Global Launch of the New Texart Inkjet Printer

Hamamatsu, Japan, October 6, 2014 - Roland DG Corporation, a leading worldwide manufacturer of wide-format inkjet printers and printer/cutters, today announced the launch of the new "Texart" brand for exclusive use in digital textile printing. Following on from previous generations of complete textile solutions, including printer and sublimation ink, Roland DG is proud to release the 64-inch RT-640 as the first product in the new Texart generation lineup. The RT-640 is a state-of-the-art dye sublimation transfer printer featuring the latest generation print head, innovative print control technology, powerful RIP software and a choice of four-colour (CMYK) or eight-colour (CMYKLcLmOrVi) original dye sublimation ink and is backed by a comprehensive Roland warranty.

"One of the RT-640's major innovations is our new Texart ink and the bulk ink delivery system" said Yuko Maeda, general manager of the Textile Market Development Department. "The newly developed Texart ink delivers bold and vibrant colours with deep and rich blacks. Adding orange and violet inks increases the colour gamut and allows for exceptional reds, oranges, deep blues and purples, while light cyan and light magenta provide subtle gradation and a remarkably fine level of detail." Available in economical one litre bags, the RT-640 can be configured to deliver either one litre per colour in eight colour mode, or two litres per colour in CMYK, each with an automatic ink changeover system. To best leverage the new ink system and customer workflows, users have a choice between Roland VersaWorks Server Edition RIP and ErgoSoft Roland Edition RIP software, the later specifically developed for the RT-640 by ErgoSoft, one of the premier RIP vendors in the textile printing industry.

The RT-640 offers numerous features custom made for digital textile productions. Among entry-level dye sublimation transfer printers, the RT-640 has achieved the industry's highest level of practical print speed, 22.0m2/h and high speed 2-pass modes of 32.6m2/hr. in this market segment. A customised fan absorption system keeps transfer paper flat for printing combined with a newly designed media Feed Adjuster at the front and back provides even tensioning and prevents skewing, even over long distances.

Masahiro Tomioka, chairman and president of Roland DG commented, "We see huge potential in digital textile printing, and established our Textile Market Development Department just a year ago in October 2013 with a firm commitment to make a full-scale entry into the market. I believe the digital textile printing business will become one of our core businesses and the next growth driver for the company.

Maeda agreed, stating, "The digital printing market for textiles shows great promise with research showing an expected surge in demand and double-digit growth rates for the coming years." Demand for digital printers is growing as a means of increasing the efficiency of high-mix, low-volume production and tailored production in a wide range of fields, including fashion apparel, interior decor, gifts and promotional goods. Roland DG has again provided the market with a number of solutions including the manufacture of soft signage printed on fabric (such as polyester banners and flags) and decorations on sportswear garments. And now we offer a dedicated brand for textiles that has been developed to capitalise on the increasing size and growth potential of the market.

Maeda continued, "The RT-640 is based on our core inkjet printing technology cultivated through years of experience in the sign and display and textile markets, combined with our extensive market and user research in the specialist textile printing market. I believe the RT-640 offers users a comprehensive, optimal combination of superb quality, vivid colouring and highly stable performance needed for professional textile printing."

Roland DG is increasing production of the new RT-640 as part of the new manufacturing plant expansion. Global shipping will begin in February 2015 with full global stocks available in March. To find out more about the RT-640, or to register your interest today, please contact Roland DG Australia on 02 9975 0000 or sales@rolanddg.com.au.