"But, my clients don't ask me for large format print."

"Where will large format print fit in my workflow?"

"Can I use my existing RIP software to run the printer?"

"What graphic files does the printer support?"

"What colour management does the system use?"

"I don't have the space."

"What about the fumes?"

"I don't have the print finishing skills."

"How much daily maintenance is required?"

"Can I run the printer unattended?"

How long can the printer be left without using it?"

"I've heard that a single technician builds every printer"

"What about support?"

"Do I need a different ink for indoor and outdoor graphics"

“It's easier for me to put the work out to a trade supplier.”

“Do Roland printers use solvent ink?”

“I don't have the computer or graphic skills in-house.”

“I don't have the graphic finishing skills in-house.”

“What other software applications will I need to get started.”

All the answers

"But, my clients don't ask me for large format print."

Almost every business buys some form of large format print.  It's integrated into every marketing campaign, company identity, high street store, sign, exhibition, display and event.  Think about it, look out of the window, drive down the road, look around your clients' offices, warehouses, car parks and stores - somebody is printing it, why isn't it you? 

If you were to go through every client on your books and look at all businesses within 10 miles, 95% of them regularly use or could potentially use large format print.

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"Can I use my existing RIP software to run the printer?"

We recommend that you use Roland's VersaWorks™ RIP which is supplied with the printer.  It will run on both PCs and Intel dual processor based Macs, and provides deep integration with the printing system and it's firmware.  We also directly support other RIP platforms such as ONYX Graphics™ Production House™ and PosterShop®, Wasatch® SoftRIP® and CADlink® SignLAB® for specific environments and applications.

If you do have an alternate RIP with a driver for Roland printers we would recommend that you contact the manufacturer for the latest update.  Unfortunately, we cannot provide direct support for RIPs other than those mentioned above.

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"What colour management does the system use?"

The VersaWorks™ RIP utilises the ICC colour management standard and is supplied with a huge range of media profiles for the most common specific and generic materials.

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"What about the fumes?"

Both the VersaCAMM™ and the SolJet™ ranges use Roland's Eco-Sol Max™ ink which has virtually no odour and can be run safely in the busiest office environment without any special ventilation.  Our largest high productivity printers, the AdvancedJet™ range uses Roland EcoXtreme™ solvent type ink and does require air extraction.

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"How much daily maintenance is required?"

As long as the printer is left switched on, no daily maintenance is required.  All Roland printers are virtually self-maintaining and will happily be left inactive for long periods.  It is recommended that a 20 minute manual cleaning routine is completed (push three buttons and do a test print) at least once a week.  Other than that, the printer will require the emptying of the ink waste periodically and an annual preventative maintenance visit from a qualified Roland technician.

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"How long can the printer be left without using it?"

We'd recommend that the printer should be left for no more than two weeks inactive, during that time it must be switched on to allow it to maintain and self-clean it's heads. 
To revive the printer a 20 minute manual cleaning routine should be completed (push three buttons and do a test print). If the printer is to be powered down whilst inactive the heads and ink-train should be flushed with compatible cleaning solution.  To revive the printer after a long period of powered down storage, the cleaning solution must be flushed from the system and new ink installed.  It is highly recommended that a Roland technician be consulted before storing the printer in powered down mode.

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"What about support?"

With Roland’s industry renowned reliability, free lifetime technical support and manufacturer direct service there’s no need to worry about the technology letting you down when you need it most.  Unlike most manufacturers, Roland service and support our own equipment with our own technicians - it's fair to say that nobody knows or cares for our equipment better than we do. 

We supply every Roland printer with a year’s Silver on-site RolandCare warranty which covers all non-consumable parts, labour and support – and the added flexibility to upgrade the service level and cover to suite your needs.  Our service covers the whole of the UK with factory trained engineers, an experienced telephone support team, an extensive repair workshop at our head office in Bristol and a full inventory of spares and consumable parts ready for next day delivery.

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“It's easier for me to put the work out to a trade supplier.”

It probably is in the short term.  But, by putting work out your margins will be smaller, you'll have little control and when your supplier makes a mistake you'll get it in the neck.  And, if your client knows that you’re not printing their work then they'll know that you're making a mark-up - so they may look elsewhere for a keener price, faster service or better quality.  It's also not unheard of in tough times for trade suppliers to approach their customers' clients directly.

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“Do Roland printers use solvent ink?”

