Minto decided to migrate into digital print and invested in his first wide format press in 1998. In the decade since, Minto has increased Digiset's digital print arsenal to include a HP Indigo digital press, Heidelberg Quickmaster DI and wide format kit from Mutoh, HP and ENCAD. He describes Digiset, whose client base includes the NHS, universities and big name brands, as a ‘jobbing' digital printer.

Despite the impressive array of digital firepower Minto, always with an eye on new markets, felt something was missing: "We couldn't produce high resolution outdoor banners on our HP, which was only suited to the indoor work like exhibition graphics or point-of-sale. During the last two-years when we've had a request for high resolution outdoor work we had to turn it away."

And as any printer knows, the wider spectrum of jobs produced in-house, the more margin is retained.

Versatility of solvent inks

So, when Minto decided to replace his wide-format machine, he knew he wanted a solvent ink machine that could produce jobs including posters, PVC banners and self-adhesive vinyl. He heard about the Roland SolJet PRO III XJ-640 through paper supplier Donald Murray Paper  (Roland distributor) and compared it with other major players.

Minto said: "It came down to two machines. The combination of quality and price made me lean in favour of the Roland, but the real clincher was the way that the XJ-640 puts down ink onto vinyl. Most machines cause banding when they print onto vinyl, as it doesn't absorb ink like paper. But Roland's print heads lay down the ink consistently, regardless of whether they are going from left-to-right or vice versa. The ink is put down perfectly, making it the ideal all round machine. The Roland really does produce a superior result."

The XJ-640 (available in four and six-colour versions) can deliver an image resolution of 1,440dpi and print speed of 42m2 per hour. However, it's the machine's inherent versatility that's of most interest to Minto as he explained: "It does all the work that the HP did, but has allowed us to get into new markets such as banners, self-adhesive vinyl, packaging prototypes and outdoor signage. The Roland combines the quality needed for high-end indoor graphics with robust inks, which has given us far more flexibility."

Uncovering new markets and opportunity

The company, which only installed the XJ-640 in November 2007, has already produced work on it for blue chip clients including exhibition panels for Disney and packaging products for Proctor & Gamble.

However, Minto is also exploring how the machine can be used to develop additional streams for the business: "We're working on developing profiles for lightweight carton board of around 400 microns. This will enable us to produce carton mock ups and get into new markets."

Central to the XJ-640's versatility is its ink set. The machine uses Roland's Eco-Sol Max ink system to deliver an exceptionally wide colour gamut: without the need for additional ventilation. The Eco-Sol Max ink system counters the common misconception that different jobs need different inks as it produces durable, high quality colour on a range of substrates including, paper, PVC banner, self-adhesive vinyl and textiles.

Minto said: "The inks are very robust and their vibrancy is excellent. The fact that you can use the same inks for a variety of indoor and outdoor work is a massive advantage. It saves time and minimises wastage."

Business training for success

Minto is also keen to take advantage of the Roland Academy, the largest, industry-accredited sign, engraving and large format education facility in Europe, which operates from Walsall College. The Roland Academy runs a range of courses, which have been developed by independent industry professionals. These include programmes on digital printing, engraving, RIPs and Adobe software packages.

Minto said: "I would definitely be interested in attending some of the courses run at the Roland Academy, as I'm always looking to develop skills and best practice. To partner with a manufacturer that has invested in such an impressive training resource gives me a great deal of confidence."

Digiset has just celebrated its 13th anniversary and with Minto's obvious thirst for new business, coupled with high quality digital hardware, software and business support from Roland, the company's future seems assured.

Truly integrated solutions makes for perfect colour matching

Although many printer suppliers claim to offer integrated solutions, few actually control the design and manufacture of all the printing components, preferring to sell other companies' technologies under OEM agreements. However, Roland DG does supply truly integrated solutions, having taken the strategic decision to control all elements that comprise its solutions.

Companies thinking of investing in printing technology no longer consider just the merits of a single piece of hardware. Today's printer is far more discerning and considers the manufacturer's entire offering: machinery, firmware, software, service, consumables, etc.

But when solutions are bundled generic technologies, sold under OEM or other agreements, how certain can purchasers be they'll receive the support they need?

By controlling how all elements in a wide format solution interact, Roland DG's synergistic technology - consisting of its own hardware, VersaWorks RIP and proprietary Eco-Sol Max inks - provides unparalleled enhanced performance.

As Roland DG controls the research, development and manufacture of all elements, it also controls how the elements interact. For example, Roland's new Intelligent Pass Control technology - now available on all SolJet Pro III printers and printer/cutters - is a combination of RIP and printer software that doubles the ink lay-down speed in standard print mode. By precisely layering dots to enhance print quality, Intelligent Pass Control achieves smoother gradations, flawless solid colours and reduced banding - all faster than in previous machines.

Another benefit is the latest version of Roland's VersaWorks RIP, which is included as standard with all printing systems. Designed as a visual interface, it supports Adobe Level 3 Postscript, as well as principal graphics files, including TIFF, JPEG, PDF, PS and EPS. More importantly, however, VersaWorks features the Roland Color matching system, which provides visual reference tools that enable digital printers and their customers to see exactly how colours will print on specific media and printers. Customers can agree on spot colours before printing, so there is no guesswork, tweaking - or wasted prints.

This synergy also ensures customers have access to the latest software upgrades at no extra cost. VersaWorks users are not charged for RIP updates, which can be downloaded from the Web. For example, an upgrade to the

SolJet PRO III XC-540 54in printer/cutter's firmware and RIP that boosts productivity and print quality was recently made available free of charge for all XC-540s in service. This is part of Roland DG's wider Value-Up initiative to ensure equipment in the field is supported by the latest upgrade. The Value-Up initiative lets existing XC-540 customers self install performance upgrades.

While all ‘solutions' comprise multiple technologies, those supplying them through agreements with other manufacturers will always be compromised to a degree. Roland DG's synergy of technology (hardware, VersaWorks and Eco-Sol Max inks) ensures a wide format performance that's greater than the sum of its parts.

http://www.rolanddg.co.uk/

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