Expanding Creative Horizons with the Roland VersaObject MO-240

Print Solutions

Kristal Digital Imaging Centre is a growing commercial printer with a high street premises and off site production facility in Kingston-Upon-Thames. The company has just installed a Roland VersaObject MO-240 UV flatbed printer, supplied by SOS – and according to partner Minesh Amin, the new machine opens new markets as well as bringing direct to object work in-house.

‘The MO-240 gives us the capability to print directly onto an incredible variety of materials, from Foamex and acrylic to metal and wood, opening up whole new possibilities for our clients,’ he said. ‘In just the first few weeks we have printed on plenty of traditional gift items like mugs and key rings, but also more unusual objects such as flip-flops!’‘One of the most exciting features of the MO-240 is its ability to print Braille. This capability allows us to produce accessible signage, posters, and flyers, directly supporting people with visual impairments. Accessibility is an important part of design and communication and by offering Braille printing in-house, we can help our clients make their products and spaces more inclusive.’

Kristal has enjoyed a growth rate of up to 25% in the past three years, with a notable expansion in the area of display products for retail and exhibition use. ‘We are being asked to produce a lot of acrylics and mount to foamex work which suits flatbed production,’ said Minesh. ‘Although it is a relatively small machine for this type of work, it represents an important step into a promising new market.’

 Minesh and his brother Bob chose the Roland over several possible alternatives partly due to compatibility with their other Roland machines. ‘They use the same software, which we have always found easy and intuitive, but also we know the Rolands are reliable and produce the quality we need and our customers expect.‘Buying from SOS was also something we knew we could rely on. It has always been friendly but also honest and direct, which we appreciate.’

Established in 2003, Kristal has grown from a small, independent photo lab into a premier professional photo processing and commercial printing specialist. Work ranges from traditional photographic prints and bespoke hand finished photobooks to large scale wall art, commercial print services, and intricate document binding.

‘We have always believed that investing in the right equipment allows us to say ‘yes’ to our customers’ ideas,’ said Minesh. ‘For us, it is about giving our customers more choice, more quality, and more ways to bring their ideas to life. This machine helps us do exactly that.’