Roland DG History
2018

DGSHAPE Corporation launches the world’s first laser foil decorator. The LD-80 Laser Decorator enables adding text, logos, and graphics in a variety of metallic and holographic foils to provide a premium, personalised appearance to small, off-the-shelf products.

Roland DG Australia launches the ROTO-350, a rotary attachment for the Roland EGX-350 Engraving Machine that enables engraving and scribing on a range of cylindrical items and materials.

Roland DG Australia celebrates a significant milestone in the industry – 30 years since it set up business in Australia in 1988.

DGSHAPE Corporation launches two new 5-axis dental mills: the DWX-52DCi with automatic disc changer to maximise lab productivity, and the DWX-52D with value-added upgrades to the industry-standard DWX-51D.
2017

Roland DG launches the GR-640/540/420 professional vinyl cutters, the latest additions to its CAMM-1 series. The GR series has been completely redesigned to deliver best-in-class cutting quality and productivity due to increased accuracy, speed, media versatility and additional state-of-the-art cutting features.

Roland DG Corporation released its first dental 3D printer, the DWP-80S, to assist in the production of dentures. Launched simultaneously, the DWX-52DC is the newest addition to the Company’s DWX series dental mills and incorporates several new automated functions for the unattended production of precision dental restorations.

VersaUV LEF-200 was added to Roland DG's lineup of benchtop UV printers. Delivering advanced media compatibility and workflow efficiency, the LEF-200 also features a new on-board Primer ink option.
2016

Roland DG has a colourful year with the release of the TrueVIS series of wide format inkjet printer cutters. With advanced new FlexFire print heads and TrueVIS INK, the powerful VG series and cost-effective SG series of TrueVIS printer cutters offer unparalleled colour quality to bring prints to life.

The release of the MODELA MDX-50 marks a milestone for benchtop CNC milling. With automated milling features, it provides unmatched ease-of-use and enables users of all abilities to mill functional parts with incredible quality on a wide range of materials. It represents the ideal solution for short-run prototyping and educational applications.

Roland introduces new and improved photo impact printing with the METAZA MPX-95. A low-cost solution for adding photos or precision data onto giftware, tools or surgical equipment, it features a removable base for imprinting onto large items — turning valuable items like golf clubs into even more unique and pro table products.

The release of the VersaUV LEF-300 flatbed printer offers users the opportunity to create their own image factory and put product customisation into overdrive. With a 30” print width, four print heads and two UV-LED lamps, the LEF-300 enables faster printing onto larger items in higher quantities.

Roland DG updated the Sydney Creative Centre with a new design, showcasing new artwork and a wide variety of products made by Roland devices.
2015

Roland DG added to its innovative dye sublimation printing technology with the introduction of the Texart XT-640. Featuring dual-print heads to increase production speed and 7-droplet technology to maximise colour quality, the XT-640 was built to produce high-volume apparel, soft signage, and promotional merchandise.

The SOLJET EJ-640 Wide Format Colour Printer represents the first of Roland DG’s next generation of printers. Developed for busy, high-volume shops that are looking for quality output at high speeds, it features dual staggered print heads and new Roland DG EJ INK system with running costs of up to 35% less than competitive devices.

Roland DG has continued its innovation in dental milling with the release of two new machines. Roland DG’s first wet dental mill, the DWX-4W was created for precise and uncomplicated wet-milling of glass ceramics and composite resins. In addition, Roland DG released the DWX-51D dry milling machine for the quick and effortless milling of zirconia and other materials.

Roland DG redefined “cutting-edge” with the release of the CAMM-1 GS-24, Roland DG’s most advanced desktop cutter ever. With perforated cutting, overlap cutting and the ability to cut thick substrates, the GS-24 is fast and versatile and makes easy work of vehicle graphics, decals, decorated apparel and other graphics.

Rolandprintstudio (RPS) is the first RIP software for Mac OS from Roland DG. Powered by the super-fast Adobe PDF 64-bit print engine, this feature packed software provides advanced tools for quick reprints, unlimited hot folders, and quotation calculation. It also features step and repeat functions, advanced tiling, and many more intuitive RIP tools.
2014

Roland DG continues to be at the forefront of 3D fabrication with the monoFab™ series ARM-10 3D printer and SRM-20 milling machine, combining the best of additive and subtractive prototyping capabilities.

Roland DG develops the world’s first and only wide format flatbed UV printer capable of printing on materials up to 100mm thick, the LEJ-640FT, built on the award-winning VersaUV platform.

Roland enters the dynamic digital signage market with Roland DisplayStudio™, a solution that makes it easier than ever for sign shops to offer digital signage to their customers.

Roland DG offers a full sublimation solution with the new Texart™ RT-640 dye sublimation printer, Texart ink and ErgoSoft Roland Edition RIP software for brilliant colour and quality on textiles and hard goods.

The VersaEXPRESS RF-640 eco-solvent printer delivers a host of intelligent new features that make it the smartest choice for quality, productivity and affordability.
2013

With the addition of the revolutionary DWX-4 compact dental mill, Roland makes it easier and more affordable than ever for dental labs to digitally mill crowns, copings and bridges.

