Developed specifically for Roland DG’s wide-format inkjet printers and printer/cutters, version 4.8 includes six new libraries from the Pantone Plus and Pantone Goe systems, which will allow users to convert specific pantone spot colours within design files into CMYK values that can be reproduced on Roland inkjet machines.
Users will now have access to 16 spot colour libraries, including the Pantone additions and the Roland Colour System.
Roland DG’s business manager for commercial print Matthew Blake explained that partnering with Pantone to include its product line was the result of customer feedback.
"Although we have had our own colour library many of our clients said that they also wanted to be able to design their art work with Pantone because it's what their customers work with. This gives them real accurate colour matching to a standard that everyone works with."
He added: "Rather than the sign market, this is going to be really useful for commercial printers that work with premium bands where colour accuracy is vital to their brand quality and brand values."
A new spot colour replacement feature built-in to version 4.8 means that users can also replace defined spot colours from the design file with other colours from the VersaWorks library without the need to re-enter the original file.
Blake said: "Designers can simply pick a channel that needs to be, for example, white or clear ink and rename it in our RIP. It reduces the need to re-artwork graphics which means it can be done at the pre press stage rather than the art-working stage."
The manufacturer claims that the latest version of its VersaWorks RIP, which is free to down for existing Roland customers, creates a simplified workflow therefore cutting time needed for colour matching and outputting.
The upgrade, which is already shipping with all new models, is available to down load now and is compatible with Windows 7 , Vista and XP.