The Roland Advanced Jet™ range of printers use Roland EcoXtreme™ cyclohexanone free solvent inks.  The Roland VersaCAMM™ and SolJet™ Pro ranges of printers use Roland Eco-Sol Max™ eco-solvent ink.  Both ink systems provide great adhesion, vivid colours and excellent compatibility with many types of materials.

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“What other software applications will I need to get started.”

We'd recommend that you have the applications that your client's use to create the graphics files - as it allows you to make amendments and changes should you need them. 

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"Where will large format print fit in my workflow?"

Roland large format printing systems are stand-alone production modules that can easily be integrated into existing repro and print environments.  The VersaWorks™ RIP PC can be placed anywhere on your existing network.

Our experience shows that the repro office environment is the perfect location for most Roland printers - it's usually relatively clean and dust free, has a stable temperature and humidity (which is important for paper based print materials) and the operators are close at hand.

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"What graphic files does the printer support?"

The graphics files supported by the VersaWorks™ RIP are industry standard and include:  pdf; eps; ps; tif; jpg.  Direct Adobe® Postscript® Level 3 printing is also possible via 'hot-folders' on the VersaWorks™ RIP.

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"I don't have the space."

Space is always at a premium in business but with printer units like the VersaCAMM™ VP-300 needing as much room as a small desk you can squeeze a very profitable addition to your business into a very tight corner.  Our bigger printers do however need a little more room and a place to finish the printed graphics.  Our range of systems cover all the major production sizes from 0.9 to 2.6 metres wide so we should have a print solution that fits your needs and premises size.

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"I don't have the print finishing skills."

We know that printing is just the start of the process - finishing adds real value to the job but it can sometimes look more complex than it is.  Cutting and trimming just needs a steady hand, a sharp blade and a straight edge, banner edging uses a simple hot-air welder and grommet punch and many other graphics can benefit from a protective or decorative laminate being applied.  All these techniques can be learnt and practiced at the Roland Academy - where you can quickly acquire the skills and experience to finish all manner of graphics using the latest equipment and materials from the industry's most popular manufacturers.  We can give you the confidence to say ‘yes!’ to virtually any graphics production job.

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"Can I run the printer unattended?"

Yes, all Roland printers are designed to print unattended for long production runs.  Some models may require an optional take-up spool.

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"I've heard that a single technician builds every printer"

It really is true.  Every Roland printer is manufactured in a process we call ‘Digital Yatai’; a single person utilising a sophisticated computer guide assembles and checks every component on a single printer, and so is made personally responsible for the finished product.  This revolutionary manufacturing system has made Roland printers the industry benchmark in build quality and reliability.

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"Do I need a different ink for indoor and outdoor graphics"

Put simply, no.  The VersaCAMM™ and the SolJet™ printers use Roland's unique Eco-Sol Max™ ink, a single ink system that is suitable for use for both indoor and outdoor graphics and is economical, bright, very UV resistant, highly flexible and versatile.  It's so durable that sign-makers use it for vehicles and signs that will last for several years in the toughest environments and so vivid that the brightest photographic images come alive.  It's available in four colour (CMYK) or six colour process (CMYK+ light Cyan and light Magenta) allowing for a wide colour gamut to be consistently achieved.  For special applications certain SolJet™ printers can be fitted with a high density white ink system.  Eco-Sol Max™ inks are supplied in economical no mess, no fuss 220ml or 440ml bulk cartridges ensuring consistent printer and colour performance.

The AdvancedJet™ printer range uses highly durable Roland EcoXtreme™ solvent type inks that are completely cyclohexanone free, making them safer and easier to use.  They are supplied in 1,000ml bulk cartridges which deliver high performance grand format printing with no mess and virtually no maintenance - a real benefit for volume production environments.

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“I don't have the computer or graphic skills in-house.”

The Roland Academy in partnership with Walsall College provides training on a range of industry standard graphics software including: CorelDraw X3 Graphics Suite™; Adobe® PhotoShop® and Adobe® Illustrator® CS2; and CADLink™ SignLab™.  For basic computer skills training you should contact your local College of Further Education or Learn Direct (http://www.learndirect-business.co.uk/)

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“I don't have the graphic finishing skills in-house.”

The Roland Academy in partnership with Walsall College provides a range of courses that include print finishing and graphics application.  All the courses use the latest hardware and materials and include: Roland DG printers; GMP laminators and protective films; and Metamark self-adhesive films.

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