Roland expands its benchtop UV flatbed printer offering with the addition of a new 20-inch model, the VersaUV® LEF-20, offering advanced features and greater productivity for printing directly on three-dimensional objects.

With the introduction of the SOLJET® Pro 4 XF-640, Roland brings rocket fast printing, superior imaging and unmatched reliability to high production environments.

VersaCAMM® VSi series printer/cutters provide everything that made VersaCAMM the world’s best-selling wide-format inkjet printer, plus advancements like Eco-Sol® MAX 2 ink, improved speed and new ease of use features.
2012

The 64-inch VersaArt RE-640 printer enters the market, combining Roland’s most innovative digital printing technologies into a fast, reliable production platform built for quality imaging.

First ever worldwide contest involving 14 regions in 123 countries gained over 1100 entries from Roland owners. The 30th anniversary event held in Japan brought together Roland representatives and Creative Awards regional winners, with entries on display for selection of the Creative Awards grand prize winner.

Roland’s fastest, most advanced SOLJET ever is introduced, the 64-inch Pro 4 XR-640 printer/cutter, featuring new Eco-Sol MAX 2 ink with new Light Black and improved CMYK, White and Metallic Silver.
2011

Roland DG Corporation celebrates its 30th anniversary with the worldwide Creative Awards, attracting over 1,100 entries of work created by Roland users around the world.

Roland expands its dental mill line with the DWX-50, featuring 5-axis machining capability and an automatic tool changer for production of dental prosthetics.

The innovative VersaUV lineup gets a benchtop flatbed option with the LEF-12, allowing for CMYK, White and Clear UV ink printing on objects up to 4-inches thick.

Roland introduces its first flatbed printer, the VersaUV LEJ-640 hybrid flatbed,for printing on roll media or rigid substrates up to 13mm thick and 64-inches wide.

Perfect for producing everything from apparel to labels and decals in a compact 20” width, the VersaStudio BN-20 brings Roland DG’s print/cut and metallic ink capabilities to the desktop.
2010

The DWX-30 debuts as Roland DG’s first dental milling machine.

Roland DG announces its largest, most powerful cutter to date, the GX-640.

VersaUV makes the headlines again. First with the new 54” LEC-540 and next by winning the prestigious Label Industry Global Award for New Innovation.

Roland DG’s most tempting VersaCAMMs ever, the VS Series 40”, 54” and 64” printer cutters, become instant best-sellers.
2009

Roland adds to its list of accolades with an unprecedented three DPI Product of the Year Awards. The VersaCAMM, AdvancedJET and Eco-SOL MAX Metallic Silver Ink take home honors.

Roland DG introduces the EGX-30A desktop engraver for entry level engraving.

Roland DG expands its line of engraving solutions with the new and EGX-360 rotary gift engraver.

Roland DG launches the “Imagine. Roland” branding initiative.

New VersaCAMM VP and AdvancedJET “i” models enter the market, featuring Roland Intelligent Pass Control.

Roland introduces the world’s first metallic silver eco-solvent ink, available exclusively for the XC-540MT printer/cutter.
2008

Jewellery model making gets an upgrade with the new Roland JWX-30 milling machine.

Roland R-Wear Studio for custom apparel applications is introduced to compliment Roland engravers and cutters.

Roland launches a revamped SOLJET Pro III XC-540, featuring white ink capabilities and Roland Intelligent Pass Control technology.

The VersaArt Series wide format eco-solvent inkjet printers enter the market, offering superior performance and value.

The revolutionary new VersaUV LEC-300 is the world’s first UV inkjet printer/cutter, and leads Roland into new markets like package prototypes and short-run labels. Named DPI Product of the Year.
2007

Mesh printing capabilities and a new 74" model are added to Roland’s AdvancedJET grand-format inkjet series.

Roland DG introduces its EGX-350 professional model engraver, as well as R-Wear Solutions for custom apparel decoration including rhinestone motifs.

Roland DG introduces the new MDX-540S and MDX-540SA desktop mills and LPX scanners for 3D production made easy.

The SOLJET product line is once again named “Top Products of the Year” by Wide Format Imaging Magazine.

The XJ Series, Roland’s new line of SOLJET Pro III inkjet printers is released, featuring Roland Intelligent Pass Control for “Pure Print Performance.”

Roland introduces a new standard “Two-Year Trouble-Free Warranty” covering most inkjet products with the industry’s longest and most extensive service and support.

Roland adds two new high-performance models to its popular VersaCAMM line. The VP Series printer/cutters: “With VersaPower, you’re the superhero.”
2006

Roland DG celebrates its 25th anniversary and emerges as the number one worldwide provider of wide-format inkjet printers for the durable graphics industry.

Roland introduces its fastest grand-format printer to date, the 104" AdvancedJET AJ-1000 featuring EcoXtreme solvent ink.

Roland’s SOLJET model printer and Eco-SOL MAX ink take Top Product of the Year honors with Wide Format Imaging Magazine.

Roland rides its wave of innovation into the wide-format sublimation market with the Hi-Fi Express FP-740 74" sublimation printer.

The GX-PRO Series of professional grade vinyl cutters carries on Roland’s tradition of excellence in vinyl cutting devices.

