Roland Unveils 2008 SolJet Pro III XC-540

Roland has tweaked and upgraded its SolJet Pro III XC-540, originally released in 2006, now re-introduced as the 2008 SolJet Pro III XC-540. The printer/cutter now includes Roland Intelligent Pass Control technology, a white-ink option, the upgraded version of VersaWorks, and new media flanges for added stability.

The 54-in. printer/cutter prints at speeds up to 441 sq ft/hr in 360 x 360-dpi 1-pass mode for CMYKcm inks. Other 6-color print speeds include: in High Speed 540 x 360-dpi mode, 301 and 207 sq ft/hr at 2- and 3-passes, respectively; in Standard 360 x 720-dpi mode, 151 and 126 sq ft/hr in 4- and 5-passes; and at High Quality 720 x 720-dpi mode, 75 and 70 sq ft/hr in 8- and 9-passes. Its Artistic mode produces graphics at 30 sq ft/hr at 1440 x 1440 dpi in 17 passes.

First introduced with the SolJet XJ series, the Roland Intelligent Pass Control is a combination of firmware and software advancements plus optimized machine stability to reduce ink bleed and irregular feeding between passes. The result is smooth gradations and improved print quality and throughput while virtually eliminating banding, reports the company. While many print mode speeds remain the same as the 2006 version of the XC-540, with Intelligent Pass Control the 2008 XC-540 is now up to twice as fast in Standard print mode when printing on vinyl.

Utilizing six 5- to 40-pl printheads with 360 nozzles each and Eco-Sol Max inks in 220- or 440-ml cartridges, the 2008 XC-540 now offers several ink configurations: 6-color CMYKcm, 4-color CCMMYK, and 5-color CMYKW, using Eco-Sol Max’s new white ink. This white ink, available in 220-ml cartridges only, is an upgrade from Roland’s original Eco-Sol white ink introduced in 2005. (Note: Once an XC-540 has been configured for white ink, it cannot be reconfigured as a 6-color printer.)

Included are the VersaWorks 2.6 RIP, an integrated tri-heater system (preheater, print heater, and dryer), and auto take-up system which supports rolls up to 66 lb, but does not support contour cutting or white-ink print applications. The DU-540 Heater/Blower is offered as an option ($2995) and is recommended for use with white ink.

On the cutter end, cutting speeds for the XC-540 top out at 11.8 in./sec. The XC-540 includes a Camm-1 series cutter blade, a blade holder, and a replacement blade.

Price: $29,995.

With the introduction of the 2008 SolJet Pro III XC-540, Roland is offering existing XC-540 customers a free upgrade. The upgrade includes Intelligent Pass Control, media flanges, and other enhancements. The upgrade kit is available at Roland’s website.

ROLAND
www.rolanddga.com