Roland S-Series upgrade helps ASG Spark adapt to new demands

Print Solutions

ASG Spark has upgraded its Roland printing system to a new VersaUV S-Series, meaning it can print onto a virtually unlimited variety of materials and objects.

ASG, which recently united with the global design and solutions expert Spark to form ASG Spark connecting the two teams, workflows and systems, had been running a Roland VersaUV LEC-330 UV printer/cutter for eight years. This was installed at its Slough site with the initial intention of producing a specific kind of design, but the quality of its print meant it was soon put to work in other areas.

In February 2018, the design team decided to upgrade the printer to a new Roland VersaUV LEC-330S-B150, from the S-Series. This next generation UV-LED belt printer, installed at ASG Spark with a table, can print CMYK, white and gloss onto virtually any substrate or object – rigid, roll to roll and flexible – up to 200 mm in height and 100 kg per square metre in weight.

Karl Ballard, senior pre-press and systems technician, explained: ‘We tried similar printers from many other brands but found the quality just wasn't as good as the Roland. In fact, after the LEC was installed we found its detail and quality was as good as production and perfect for packaging mock ups; we can produce many special effects with dimensional coating. We could create the mock ups easily and improve turnaround times, which in turn improved the relationship with our customers.’

He added, ‘On the new LEC-330S-B150 we can print onto any substrate we like, from laminated metallic boards to golf balls. We can also print directly onto boxes, changing our workflow, and it allows us to print lots of special effects with higher built-up textures and exact registration.

‘The printer has maintained our core business, helping us adapt to new demands. It is a brilliant piece of equipment for our business.’