The Derby-based outfit installed the machine, which cost around £10,000, last week. It was supplied by Roland DG UK reseller QPS, which also supplies Kaydor with Nazdar inks, and joins a Mimaki JV3, which has taken a backseat in Kaydor’s print room.
Five-staff Kaydor is now looking to bring in another new machine, potentially a Canon Océ Arizona flatbed, towards the end of this year.
Managing director Rachael Kay said: “We do a lot of stood-off lettering, the bigger stuff, so we bought a JV3 a while ago but it was a bit too slow – we couldn’t keep up. So we took the plunge on the Roland.
“When we were researching it QPS said the Roland was one of the leading models. We thought we’d give Roland a try; we get inks from QPS already and they’ve always been really good.
“The quality of print seems a lot better, the colours are a lot more vibrant. And it’s so fast. When we bought it we thought we’d keep the other one and keep both of them going but at the moment we can’t keep up with them both. As soon as you put it on you move to start a new job, then it’s done.”
The Roland RF-640, which runs double CMYK, prints at speeds of up to 49sqm/hr and comes with a Roland GX cutter. It has a VersaWorks RIP, which includes an in-built Pantone spot colour library, and can print at maximum 1,440dpi quality.
Kaydor mainly produces shop signs incorporating built-up or flat-cut letters, using its laser machines. It does third-party work for larger sign companies but has also had contracts in the past with major retailers.
Along with the Roland, Mimaki and laser machines, the circa-£180,000 turnover company also runs a CNC router and a heat press for garment printing.
