

EPSON STYLUS PRO 3880 KEY FEATURES SUMMARY:
- Eight colour Epson UltraChrome K3 Ink with Vivid Magenta expand the printable gamut and include three black inks for superb grey balance
- Print on a variety of different media and media surfaces from 4x6" up to 17x22"
- Ideally suited for fast and flexible printing in the photography, fine art, proofing, POS prints and graphics markets
- Uniquely compact A2+ printer makes it ideal for small studios
- ENERGY STAR® qualified
- RRP excluding VAT, £995 - available 01 October, 2009

 

Roland DG UK Ltd has announced the launch of a new website to accompany its PRO range of commercial wide-format print solutions.

www.rolandpro.co.uk is now live and offers both existing and potential users the opportunity to access a number of business-savvy calculation tools, ensuring that they are getting the best out of their AdvancedJet, SolJet and VersaUV printers.

The website’s tools include a powerful return on investment tool, an explanation of finance options for purchase and for rental, and a calculation of running costs. Users create a profile when they first log in, detailing their print set-up, specifying their machines, how many hours it prints each day and the typical print quality required. Also factored in are hourly labour costs, sale price per square metre and how many days the printer runs each month. From this profile, the site calculates running costs and how many months it will take for the machine to have paid for itself.

“The ROI calculator is useful for existing Roland printer owners who want to be reassured about their investment,” explains Brett Newman, Head of Product Management at Roland. “But it is also an attractive option for new or potential investors who need to know very accurately how quickly their purchase will earn its keep depending on the inks and RIP they intend to use. More often than not it’s a nice surprise how fast that actually is.”

Alongside these business development tools is a side-by-side comparison of Roland’s wide-format printing options and an in-depth overview of the VersaWorks RIP, which is supplied with the company’s PRO range machines. There is also an update section which showcases how other users are making the most of their products, with a particular focus on new, innovative applications and uncommon, niche markets.

Users of the PRO site can request a ring-back from a Roland employee at any time and adjust their profile to account for changes in circumstance, media or use. Printers supported include the AdvancedJet AJ-1000i and AJ-740i; the SolJet PRO III XJ-740 and XJ-640; the SolJet PRO XC-540; and the VersaUV LEC-300.

Website: www.rolandpro.co.uk