Features Printing Wide-format Inkjet
Roland DGA debuts IU-1000F UV-LED flatbed printer

Roland DGA, a provider of large-format inkjet printers, printer/cutters, and other advanced digital devices, has announced the launch of its new IU-1000F, a UV-LED flatbed printer engineered for high-volume production.

Designed for efficient printing on a range of substrates, including 4 x 8-foot rigid boards weighing up to 99 pounds, the IU-1000F features 12 printheads in a staggered three-row arrangement and a four-inch carriage clearance. According to the company, the IU-1000F is ideal for printing vibrant, detailed graphics directly onto PETG, PVC board, foam board, wood, corrugated board, aluminum plate, and more.  The IU-1000F prints edge-to-edge on thin or thick boards and offers multiple speed and performance options, including a maximum speed of 1,248.6 square feet per hour in a four-colour draft mode. Printing speed for a typical 4 x 8-foot (1,220 x 2,440-mm) size rigid board averages about 35 boards per hour in draft mode (1,248.6 sqft/hr) or about 15 boards per hour in standard print mode (516 sqft/hr). In quality mode (174 sqft/hr), the IU-1000F averages about 10 boards per hour.

A total of 1,280 nozzles per printhead, along with banding and mottling prevention features, allow for high-resolution image results of up to 635 x 1,800 dpi. Exclusively developed, high-density Greenguard Gold certified UV inks in CMYK, Gloss and White cure “instantly and deliver stunning graphic results,” Roland explains, adding that a primer ink option allows for even greater adhesion, making it easy to prep and print on challenging materials like acrylic, glass and ceramic. Users can incorporate the Gloss and White specialty inks to enhance their prints with textural and dimensional effects.

In addition, the IU-1000F is suitable for direct printing onto sheets of aluminum, metal and wood to create signs, décor, displays, and print-to-cut prototypes. The IU-1000F can also direct print onto sheets of leather and fabric for high-volume banner, display and décor solutions, or to canvas for creating a variety of fine art products. Users can even print graphics onto tabletops, plywood, MDF and other boards to create decorated furniture.

Roland’s IU-1000F boasts many features and functions designed to maximize efficiency and ensure optimum overall performance. Variable dot technology allows for the simultaneous firing of droplets in three sizes to create high-definition images, smooth gradations and solid colour output. For easy media handling and print stability, the IU-1000F is equipped with a variable zone vacuum that can be applied to four different sections of the flatbed to maximize air cushion in specific areas. Additionally, the IU-1000F is equipped with specially designed media alignment pins for consistent media placement of multiple boards and double-sided panels.

Other IU-1000F features include a media ionizer to ensure ink-firing accuracy on materials like corrugated board that generated a lot of static, a Roland Print Control Center to manage the machine’s movements, speed, voltage and head cleaning; one-touch, automated daily print head cleaning; and the ability to print on one board or multiple boards at the same time.