Following a low-key, unofficial showing at FESPA Digital 2014, Roland DG has officially launched its 1.6m VersaExpress RF-640 engine.

The machine is designed for high volume printing with little or no downtime, achieving speeds of up to 48.5sq m per hour thanks to a print-head formation that can produce droplets of seven different sizes. Its eight-channel piezo head provides 180 nozzles per channel. The printer uses Eco-Sol Max 2 ink in a dual CMYK configuration, with an automatic ink cartridge switching system, and can output at up to 1,440dpi.

Also included is a tri-heater drying system to improve turnaround times, Roland's 100 Base-TX or 10 Base-T interface for one-step network connection and Intelligent Pass Control, a patent-pending system that controls dot placement between passes to improve print quality at high speeds.

"Digital sign-makers and wide-format printers need affordable volume production solutions that will help them increase productivity and profits," states Rob Goleniowski, sign and graphics business manager at Roland DG. "The new RF-640 is the ideal production tool because it delivers high speed, outstanding print-quality, ease of use, simple maintenance and unsurpassed reliability."

The first UK sale of the RF-640 has already been announced, with PrintMax customer Matt Vinyl Graphics electing to add the device to its current stable of Roland printers.

"We're really looking forward to bringing in the RF-640," comments Luke Nicholson, director at Matt Vinyl Graphics. "Our biggest problem at the moment is that we have too much work for our VP-540. The RF-640 will allow us to complete more work at a faster rate and also allow us more flexibility in terms of product offering with the added width."

The VersaExpress RF-640 is commercially available with prices for the device starting at ￡9,999.