What does it do?
This is a compact ‘benchtop’ A2-plus format flatbed UV-cured inkjet that can print in high resolution colour directly onto 3D objects up to 204mm high. Roland claims it is the fastest small UV printer in its class. 3D in this case mainly means that slight curves can be accommodated, such as phone cases or USB sticks, although it can print on cylindrical objects such as flasks via an optional rotator accessory. The printer can handle most materials including metal, plastic, glass, wood, canvas, vinyl and paper. It can print multiple small objects held in jigs on the bed.
When was it launched, who is it aimed at?
The MO-240 was launched on 11 January 2024. It is aimed at manufacturers and industrial printers that want to print directly onto objects, as opposed to using transfers. “Our core target market for this product is PSPs, particularly those producing promotional products,” says Francisco Lozano, product manager, UV & Cutters for Roland DG EMEA. “This printer is also aimed at factories and brands that produce or outsource products with screen or pad printing.”
The MO-240’s format is suited to applications such as control panel covers, electrical items including phone cases and gaming equipment, or nameplates, signage, bottles, flasks and trophies.
The MO-240 is the latest and smallest of Roland’s new family of VersaObject flatbeds that are replacing its earlier VersaUV models. The first of these, called the CO series, were announced last year, four with fixed flatbed tables and two with belt systems. They have either 762mm or 1,625mm print widths and bed lengths of 2,050mm, 3,065m, or 3,625mm. All can take objects up to 200mm high. Prices start at £44,999.
How does it work?
It is a flatbed inkjet with a fixed printhead carriage gantry and a moving vacuum bed. The compact overall configuration means it can fit on a suitably sturdy bench, while the clamshell front cover prevents UV light straying outside.
Throughput is 2.07sqm/hr in CMYK mode, thanks to newly developed large heads in a staggered layout, ‘potent’ UV-LED curing, and new dot control technology for optimised high-speed output.
Roland says that productivity for simultaneous white printing has doubled to 1.83sqm/hr compared with the outgoing model, with shorter curing times giving sharper reproduction of intricate details, fine text, and gradations. There’s an automatic cleaning function.
The eight colour inkset includes CMYK plus orange and red for an approximately 20% gamut increase over CMYK alone, though this will be in the red-yellow hues. There is also white and clear in the set. The clear ink produces “premium gloss” or matt finishes and can create textures, including 3D embossed effects. A primer fluid is optional for some materials, especially glass and metals. This replaces once of the other colours.
Various combinations of the mix of orange, red, white, clear and primer are offered, including double white and double clear together. Inks can be swapped, but it’s not easy and requires thorough cleaning, so most users will stick with their original choice, feels Lozano.
The Roland EUV5 ‘eco-UV’ inks are supplied in 750ml pouches.
The printable area is 610x458mm and the height is adjustable to take objects up to 204mm high. The optional 360˚ rotary axis unit handles cylindrical objects such as bottles from 10mm to 121mm diameter.
When it comes to multiple small objects, Roland doesn’t supply jig layout software or cutters, but Lozano says “we can support by offering advice on how to create these, whether makeshift or creating bespoke jigs. We can also recommend third-party suppliers.” Jigs can be made from a variety of materials from rigid foamboard to hard plastics.
There’s a 7in full-colour touch panel said to give intuitive operation, while Roland’s VersaWorks 6 RIP is part of the package.
Roland also offers cloud-based print management software called PrintAutoMate to users who take out its Premium Plan in the Roland DG Connect support package. This automatically converts printing data into pre-registered fixture layout data, assigns print jobs to operators, and integrates with the VersaWorks 6 RIP. Roland says this “vastly improves efficiency and minimises errors in production processes.”
Does it replace anything?
The MO-240 replaces the earlier VersaUV LEF2-300 model. Roland says it is on average over 20% faster and has an almost 10% larger printing area than the previous model. The MO-240 includes a vacuum table as standard.
What’s the USP?
It’s a compact high-res UV flatbed with extended gamut inks, the ability to print on curves, and slightly higher performance than its main competitor in the Mimaki UJF range.
How easy is it to use?
“The touchscreen makes navigating menus easy,” says Lozano. “The printer is also compatible with PrintAutoMate, our latest software which is designed to aid the set-up of high production print jobs.”
What does it cost?
£26,499.
SPECIFICATIONS
Process Flatbed UV-cured inkjet
Max resolution 1,200dpi
Inks Roland DG EUV5 in 750ml pouches
Colours CMYK, red, orange, white, clear, primer
Max print size 610x458mm
Max object depth 204mm
Max object weight 8kg (4kg with vacuum bed)
RIP Roland VersaWorks 6
Footprint 1.6x1.3m
Price £26,499
Contact Roland DG 01275 335540 www.rolanddg.eu
ALTERNATIVE
Mimaki UJF 6042 MkII e
Mimaki invented the ‘baby UV flatbed’ in the 2000s and has refined its models since. Its current A2 model costs a little more than the new Roland, but see the offer below. It has a slightly larger bed, though is more restricted on object height. Its higher resolution might matter for fine instrument labels.
Process Flatbed UV-cured inkjet
Resolution 600, 900, 1,200, 1,800dpi
Colours CMYK, light cyan, light magenta, white, silver, clear, primer
Max print area 710x530mm
Max object depth 153mm
Max object weight 30kg
RIP Mimaki RasterLink7
Footprint 2.2x1.6m
Weight 330kg
Price £31,795. There’s an offer on until 19th March that includes a free table and ioniser, plus a two-year warranty
Contact Hybrid Services 01270 501900 www.hybridservices.co.uk
