▲ Roland launched six new models in the TrueVIS series earlier in the year including new entry-level and resin printers 46 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 248 - August / September 2023 nomic, and optimised for the operator, we know this will be of huge interest to visitors at the show. “Our strategy to become a market leader will only happen through growing profitable business together in partnership with our customers.” The machine was created as a part of a collaboration with Zanzotti Industrial Design which has previous experience with Durst in creating more intuitive, ergonomic, and user-friendly designs. The VK3220T-HS is a 3.2m x 2m flatbed which uses up to three rows of the four-picoliter drop size Kyocera printheads which operate at up to 1,800dpi print resolution and run at up to 360 sq m/h. Weighing Up the Market It’s undeniable that PSPs and sign-makers have a vast array of wide-format kit available, all suitable for a range of different applications. As businesses continue to diversify and new trends come and go in the worlds of business and marketing, certain machines will clearly suit some companies more than others depending on their output and clientele. Companies that deal with customers in live events, interior décor, or fine art may find themselves going for an advanced flatbed printer capable of different special effects and finishes. However, businesses that cater to retailers, the public sector, advertising, or the entertainment industry may be better suited to traditional large-format printers or roll-to-roll devices which incorporate high-quality inks and quicker turnarounds. Investment in any type of kit should always come with optimism but also a critical eye in order to know which machine is right for you. Events like FESPA or open house events run by the likes of swissQprint and Graphtec are an ideal chance for potential customers to get up close and personal with the kit and see if the results justify the investment. and increases print quality. Tony Miller, president of Roland’s Global Sales and Marketing Division, comments: “The EU-1000MF is a product with an excellent balance of functionality and price. Until now, the machine was only sold in limited regions, but customers in Europe that are increasingly looking to new solutions will be able to further accelerate their print businesses with this new solution. “By expanding the sales area of the EU-1000MF to the European region, we are aiming to create new opportunities to assist our customers in growing their businesses and increase sales.” One company providing customers around the globe with effective flatbed solutions is Vanguard Europe, a part of the Durst Group since 2020, with the launch of a new machine this year. Shown for the first time in public at FESPA in Munich, Vaguard’s VK3220THS is another example of a machine that has been created to solve the issues of customers and serve a global audience. Speaking at FESPA, Fabian Sottsas, managing director of Vanguard Europe, said: “We are incredibly excited to be at FESPA for this world launch of the Vanguard VK3220T-HS next-generation UV flatbed printer. Together with a new modular design with user-friendly design changes that are more intuitive, ergoquality, but also its productivity of up to 304 m²/h, for both its flatbed and optional roll-to-roll printing option (3.2 m).” The Kudu, like all swissQprint flatbed printers, is certified first-class energy efficient consuming just 2.2 kilowatt-hours of electricity, the same amount as an average kettle. User-Friendly Designs As printers continue to diversify and add new solutions to their portfolio, the need for agile and supportive manufacturers becomes more and more important. One brand that has focused more and more on direct-to-object and substrate printing is Roland DG which supplies a large range of user-friendly, colour printers, and printer/cutters designed to meet the needs of graphic and signage professionals. Print ranges like the VersaOBJECT, TrueVIS, and MG series have demonstrated a need from PSPs for versatile and high-speed machines. The LG series which is available in up to 64”, can work with CMYK, gloss, white, red, orange, and primer inks and has performance features like one-touch auto-calibration and an integrated take-up unit. The MG Series has a number of optional extras that can help when printing on different substrates and product types. Users can get more stability and accuracy when printing onto thicker card stock with the ET-64/30 extension table which provides a firm platform for semi-rigid media or folding carton paper stocks. Higher up in Roland’s range and the VersaOBJECT EU-1000MF is a LED-UV flatbed printer capable of printing on the likes of PVC panel, foam panels, corrugated cardboard, and aluminium plates. The machine comes with SAi FlexiPrint Plus RIP software and boasts low ink costs advanced technology like printhead protection and an Anti-Static Ionisation System which reduces static interference TASTE FOR SUCCESS / WIDE-FORMAT PRINT KIT PT.2 ▼ Vanguard Europe is a subsidiary of Vanguard Digital Printing Printing Systems Corp and was set up in 2021
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