The unveiling of Vanguard Digital Printing Systems has been announced by its three co-founders: Dave Cich, Jim Peterson, and Jim Case. CET Color’s former COO, director of national accounts, and regional sales director of the eastern US, respectively, banded together to launch the company with the goal of building “an adaptable, affordable, upgradeable printer backed by exceptional national service,” according to a release.

Vanguard’s flagship product is the VR5D UV inkjet flatbed printer, employing Ricoh Gen5 printheads and proprietary BandGuard technology, designed to eliminate bidirectional banding. The machine offers CMYK + white and accepts 49 x 99-inch rigid media up to 4 inches thick. Additional features include a modular configuration; CureGuard LED lights for adjustable curing; and StaticGuard control for safety when running PVC and acrylics.

“Vanguard Digital Printing Systems is a continuation of what I have done in my career,” says Cich in the same release. “In 25 years, I’ve learned that if you build a business focused on doing what is right for the customer above all else, while valuing your employees and suppliers, and being uncompromising in these values, success will follow for all involved … We are proud to hit the ground running with the VR5D UV flatbed printing system, and look forward to launching three more industry-leading machines in 2016.”