The Roland Hi-Fi JET Pro wins the 2006 DIMA Printer Shootout Award for a second consecutive year.

The Roland MPX-70 wins the DIMA Innovative Digital Product Award.

Roland launches its most advanced integrated printer/cutter ever, the SOLJET Pro III XC-540. The same year, end-user Martin Charles uses it for the Miami Vice feature film.
2005

Roland introduces its advanced eco-solvent ink, ECO-SOL MAX, with mascot Max the robot.

The GX-24 vinyl cutter enters the market as Roland’s fastest, most precise desktop vinyl cutter to date.

Roland’s Hi-Fi JET Pro II FJ-540 wins two 2005 DIMA Printer Shootout Awards, adding to its list of accolades.

Roland follows up on the success of its first photo impact printer with the high-precision Metaza MPX-70 photo impact printer.

Roland introduces V Technology with a new line of high-performance SOLJET inkjets, featuring Roland VersaWorks.
2004

Roland introduces HeatWave, the industry’s first complete wide-format inkjet sublimation solution offered by a manufacturer.

Continuing a tradition of excellence, Roland SOLJET EX inkjets win a pair of DPI Product of the Year awards.

Roland enters the grand-format printing market with the SOLJET SJ-1000.

Roland capitalises on the success of the VersaCAMM printer cutter with a new 54" model, the SP-540V.

Roland VersaWorks, a powerful RIP software built by Roland engineers, begins shipping standard with all Roland inkjets.
2003

The revolutionary new Eco-SOL mild solvent ink is launched, enabling VersaCAMM and SOLJET inkjets to print directly onto both coated and uncoated media.

Roland’s “Go Uncoated” campaign makes an industry splash, highlighting the new SOLJET EX models featuring Eco-SOL mild solvent ink.

The VersaCAMM SP-300 is introduced with Roland’s “Your New Best Friend” campaign. VersaCAMM quickly becomes the world’s best selling wide format inkjet.
2002

The EGX-400/600 and EGX-20 continue Roland’s success in desktop and benchtop engraving.

Roland introduces the Pro II Series, an entirely new family of high-performance inkjet printers and printer/cutters.
2001

Roland introduces the world’s first roll-fed desktop printer/cutter, the ColorCAMM PC-12.

Roland’s innovation in vinyl cutters continues with the new state-of-the-art CX PRO Series.

Roland launches the EGX Series engravers, the industry’s best value in computerised desktop engraving.

The LPX-250 becomes the world’s first laser scanner to offer plane and rotary scanning for less than $14,000.

The SOLJET becomes the world’s first solvent printer/cutter available for under $33,000 and features Sol ink with enhanced outdoor durability.
2000

Roland DG launches the ground breaking new Hi-Fi JET PRO, the world’s first 8-colour wide-format inkjet printer with variable droplet technology.

Roland introduces the MDX Series desktop milling machines for in-house rapid prototyping.

The world’s first photo-impact printer, the Roland MPX-50, opens up a world of possibilities for personalised pendants, souvenirs and gifts.
1999

Roland wins its first DPI Product of the Year award for the Hi-Fi JET.

The CH-500 is the world’s first 6-colour wide format inkjet printer cutter.
1998

Roland DG introduces the world’s first 6-colour wide format inkjet to print 1440 dpi, the Hi-Fi JET FJ-50.
1997

Roland DG introduces the ColourCAMM PRO family of wide format thermal transfer printer cutters.

The PIX-3 is the first touch probe 3D scanner with Roland Active Piezo Sensor technology for precision scanning of hard or soft substances, including modeling clay.
1996

Roland introduces the world’s first wide-format inkjet print/cutter, the CAMMJET CJ-60.

The CS-20 is the world’s first plotter to offer engraving, pen plotting and vinyl cutting.
1995

Roland DG introduces the world’s first print and cut device for vinyl with the original ColourCAMM, the PNC-5000.
1994

Roland introduces the PNC-1050 sprocket-fed vinyl cutter.
1993

Roland introduces the low-cost PNC-900 vinyl cutter.
1992

Roland achieves sales of $9 million and continues to chart it’s course in the sign and digital graphics markets.
1991

The Stika SCP-85 is introduced, leading to the STX-7/8 and SX-8/12/15.
1990

Roland DGA Corporation is established to provide complete sales, marketing and support throughout the Americas.
1989

The popularity of the PNC-1000 leads to the PNC-1100, PNC-900, CM-12/24 and CX-12/24.
1988

Roland introduces the world’s first dual-purpose vinyl cutter and pen plotter, the CAMM-1 PNC-1000.
Roland DG Australia established as a subsidiary of Roland DG Corporation.
1987

The company's first CAMM-2 engraver, the PNC-2000, is launched.
1986

Roland introduces the world’s first desktop CNC mill with the PNC-3000.
1983

The company changed its corporate name to Roland DG Corporation and released the first A-3 size plotter, the DXY-800.
1981
AMDEK Corporation, an affiliate company of Roland Corporation, was founded in Osaka as a manufacturer of computerised music peripherals and as a distributor of assembled electronic music instrument parts.