Roland DGA has introduced its AdvancedJET AJ-1000, a 104-in., 6-color (CMYKcm) grand-format printer that boasts a maximum production speed of 968 sq ft/hr (the company's fastest inkjet to date), has a maximum resolution of 720 x 720 dpi, and features a new solvent inkset developed specifically for this machine. The printer, says Roland, is ideal for high-volume applications including banners, billboards, outdoor signage, and other durable graphics.

“The AdvancedJet AJ-1000 takes Roland inkjet technology to a whole new level of performance, printing at nearly twice the speed of our previous inkjet models,” says Brian McLeod, managing director of Roland's Color Products Division. “This exciting new product combines many of the features found in higher-priced industrial printers with proven Roland reliability and ease-of-use “? all at an affordable price point.” “

Capable of output onto coated as well as uncoated media, the AJ-1000 features high-capacity 1-liter ink cartridges of Roland's new Xtreme ink for seamless and unattended printing, as well as an ink-delivery system that allows replacement of cartridges without pausing. The Xtreme ink delivers outstanding color density, wider gamut and rugged durability, Roland reports, and is particularly well suited for volume banner production; it offers exceptional bonding with uncoated banner substrates, plus enhanced scratch resistance and alcohol resistance.

Other AJ-1000 features include: a precision print mode speed of 484 sq ft/hr, a media-handling system that can accommodate rolls weighing up to 220 pounds; and an automated intelligent maintenance system to keep print heads performing optimally. The printer comes with a VersaWorks RIP, which includes advanced color-management tools, as well as a wide variety of layout, edit, and print functions. Users can utilize two job queues for handling different print conditions, and VersaWorks can be updated automatically via the Internet.

Price of the AdvancedJET AJ-1000: $69,995, available now.

In addition, Roland has announced the opening of a new factory at the company's corporate headquarters in Hamamatsu, Japan. Designed to serve the company's growing customer base, the new digital factory will become a primary manufacturing site for product assembly, testing, and inspection for the company's line of inkjet printers and printer/cutters, vinyl cutters, engravers, photo impact printers and 3D scanning and milling machines. Forty-percent larger than the than the company's current factory, the new facility will accommodate up to 200 employees, and will significantly increase the company's production capacity.

Importantly, the digital factory will utilize Roland's “Yatai” digital-cell manufacturing technology, which enables a single employee to individually assemble complex products. Since adopting this system for all of its products in 2002, Roland reports that manufacturing time has been reduced and product design has been improved.

“Today's business climate demands efficient, on-demand manufacturing capabilities,” says Masahiro Tomioka, president of Roland DG. “We are always striving to improve our manufacturing processes, which in turn improves our responsiveness to the market and to our customers.” “

ROLAND DGA
www.rolanddga.com