FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 1, 2006

Roland Introduces SOLJET PRO III XC-540 Inkjet Printer/Cutter

IRVINE, CA - Celebrating 25 years of innovation, vision and leadership for the sign making industry, Roland DGA Corporation today introduced the new SOLJET PRO III XC-540, its fastest, most feature-rich wide-format integrated inkjet printer/cutter to date.

Based on award-winning SOLJET print/cut technology, the 54”-wide XC-540 achieves a maximum print resolution of 1440x1440 dpi and seamlessly integrates a new generation of hardware and software for even greater all-around performance. New features include an increased maximum print speed of 441 sqft./hr., a more robust ink system designed for both 220 ml and 440 ml cartridges, a new precision firing pattern, an integrated tri-heater system for accelerated drying times, and a built-in media feed and take-up system accepting rolls weighing up to 66 lbs. The XC-540 also includes VersaWorks 2.0 RIP software, packed with upgrades to optimize Roland inkjet technology. In addition, Roland’s new DU-540 optional dryer/blower system expedites the production process for high-speed applications.

“The XC-540 builds on Roland’s superior SOLJET engineering with numerous enhancements that make it the sign industry’s most powerful integrated print/cut solution,” said Brian McLeod, managing director for Roland’s Color Products Division. “In addition to faster print speeds, the new PRO III offers an enhanced ink system that maximizes ink flow, a new precision firing pattern for optimum image quality at high print speeds, upgraded RIP software for greater productivity, and a rugged built-in media take-up and feed system to accommodate high-volume, unattended production.”

Featuring durable ECO-SOL MAX ink in 6 colors (CMYKLcLm), the XC-540 is ideal for banners, signs, vehicle and fleet graphics, labels, decals, POP displays and more.

Innovative Print/Cut Technology
The XC-540 is based on Roland’s innovative print/cut technology, which delivers a seamless workflow for the production of complex sign graphics ­ printing and then automatically contour cutting on one device without any steps in between. As a result, the XC-540 can be operated unattended. To further streamline the production process, the XC-540 includes Quadralign®, Roland's unique four-point optical registration system, which allows users to remove prints, laminate and simply reload them for precision cutting. Quadralign automatically realigns the cutting path and compensates for skew and distortion.

New Precision Firing Pattern Enhances Image Quality at High Speeds
The XC-540 features a new precision firing pattern, which produces vibrant, high-density colors at the highest print speeds. This advanced firing pattern has been optimized for the XC-540’s piezo print heads for stunning images with unparalleled color, gamut, density and quality in any print mode. In addition, Roland’s in-line head configuration eliminates the need for lengthy calibration procedures and costly down time.

Roland VersaWorks 2.0 RIP Software
VersaWorks 2.0 RIP software features an efficient graphical user interface for consistent, professional results and includes several new upgrades including a spot color library, and functions for spot color replacement, clipping and auto-nesting. Together these features ensure added convenience, economy and the precision color reproduction required by sign shops, service bureaus and other graphics professionals.

VersaWorks allows users to easily import files from their favorite program without a lengthy learning curve. Standard features include the ability to preview jobs on screen, and layout, edit and print functions including nesting, tiling and auto/manual-layout. In addition, users can automatically update VersaWorks through the Internet, ensuring that they are equipped with the latest software version and ICC profiles available. Built upon the genuine Adobe® PostScript® CPSI™ RIP engine, VersaWorks is compatible with Windows 2000/XP operating systems.

SOLJET PRO III XC-540 Features:

• Maximum 1440x1440 dpi resolution and Roland’s integrated print/cut technology combine for outstanding image quality and precision contour cutting
• Ideal for a wide variety of applications including banners, signs, labels, decals, POP displays, vehicle graphics and more
• New VersaWorks 2.0 RIP software features a spot color library, and functions for spot color replacement, clipping and auto-nesting
• Maximum print speed of 441 sqft./hr. for high-volume production
• New precision firing pattern increases image quality in high-speed print modes
• Integrated tri-heater system quickly dries a wide variety of media for immediate finishing, installation or collection by the take-up roller, even in high-speed printing mode
• An optional heater and blower are available for increased productivity
• A new, faster Standard Print mode prints at 150.7sqft./hr. for high-quality indoor banners with optimum droplet control and ink density
• Fully-optimized solution features seamless integration of hardware, software and newly upgraded RIP software, plus inks and media profiles
• Industry-leading ECO-SOL MAX ink in 6 colors (CMYKLcLm) delivers the enhanced scratch resistance, quicker drying time, higher ink density and rugged durability required for outdoor applications
• Included take-up roller supports up to 66 lbs. for unattended, high-volume production
• Quadralign optical registration system automatically aligns contour cutting paths for precision results