Roland Introduces New SOLJET Printer/Cutter for the World’s First Metallic Silver Eco-Solvent Ink

Metallic Silver ECO-SOL MAX Ink Named DPI Product of the Year

Irvine, CA, October 27, 2009 — Roland DGA Corporation today announced new Metallic Silver ECO-SOL MAX ink (ESL3-MT) for the SOLJET PRO III XC-540MT 54” inkjet printer/cutter, the industry’s first metallic ink for eco-solvent inkjet printing. 

Awarded 2009 DPI Product of the Year, new Metallic Silver ECO-SOL MAX ink creates vibrant silver text and graphics previously impossible with any inkjet printer.  It can also be combined with CMYK to produce an entire spectrum of metallic hues including gold, bronze and other pearlescent colors.  This breakthrough silver ink technology delivers high density for brilliant effects on vinyl, paper, PET film, banner and canvas.  Applications include labels, window decorations, stickers, packaging prototypes, POP displays, signs, posters, banners, apparel heat transfers, vehicle graphics and wraps.

Metallic Silver ECO-SOL MAX ink is available exclusively for the new XC-540MT inkjet printer/cutter, based on renowned SOLJET PRO III technology.  The XC-540MT prints six colors including CMYK+Metallic Silver+White (CMYK+Mt+W) and automatically contour cuts graphics all in one seamless workflow.  A double white ink model (CMYK+WW) is also available for the brightest white text, graphics and floods. 

“We are proud to lead the industry as the first major printer manufacturer to introduce metallic silver eco-solvent ink,” said Andrew Oransky, director of product management for Roland.  “In the past, metallic graphics could only be produced using more complex commercial printing processes.  Now, for the first time, professionals can create stunning metallic effects with all the efficiency of eco-solvent inkjet technology.  Metallic inks open up a whole new color palette, command premium pricing and add sophistication to any graphic or marketing message.” 

New SOLJET PRO III XC-540MT

To meet the demands of production shops, the XC-540MT achieves a maximum print speed of 441 sqft./hr. and image quality up to 1440x1440 dpi resolution in CMYK mode.  It includes a heavy-duty media handling system, automated maintenance and the DU-540 dryer/blower unit required for metallic silver ink applications. Roland Intelligent Pass Control expedites production for the XC-540MT and enhances image quality in every print mode. 

The XC-540MT features ECO-SOL MAX inks, providing dense, rich colors, superior scratch resistance, fast drying time, wide gamut, uncoated media support and outdoor durability of up to three years for CMYK, one year for White, and one-to-three years for the new metallic silver ink.  When dried, Metallic Silver ECO-SOL MAX ink produces an exceptionally even surface appearance on a wide range of media.   

To prevent the pigments in metallic silver and white inks from settling, the XC-540MT also includes Roland’s unique, patent-pending automated ink circulation system.  The system reduces waste of white and metallic silver ink by up to 84% for dramatically lower running costs. The system ensures exceptional image quality throughout the longest production runs.

New VersaWorks 3.3 RIP Software Features a Metallic Spot Color Library

Metallic Silver ECO-SOL MAX ink is fully optimized by Roland VersaWorks 3.3 RIP software included with every XC-540MT. This true Adobe PostScript 3 RIP is designed by Roland to ensure exceptional production output and unmatched ease of use and incorporates the latest Adobe CPSI 3018 engine.

VersaWorks features the Roland Color System which accurately reproduces spot colors from Roland Color charts and swatch books.  A new Roland Metallic Color library in VersaWorks features 12 colors that print using CMYK+Mt in a single pass.  This palette includes silver, gold, bronze and nine other metallic colors.  Users can also easily create and save their own custom metallic spot colors in Roland VersaWorks RIP software.  

Metallic Silver ECO-SOL MAX ink is priced at $229.99 per 220ml cartridge.  The SOLJET PRO III XC-540MT is priced at $39,995 including the DU-540 dryer/blower unit.  For more information, contact Roland Customer Services at (800) 542-2307 or visit www.rolanddga.com.

Roland DGA Corporation

Roland DGA Corporation and affiliated companies are pioneers in the development of innovative digital technology for creative professionals. From its inception as part of world-renowned Roland Music, Roland DGA Corp. has introduced an award-winning product line that continues to set new standards for precision, reliability and performance. Professionals worldwide rely on Roland solutions everyday in the sign, grand-format, sublimation, UV inkjet, digital graphics, vehicle graphics, fine art, photography, flexo, label, engraving and 3D modeling industries.

Headquartered in Irvine, CA, Roland DGA Corporation serves as the U.S.-based marketing, distribution and sales arm of Roland DG Corporation in Hamamatsu, Japan. Affiliated companies include Roland Corporation US in Los Angeles, CA and Rodgers Instruments LLC in Hillsboro, OR. Roland DG Corporation is listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Roland DGA is ISO 9001:2008 certified, and Roland DG is ISO 9001:2000 and 14001:2004 certified. For more information on Roland DGA products, please call (800) 542-2307 or visit the Web site at www.rolanddga.com.