A compact high-resolution color printer for 3D objects.
What does it do?
It is a compact ‘benchtop’ A2-plus format flatbed UV-cured inkjet that may print in excessive decision color instantly onto 3D objects as much as 204mm excessive. Roland claims it’s the quickest small UV printer in its class. 3D on this case primarily implies that slight curves could be accommodated, corresponding to cellphone instances or USB sticks, though it could possibly print on cylindrical objects corresponding to flasks through an optionally available rotator accent. The printer can deal with most supplies together with metallic, plastic, glass, wooden, canvas, vinyl and paper. It might print a number of small objects held in jigs on the mattress.
When was it launched, who’s it aimed toward?
The MO-240 was launched on 11 January 2024. It’s aimed toward producers and industrial printers that need to print instantly onto objects, versus utilizing transfers. “Our core goal marketplace for this product is PSPs, significantly these producing promotional merchandise,” says Francisco Lozano, product supervisor, UV & Cutters for Roland DG EMEA. “This printer can be aimed toward factories and types that produce or outsource merchandise with display or pad printing.”
The MO-240’s format is suited to functions corresponding to management panel covers, electrical objects together with cellphone instances and gaming tools, or nameplates, signage, bottles, flasks and trophies.
The MO-240 is the newest and smallest of Roland’s new household of VersaObject flatbeds which can be changing its earlier VersaUV fashions. The primary of those, known as the CO collection, have been introduced final yr, 4 with mounted flatbed tables and two with belt methods. They’ve both 762mm or 1,625mm print widths and mattress lengths of two,050mm, 3,065m, or 3,625mm. All can take objects as much as 200mm excessive. Costs begin at £44,999.
How does it work?
It’s a flatbed inkjet with a hard and fast printhead carriage gantry and a shifting vacuum mattress. The compact total configuration means it could possibly match on a suitably sturdy bench, whereas the clamshell entrance cowl prevents UV gentle straying exterior.
Throughput is 2.07sqm/hr in CMYK mode, due to newly developed giant heads in a staggered structure, ‘potent’ UV-LED curing, and new dot management know-how for optimised high-speed output.
Roland says that productiveness for simultaneous white printing has doubled to 1.83sqm/hr in contrast with the outgoing mannequin, with shorter curing instances giving sharper replica of intricate particulars, high quality textual content, and gradations. There’s an computerized cleansing operate.
The eight color inkset consists of CMYK plus orange and crimson for an roughly 20% gamut enhance over CMYK alone, although this might be within the red-yellow hues. There’s additionally white and clear within the set. The clear ink produces “premium gloss” or matt finishes and might create textures, together with 3D embossed results. A primer fluid is optionally available for some supplies, particularly glass and metals. This replaces as soon as of the opposite colors.
Numerous combos of the combo of orange, crimson, white, clear and primer are provided, together with double white and double clear collectively. Inks could be swapped, however it’s not straightforward and requires thorough cleansing, so most customers will persist with their unique selection, feels Lozano.
The Roland EUV5 ‘eco-UV’ inks are equipped in 750ml pouches.
The printable space is 610x458mm and the peak is adjustable to take objects as much as 204mm excessive. The optionally available 360˚ rotary axis unit handles cylindrical objects corresponding to bottles from 10mm to 121mm diameter.
Relating to a number of small objects, Roland doesn’t provide jig structure software program or cutters, however Lozano says “we will help by providing recommendation on the best way to create these, whether or not makeshift or creating bespoke jigs. We are able to additionally suggest third-party suppliers.” Jigs could be made out of a wide range of supplies from inflexible foamboard to exhausting plastics.
There’s a 7in full-colour contact panel stated to present intuitive operation, whereas Roland’s VersaWorks 6 RIP is a part of the package deal.
Roland additionally presents cloud-based print administration software program known as PrintAutoMate to customers who take out its Premium Plan within the Roland DG Join help package deal. This mechanically converts printing knowledge into pre-registered fixture structure knowledge, assigns print jobs to operators, and integrates with the VersaWorks 6 RIP. Roland says this “vastly improves effectivity and minimises errors in manufacturing processes.”
Does it exchange something?
The MO-240 replaces the sooner VersaUV LEF2-300 mannequin. Roland says it’s on common over 20% quicker and has an virtually 10% bigger printing space than the earlier mannequin. The MO-240 features a vacuum desk as commonplace.
What’s the USP?
It’s a compact high-res UV flatbed with prolonged gamut inks, the power to print on curves, and barely greater efficiency than its important competitor within the Mimaki UJF vary.
How straightforward is it to make use of?
“The touchscreen makes navigating menus straightforward,” says Lozano. “The printer can be appropriate with PrintAutoMate, our newest software program which is designed to help the set-up of excessive manufacturing print jobs.”
What does it value?
£26,499.
SPECIFICATIONS
Course of Flatbed UV-cured inkjet
Max decision 1,200dpi
Inks Roland DG EUV5 in 750ml pouches
Colors CMYK, crimson, orange, white, clear, primer
Max print measurement 610x458mm
Max object depth 204mm
Max object weight 8kg (4kg with vacuum mattress)
RIP Roland VersaWorks 6
Footprint 1.6×1.3m
Worth £26,499
Contact Roland DG 01275 335540 www.rolanddg.eu
ALTERNATIVE
Mimaki UJF 6042 MkII e
Mimaki invented the ‘child UV flatbed’ within the 2000s and has refined its fashions since. Its present A2 mannequin prices a little bit greater than the brand new Roland, however see the supply beneath. It has a barely bigger mattress, although is extra restricted on object peak. Its greater decision would possibly matter for high quality instrument labels.
Course of Flatbed UV-cured inkjet
Decision 600, 900, 1,200, 1,800dpi
Colors CMYK, gentle cyan, gentle magenta, white, silver, clear, primer
Max print space 710x530mm
Max object depth 153mm
Max object weight 30kg
RIP Mimaki RasterLink7
Footprint 2.2×1.6m
Weight 330kg
Worth £31,795. There’s a proposal on till nineteenth March that features a free desk and ioniser, plus a two-year guarantee
Contact Hybrid Providers 01270 501900 www.hybridservices.co.uk