Roland DG has launched the VersaObject Co-I series of flatbed inkjet printers, designed to offer direct printing on three-dimensional objects with ‘premium’ finishes.

The Co-I series is described to harness the ability of printing intricate graphics, with CMYK plus orange, red, clear, white, and primer inks, on substrates, including plastic, leather, wood, and metals with flexibility. The printers are capable of accommodating objects up to 242mm in height and 100 kg/sqm in weight, catering to three-dimensional applications. The ergonomic table design is said to facilitate the installation of tilted devices, to ensure precise printing on gently curved or uneven surfaces.

Tony Miller, Roland DG’s president of global sales and marketing division, commented, ‘Based on their material and application needs, customers can choose the best solution from five different models, including three 64in width models with a choice of three different table sizes with vacuum beds, and two 30in width models, one with a vacuum bed.’

The integrated control panel and features such as static electricity remover and automatic printhead cleaning are claimed to make for an easier operation and stable print quality, in limited workspaces.

Co-I series printers come with VersaWorks 6 software, Roland DG’s Rip, which processes PDF, EPS and PostScript files which auto-generates white, gloss and primer layers with one button.

The Co-I series also supports cloud-based services, including Roland DG Connect, for more efficient business operations and growth, with better support in the event of errors, operational visibility and easy profit calculations. It also features PrintAutoMate for businesses like e-commerce that require continuous output in large batches.

Mr Miller concluded, ‘The diversification and individualisation of consumer needs has led to an increasing demand for timely and flexible responses that are attentive to the needs of each individual customer.

‘Interest in on-demand printing, which enables speedy production of what is needed, when it is needed, and in the required quantity, are growing year by year. VersaObject’s direct printing solutions bring numerous benefits and competitive advantages to customers’ businesses, including shorter delivery times, reduced costs, flexibility, and reduced environmental impact while enabling the creation of new business opportunities.’