Roland targets iPhone covers with latest VersaUV LEF printer

The VersaUV LEF-20 flatbed printer offers the same maximum resolution (1,440x720dpi) as its predecessor, the LEF-12, but has a larger print area at 508x330mm to the LEF-12's 305x280mm. Both machines can print onto objects up to 100mm thick.

Roland's new model will be available from October and will cost £19,999. Sales and technical director Brett Newman said it offered greater productivity for promotional products, souvenirs, giftware, awards and signs as well as industrial parts and packaging prototypes.

"This kit prints directly onto items measuring up to 508mm in width, 330mm length and 100mm thick, making it good for iPhone or laptop covers and USB sticks - the kind of things that are really on-trend right now and people want personalising," he said.

"It takes six minutes to print on 20 iPhone covers, taking print into a new dimension - you're printing on objects rather than merely paper, vinyl and banners. It will appeal to high-street printers, photo print shops, screen and pad printers and those specialising in personalisation and gifts."

UK managing director Jerry Davies said: "Two years ago we launched the LEF series, opening new possibilities for products including USB sticks, phone covers, photo frames, golf balls, coasters and many other personalised items.

"With the VersaUV LEF-20, we have now taken this technology to new levels of productivity and versatility, with a larger 20" print area enabling both larger items and speedier printing of multiple smaller items."

A UV-LED lamp cures ink instantly and allows users to print directly on to substrates such as PET, ABS, polycarbonate, Thermoplastic polyurethane, and consumer items, from golf balls, key chains and pens to metal tablet covers and smartphone cases.

The LEF-20 features Roland ECO-UV ink in CMYK, white and clear formulations for bright, high-opacity images and text. For jobs involving transparent or dark coloured materials, the LEF-20 features advanced ECO-UV high-density white ink. Clear ECO-UV ink can also be layered into patterns and textures in both gloss and matte.

The new machine includes Roland VersaWorks data printing, making it easier to personalise printed objects with individualised serial numbers, logos, graphics and names.

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