“The VersaCAMM is recognised throughout the industry as the pioneer of print and cut technology and the new VS-i series continues to build the innovation that has made it the world’s best-selling printer in the durable graphics market,” says Rob Goleniowski, business manager, Sign and Graphics, Roland DG UK.

With research from InfoTrends showing that from Q4 2009 to Q1 2013, the VersaCAMM was the best-selling wide-format printer in the solvent ink and durable aqueous ink technology category, the new range has a strong platform to build from.

There is no doubt the new VS-i is one of the most versatile and affordable solutions on the market today and will remain the industry’s favourite printer/cutter for durable graphics”

In a bold statement of confidence, Goleniowski continues: “The new VS-i series combines the reliability and ease of use for which these machines are internationally renowned, with a host of powerful new features and usability enhancements. There is no doubt the new VS-i is one of the most versatile and affordable solutions on the market today and will remain the industry’s favourite printer/cutter for durable graphics.”

Carrying the Japanese giants ECO-SOL MAX2 inks (CMYKLcLm, White, Metallic Silver and Light Black), the print and cut series will include three aptly named core models; the VS-640i (64”, 1,625mm), VS-540i (54”, 1,371mm), VS-300i (30”, 762mm).

Under the cover

Roland DG UK's Rob Goleniowski is emphatic that the VersaCAMM VS-i series is a world-beating print and cut solution

With a top production speed of 26.9sq m/hr, the VS-i series is also described in Roland DG’s public release as using the, ‘most advanced latest generation print head technology for reliable and stable production, outstanding image quality and high productivity’. Backing up the claim, the company explains that droplets of seven different sizes can be fired at the substrate, with settings that maximise quality for specific media and print resolutions.

With its UK headquarters in Clevedon, Roland DG also highlights features such as its Intelligent Pass Control and automated ink circulation system eliminates banding and reduces maintenance costs of using white and metallic silver inks.

Heating up the market

With competition between manufacturers heated in the lucrative wide-format print market, Roland DG has come out all guns blazing with the new release in a style that is reminiscent of its 102sq m/hr XF-640 ‘Beast’ launch at Sign and Digital UK.

Indeed the VS-i series has front loading ink cartridges, cut settings that can be adjusted during operation, integrated contour cutting, and comes packaged with a one year RolandCare Silver warranty, and a  Digital Print course at the Roland Academy.

In its public statement the company also highlighted the motivation for the intense research and development behind the new expansive inkset: “The new light black delivers accurate reproduction of greys and skin tones for flawless photographic reproductions and seamless gradients. The latest generation white and metallic inks offer higher density than ever before, plus approximately 1.5 times faster production speed for white ink and up to 2 times the speed for metallic ink compared to the previous model.