Roland DGA Corp. has introduced the VersaUV® LEF-20, a new addition to its line of benchtop UV flatbed printers. At twenty inches wide, the LEF-20 combines award-winning print technology with a new, faster LED curing system and exclusive ink-saving features for outstanding print quality and ease of use. Designed to customize a vast array of products, the LEF-20 prints directly on three-dimensional items such as pens, golf balls, iPhone and iPad covers, and even guitar bodies.
“Since its introduction two years ago, the LEF series has opened up new creative possibilities for providers of signs, promotional items, personalized giftware and awards, package prototypes and numerous products, enabling direct printing on an endless variety of substrates and 3D objects,” said Steven Tu, product manager for Roland DGA Corp. “Now we have taken this technology to the next level. In addition to expanding the LEF’s print area, we have introduced a new, more powerful LED curing system which dramatically increases the printer’s productivity and overall performance.”
Priced at $29,995, the LEF-20 prints directly on objects measuring up to 20 inches in length, 13 inches in width and 3.94 inches in height. A built-in laser pointer allows for easy setup, and advanced print head technology ensures photo quality output up to 1440-by-720 dpi. In addition to its standard print mode, the LEF-20 includes a distance mode designed for flawless printing around the surface of curved objects where the variance in distance is 2 mm or less.
With the LEF-20, users get all the benefits of long-lasting solid state UV-LED curing technology for an energy-efficient, ozone-free work environment. Because this system generates minimal heat, the LEF-20 can print directly onto PET, ABS, polycarbonate, TPU, wood, leathers and other soft materials. Twenty automatic presets are available, allowing users to instantly choose the proper settings for their most popular applications.
The LEF-20 features Roland ECO-UV® ink in CMYK, white, and clear formulations for exceptional color gamut, bright, saturated white images and text, and premium varnishing and embossing effects. Clear ECO-UV ink simulates varnishing and embossing effects, or can be layered into interesting patterns and textures in both gloss and matte finishes.
Roland VersaWorks® RIP software is included as well, featuring seventy-two ready-to-apply patterns from the Roland Texture Library.
With the LEF-20, Roland has introduced a new LED lamp that cures the ink much faster than the original model, the 12-inch LEF-12, approximately twice as fast when printing with CMYK and clear inks. In addition, this curing system turns on and off instantly, further expediting the production process.
Other performance features include a non-magnetic height sensor bar that allows users to print on magnetic items such as iPad covers. The LEF-20 also features a redesigned cartridge station that makes it easier to access and replace ink cartridges when needed.
To ensure the ultimate in reliability, the LEF-20 is backed by the Roland OnSupport® system, which allows remote monitoring of production activities. When a job is completed or ink runs low, an e-mail notification is sent to any designated smart phone or computer. An automated ink circulation system prevents pigments in the white ink from settling, minimizing ink waste and the associated costs. A fully enclosed system, the LEF-20 stays clean of dust and debris. The LEF-20 is ventilation ready, connecting easily to industry standard air filtration units, including the BOFA system offered by Roland.
The LEF-20 is available immediately through authorized Roland dealers. The LEF series is part of a complete VersaUV family of UV-LED print devices, including the 64-inch LEJ-640 hybrid flatbed printer and LEC series roll-to-roll printer/cutters in 54- and 30-inch widths.
For more information on the VersaUV LEF-20, call 800/542-2307 or visit www.rolanddga.com.
