Roland offers UK printer short-run solution

- Has chosen larger model to fit in with production workflow

- To allow proofs and prototypes of using various substrates

UK print and packaging specialist Fingerprint FO+ has purchased a Roland VersaUV LEC-540 for proofing, prototyping and short-run production applications that require offset-like quality.
 
Using the Roland UV curable wide-format print-and-cut solution, Fingerprint FO+ can create accurate packaging prototypes and short-run applications straight from its desktop computers onto exactly the same range of media it puts through its two Heidelberg Speedmaster presses.

Different substrates

Fingerprint FO+ offers customers a full resource from concept drawing, finished sampling, and graphic support and repro, through to print and finish. It also works with new materials to produce cutting-edge high-end packaging.
 
The company regularly prints on a broad range of substrates from polypropylene, PVCs, foils and boards to more specialist substrates like Mirri reflective media, and produces applications using clings and lenticular effects.
 
As such, it’s critical that Fingerprint FO+ is able to produce cost-effective proofs and prototypes on-demand, Roland said, as well as short runs and specials using the actual materials used for the main print run.
 
The Roland VersaUV LEC-540 was provided by Atech, a Roland authorized dealer.

The print-and-cut machine has a maximum width of 1,370mm, and offers high-quality UV curable ink with additional white and clear options.
 
Available in two sizes of 762mm and 1,370mm, which both fit into a typical B1 (720 x 1,020mm) workflow, the Roland VersaUV LEC-540 chosen by Fingerprint FO+ is the larger option.
 
It incorporates low energy LED curing with long-life lamps that are able to work with a broad of range of traditionally tricky and sensitive materials without damaging the surface or buckling the media.
 

Beyond proofing

Doug McBride, Fingerprint FO+ sales director, said: ‘Since we’ve taken ownership of the machine, we’ve gone far beyond just proofing and increasingly use it to trial new materials.
 
‘Previously we were working with an aqueous-based wide-format unit for proofing but, whilst it could produce accurate color, it didn’t offer the high levels of flexibility we get from this UV-curable system.
 
‘The VersaUV LEC-540 integrated seamlessly with our existing abilities to output to a comprehensive range of plastics, corrugated and cartonboard. But now we have the freedom to explore new materials, textures, contours and finishes.’
 

Greater creativity

Steve Chappell, Roland DG’s business manager for proofing, packaging and industrial labeling, said: ‘For a company that specializes in producing innovative packaging and point-of-sale applications, the Roland VersaUV LEC-540 can open new doors to even greater creativity in the future.
 
‘At Fingerprint FO+, it’s quickly proved to be the ideal solution for prototyping and experimenting with new materials and finishes.’
 
‘Additionally, this integrated print-and-cut system with its durable, flexible UV-curable inks is the only machine of its kind which can produce design concepts and short-run applications in a single unit. This technology is proving to be increasingly successful amongst the commercial print and packaging sectors.’
 
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