Posted to News on 26th Oct 2009, 21:58
Inkjet printer/cutter uses multiple clear coats for 3D effect
Roland was demonstrating its VersaUV roll-to-roll LED-UV inkjet printer/cutter at the TCT 2009 exhibition. These machines are claimed to be the world's first of their type and the industry's only production tool to print CMYK + white + clear coat and contour-cut the printed designs - all in one device and with one seamless workflow. While the LEC-330 is Roland's newest VersaUV model, with enhanced performance, the model being demonstrated was the original LEC-300.
The VersaUV machines print on almost any substrate that can be fed, including thin metallic materials, paper, card, plastic or leather. One application of interest to machine builders is polycarbonate sheets for membrane switch applications.
By printing and curing multiple layers of clear coat, the VersaUV can be used to create textured surfaces - such as to mimic leather on lower-cost substrates - or to create domed logos. Another possibility is the creation of tactile control panels so that, for example, an operator can control a machine by feeling for the various controls without having to look away from the process being controlled.
While the samples seen on Roland's exhibition stand appeared to be extremely tough [I was unable to mark the surface using a fingernail - Ed] the process is not yet proven in terms of long-term resistance to chemicals and other media encountered in a typical industrial environment. Nevertheless, compared with traditional alternatives for creating printed control panels, the VersaUV appears to be versatile, quick and cost-effective, with no requirement for tooling.
Follow the link for more information about the VersaUV LEC series printer/cutter machines.
