The 64in (1.6m)-wide machine features dual staggered printheads, an integrated tri-heater system and, the company said, is “built for optimum performance in a high-volume production environment”.
The EJ-640 uses one-litre ink cartridges, available in four- or seven-colour configurations and in a mirrored CMYK ink configuration, can achieve speeds of up to 102sqm and resolution of up to 1,440dpi, using specifically designed EJ Ink, which has been developed alongside the machine.
This, Roland DG said, substantially lowers operating costs for high-volume and long-run print jobs. In four-colour CMYK mode, up to two litres of ink can be loaded for each colour, which, along with the Roland Ink Switching System, enables continuous printing.
The EJ-640 uses two of Roland’s latest gold printheads, as used in the Soljet Pro4, VS-I and RF-640 devices.
The accompanying Roland VersaWorks Dual RIP software also enables PDF and PostScript files to be processed natively, including files with transparencies, Roland DG said.
Division president of digital printing market development Yuko Maeda said: “Today’s sign market is typified by intense competition due to the spread of wide-format inkjet printers and the increasing demand for quick delivery of high quantities with low operating costs. The new EJ-640 addresses these issues by delivering excellent productivity and quality with low ink costs.”
Roland DG points to the high-strength media shaft, which holds heavy media rolls securely, and a newly developed feed adjuster as helpful to high-volume businesses.
In addition, the tri-heater dries ink quickly to allow immediate take up, allowing for immediate storage if required, the company said.
The EJ-640 has some similarities to Roland DG's XF-640, released in April 2013 in time to be shown at Sign & Digital UK and Fespa but is not an updated version, the company said.
Print product manager Mark Elvidge, said: “The Soljet EJ-640 is the latest eco-solvent print from Roland DG, it is designed with high-speed and low running costs in mind, while maintaining the high-quality output you would expect from a Roland device.
"The combination of the EJ-640 and EJ Inks is ideal for high-volume print providers that need fast production speeds.”
In addition to dual CMYK, a seven-colour ink configuration consisting of CMYK plus light cyan, light magenta and light black is available. The EJ-640 can take rolls of up to 40kg in weight and 210mm diameter.
The new printer retails at £17,999 and will be available to order in the UK from January through Roland DG's dealer network. It currently has 22 UK dealers on board, although they may not all stock this machine.
