Roland DG releases two new desktop sized VersaSTUDIO printers

Roland DG has announced the release of two new desktop printers in the VersaSTUDIO series. The BD-8, the first flatbed UV printer in the VersaSTUDIO series, and the BY-20 with Roland DG's Direct-To-Film (DTF transfer) ink technology, for customers in the apparel goods market.

“Our compact, easy-to-use, and affordable desktop products are marketed under the brand name VersaSTUDIO and include a broad range of popular desktop solutions, such as inkjet printers, cutters, engravers, metal printers, and foil transfer laser decorators,” says Tony Miller, President of Roland DG’s Global Sales and Marketing Division. “With the addition of these two new products to the VersaSTUDIO series, we are further strengthening our product lineup.”

The BD-8 is a UV printer capable of high-definition direct printing on various shapes and materials. It supports items up to A5 size and 102mm in height. The machine can also print on cylindrical objects such as bottles and lipsticks using the optional rotary axis. The EUV5 ink is compatible with numerous materials, from soft textures like fabric and leather to hard textures like wood and plastics. The primer ink enables improved adhesion for printing on glass and metal. The BD-8 allows users to easily produce profitable items such as smartphone cases, stationery, and cosmetic items.

The BY-20 is a water-based printer using the DTF transfer method to improve the design and efficiency of apparel goods production. After printing on a special film, hot-melt powder is applied and thermally melted, and then the film is simply layered on fabric and heat-pressed to create original T-shirts, sportswear, etc. This method makes it easy to transfer even complex designs onto both light and dark fabrics, including not only cotton but also polyester, cotton polyester, denim, nylon, and rayon, among others to produce a vast array of garments. This compact machine combines excellent print quality and productivity to produce highly designed apparel goods beautifully and quickly.

Both the BD-8 and BY-20 are equipped with the same print head as the company’s high-end inkjet models and offer multiple print modes ideal for different applications, making it easy for anyone to achieve professional printing results. According to Miller, these machines were designed to offer excellent usability. The printers have a simple design with only a power button. All other functions are easily performed with the included Utility software, which supports convenient operation through easy-to-understand icons with high visibility and intuitive, quick access to the menu items you want to use. The printers also come standard with the software FlexiDESIGNER VersaSTUDIO Edition which can be used for everything from design creation to output with simple operations.

Roland DG Connect, a cloud-based service, is also included. This service provides proactive support in the event of errors and visualisation of the printer's operating status, allowing you to use the printer with peace of mind.

Both printers come with standard productivity features and the design and output software, the BD-8 and BY-20 are also priced for first-time users. A comprehensive manufacturer's warranty and optional maintenance contract are also provided.

“With the addition of the BD-8 and BY-20 to the VersaSTUDIO lineup, which has the brand message “Get Started,” we are confident that these new products will further expand the creative and business possibilities for our customers in diverse settings, including the production and sale of original goods, in-store decoration services, and STEM education. We will continue to expand the VersaSTUDIO series to meet diversifying needs and encourage new challenges around the world,” concluded Miller.