Features Printing Wide-format Inkjet
Roland Expands VersaUV Line

Roland DGA has introduced the new and larger VersaUV LEF-300 to its line of benchtop UV-LED flatbed printers, which also includes the existing LEF-12 and LEF-20 models.

“The LEF-300 was developed in response to customer demand within the personalization and custom printing markets for an LEF printer with significantly increased production capabilities,” said Daniel Valade, Roland DGA’s product manager for the VersaUV LEF Series.

To accommodate greater quantities and larger-sized items, the LEF-300’s printing area has been expanded to 30 inches wide by 13 inches long, which equates to an imaging area 50 percent larger than the LEF-20. With four print heads and two UV-LED lamps, the LEF-300 enables bidirectional printing approximately 60 percent faster than the LEF-20.

As well, the number of LEF-300 White and Clear (gloss) ink nozzles have been doubled for faster printing, increased density and opacity, and faster build-up of multiple layers for three-dimensional textures. A new draft print mode improves overall efficiency for users in need of quick prototype prints.

Users can print on a range of substrates like PET, ABS and polycarbonate, soft materials such as TPU and leather, as well as three-dimensional items ranging from smart phone cases and laptop covers to signs, giftware and promotional items. Roland explains the LEF-300’s built-in vacuum table helps hold thin and soft materials in place, allowing for easier job setup and eliminating errors. The system also includes the BOFA air filtration system, which provides for ventilation while also serving as a stand and storage unit for fixtures and supplies.

The LEF-300 comes equipped with Roland’s new VersaWorks Dual software RIP, which supports native PostScript and PDF files. VersaWorks Dual features such as offset, positioning, rotation, registration of ink layers, and automatic creation of White and Clear ink effects can also be handled directly in the RIP.

The LEF-300 uses new EUV4 ink, which is Roland’s proprietary CYMK, White and Clear ECO-UV inks, which are said to reduce odour and the shrinking of thin film materials like BOPP, PE and PET when curing.

“The market for on-demand printing onto various articles is high, and we expect to see this growth continue in the years to come,” said Valade. “More and more businesses are providing custom printing services for smartphone cases and accessories. Kiosks offering on-site printing of photos taken by customers onto blank goods are also popping up at shopping malls around the world. These are all ideal markets for the LEF-300.”