Hertfordshire-based full-service print services provider, Datum Print, has been offering its high-quality graphic design, marketing, and digital and wide format printing services to agencies, print management companies and popular brands such as Bollinger Champagne and John Lewis for over 13 years. The company is run by directors, Scott Pearce and Mark Gamble, who have pioneered its evolution from a prepress business to one that also offers exhibition graphics, vehicle wraps, POS displays and product mock-ups. In 2011, the company invested in a Roland VersaCAMM VS-640 printer/cutter with white and metallic inks to improve the creative offerings it could provide to its customers – a decision that has opened up new markets and significantly reduced Datum Print’s outsourcing costs.

On the company’s decision to purchase the Roland package, Scott Pearce comments, “Datum Print has steadily evolved since it was established in 2000 and now offers a wide range of creative print. As part of our on-going development plans, we were looking for a package that would help us break into the high-end jewellery and luxury car makers graphics market – both of which require a very high-quality finish and additional finishing touches like vibrant metallic silver incorporated into designs.

"We have used Roland products for a number of years so were confident in the brand’s quality and performance. We purchased the VersaCAMM VS-640 due to its integrated cutting feature and the Eco-Sol Max inks which are available in white and metallic. It has definitely helped us achieve our ambitions and we can now make products such as window graphics and labels that require complex cad-cutting in-house. This has been very beneficial to us on a financial and operational level."

Datum Print purchased its Roland through local dealer, Atech. The installation was completed within a day and the machine continues to impress Datum Print and its customers with the quality of its output and the added definition and luxurious finish the white and metallic ink gives printed graphics. Scott continues, “Our customers are always amazed at the remarkable results a little creativity and mixing white, metallic and CMYK inks can achieve. In such a competitive market place, I know offering metallic ink finishes helps us secure repeat business.”

Scott and the team at Datum Print have also been impressed with the level of after-sales service from Roland through its RolandCare technical support package and the training courses held at the Roland Academy. Datum Print has Roland’s Bronze level of RolandCare which includes over the phone technical support and free call outs and new parts if required. Scott concludes, “The level of after-sales care from Roland is truly impressive. Our Roland is such a crucial part of our operation it’s nice to know they are only a phone call away if we encounter any problems. The Roland forum and online support are also useful and a great way to interact with other Roland users. The team has attended courses at the Roland Academy and always give positive feedback on the level of teaching and information provided.”

Roland’s award-winning VersaCAMM VS series of printer/cutters is one of the brand’s most versatile and high-performing machines available in a range of specifications to suit all business needs and budgets. Available in four sizes – 30, 43, 54 and 64 inches – the VS series is easy-to-use and ideal for creating high-impact, eye-catching applications. Boasting fast print speeds (23.1m2/hour) and an unattended printing feature, the unit will seamlessly integrate into any print business. The VS series is available in four ink configurations and up to eight Eco-Sol Max ink colours (CYMK, LC, LM, Metallic and White). Innovative technology ensures the Eco-Sol Max inks are durable and scratch resistant, and the wide colour gamut will cater for even the most creative of projects.