Currently, the most common method of building textures on the surfaces of wide-format prints is to jet layers of UV-curable inks and varnishes onto selected areas of the print. Roland DG’s patented DIMENSE wide-format dimensional surface printing process takes a different approach.
The DIMENSE digital print solution consists of an inkjet printer, special texture-forming media, a colorless structural ink to control the texture, and CMYK water-based ink that is safe for use indoors.
When the printed media is exposed to the printer’s on-board heater, the areas not coated with the structural ink can foam up to 2 mm thick, creating raised lines, shapes, or patterns. This interaction between the hardware, media, and ink results in textured output with stunning and tactile appeal.
“Our innovative DIMENSE solutions enables on-demand surface imaging with unique textures that add high value to interiors in hotels, high-end retail environments, restaurants, museums, and corporate offices.” said Ryugo Nimura, President of Global Sales and Marketing at Roland DG.
To increase the adoption of this process, Roland DG Corporation is expanding the range of printing devices, specialty media, and specialty paints available to creative professionals.
The DIMENSE DA-640 Printer
In June, Roland introduced the DIMENSE DA-640, a 64-inch dimensional structure inkjet printer to produce high-value textured wide-format prints more easily and cost effectively than other methods of embellishing printed graphics. Print service providers, architects, and interior designers can use the DIMENSE DA-640 to produce custom wallcoverings, wall art, tensioned fabric displays, custom acoustic panels, and more.
“Roland DG developed the DIMENSE DA-640 in response to growing demand within the hospitality, commercial, residential, and retail sectors for unique indoor settings that reflect individual styles, stand out, and create a lasting impression,” said Kitt Jones, Roland DGA’s Segment Manager of Interior Design and Surface Decoration.
The DA-640 is equipped with newly developed printheads engineered to deliver stunning output. Other features support simple operation, streamlined workflows, outstanding productivity, low running costs, and reduced media waste.
For example, the DA-640 features:
- A built-in 7-inch touchscreen display;
- A new torque-based take-up system for hands-free media management during longer runs;
- An advanced 14-zone heater system for easy setup and calibration and consistent production.
Specialized Media and Application Kits
In April, Roland DGA showcased 8 new printable substrates, 13 paint colors, and 4 interior decoration kits for use with DIMENSE dimensional surface printing systems. This enables interior designers to create one-of-a-kind surface finishes that command premium prices and foster customer loyalty.
The PVC-free DIMENSE media includes matte, suede, silver, gold, pearl, and chameleon offerings. Some media for the U.S. market are compliant with the Type II standard for the durability, scratch-resistance, and performance of wallpaper for commercial applications. For prints in high-traffic locations, media options with twice the scratch resistance of the standard material are available. The media is available in non-woven or canvas textile options.
The artistic effects that can be created with the system go beyond digital printing colors. After a surface texture has been created with the texture-forming media, an artist can use Roland specialty paints to manually add colors such as silver, gold, rose gold, copper, icy steel to the textured surface. Some paints can be used to create a matte, velvet, or sand effect on the surface.
Unique, attention-grabbing finishes can command premium prices and foster customer loyalty.
Roland’s application kits for the DIMENSE system includes tools necessary for post-processing steps such as painting and applying finished wallpaper. The kits come with manuals and instructional videos that guide users through the process.
In addition to the DIMENSE media options, print-service providers can use the DIMENSE DA-640 to can print indoor sign and display graphics on select third-party media. For example, DIMENSE prints on certain fabrics can be inserted in tension-framing systems or used in roll-up banner systems.
Eco-Friendly
The DIMENSE digital printing solution is eco-friendly. DIMENSE media is PVC-free and the CMYK cartridges contain water-based resin inks.
The structural ink is free of butylene glycol and meets various safety standards, including AgBB, A+, UL, and GREENGUARD Gold standards for “Unrestricted wallcoverings.”
Simplified Design and Print Workflow
Specialized design skills are not necessary for on-demand production of textured interior surfaces. Whether producing “one-offs” or large-quantity repeatable projects, surface designers can use their own designs, ready-made artwork, or customizable creations.
Popular design applications can be used to create design files. Or designers can use the Roland Dimense Module for the DG Connect Designer cloud-based software platform for printer monitoring, usage analytics, and firmware updates. The DIMENSE module enables users to create everything from simple designs to embossing layers. Plus, it offers a visualizer for previewing the output effects before printing.
VersaWorks® 7 print-management software (compatible with both Windows and macOS) is included with the DA-640 as well. This VersaWorks 7 software makes it easy to set detailed print settings and produce high-quality output. It is so simple that even first-time users can start printing immediately after installation.
For More Information
The DIMENSE DA-640 is currently available through authorized Roland DGA dealers. The DA-640 comes bundled with a BOFA air filtration unit, a set of DA-IA inks, and four different types of DIMENSE media (Matte Extra, Pearl Type II, Pearl Textile and Suede).
With plans to expand the DIMENSE ecosystem of digital tools and materials, Roland believes the DA-640 printer is a business-growth machine.
“At present, only about 5% of wallpaper printing has been digitalized, so there is tremendous growth and profit potential for the high-end digital printing of interior surfaces,” Jones noted.
To learn more about the new DIMENSE DA-640, visit https://www.rolanddga.com/da-640.
For more information on Roland DGA or Roland DGA’s complete product line, visit https://www.rolanddga.com.