Roland DG has expanded its VersaUV Line with the larger and faster Benchtop LEF-300 UV object printer, which will be launched at the Sign Africa Polokwane Expo, taking place on 7 April at Meropa Casino.
With four print heads and two UV-LED lamps, the LEF-300 enables bidirectional printing approximately 60% faster (in a CMYK ink configuration), than the LEF-20. The number of 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.
The LEF-300 comes equipped with the new Roland VersaWorks Dual software RIP that includes all the advanced, easy-to-use features of VersaWorks, and now supports both PostScript and PDF files for improved file processing and automatic creation of white and clear ink layers. In addition, features like offset, positioning, rotation and registration of ink layers can be handled directly in the RIP without the need to return to design software.
The LEF-300 uses new EUV4 ink, Roland DG’s proprietary CYMK, White and Clear ECO-UV inks for premium quality prints. EUV4 ink reduces odor and the shrinking of thin film materials like BOPP, PE and PET when curing. In addition to a 220cc cartridge, a new, larger 500cc ink cartridge has been introduced which is more economical and requires less cartridge replacements. (White ink is only available in 220cc cartridges.)
According to Yuko Maeda, division president of Roland DG digital printing market development, VersaUV printers, which include the previous LEF-12 and LEF-20 models, are popular for their ability to print rich colour directly on a vast array of materials, including three-dimensional items up to 100 mm thick. The LEF-300 was developed in response to customer demand for greater productivity in the personalisation and custom printing markets, which are characterised by small-lot production of numerous products. To accommodate greater quantities and larger-sized items, the LEF-300’s printing area has been expanded to 770 mm wide by 330 mm long, 50% more than the previous models.
'With the LEF-300, you can print on a wide variety of substrates such as PET, ABS, and polycarbonate, and soft materials such as TPU and leather, as well as three-dimensional items, including pens, smartphone cases, signs, personalized awards, giftware, promotional items, laptop covers and more. A vacuum table makes it easy to hold thin and soft materials in place,' said Maeda.
