MASTERING ROLAND INKS: The Complete Guide 

Choosing the right ink is one of the most important considerations when investing in a Roland printer. The ink you select will have a direct impact on the quality, durability, and overall performance of your prints. Using the optimal ink formulated specifically for your printer model allows you to achieve stunning results with rich, vibrant colors, crisp fine details, and long-lasting protection against fading. 

With a wide selection of OEM inks to choose from, including Eco-Solvent, Resin (Latex), UV curable, selecting the right ink for your application and media can get confusing. This comprehensive guide aims to eliminate guesswork by exploring Roland’s full range of inks in detail. We’ll look at the unique benefits and ideal uses of each type so you can make an informed decision. 

Beyond selecting the optimal ink, this guide will also cover best practices for maintenance, troubleshooting, color management, and maximizing the longevity of your Roland printer. Proper ink system care is essential for avoiding clogs, ensuring color accuracy, and getting the most out of your investment. With a few preventative measures and routine upkeep, your ink system can deliver consistent, flawless results print after print. 

By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge needed to unlock your Roland printer’s full potential. Understanding your ink options allows you to produce professional, gallery-quality prints suited to any project and budget. Let’s dive in and master Roland inks! 

Understanding Roland Inks 

Roland printers utilize a range of ink technologies that each serve different applications and provide unique benefits. Selecting the right ink for your specific needs is crucial to achieving optimal print results and also purchasing the right equipment from the start. 

Eco-Solvent Inks (TrueVIS TR2, Eco-Sol MAX2 and Eco-Sol MAX) 

Eco-solvent inks offer striking color vibrancy and broad compatibility with flexible and semi-rigid media like banners, vinyl, heat transfer, textiles, and more. They are quick-drying and durable for outdoor and indoor graphics. Considerations when using eco-solvents include potential odor, the need for ventilation, and limitations with highly flexible or thin substrates, or conversely, rigid substrates. Eco-Solvent inks are commonly used in roll-fed printers and print/cut systems, which utilize a relatively small footprint and generally have a lower cost of entry when making an equipment purchase. Roland TrueVIS inks represent the newest evolution in eco-solvent technology. They offer greater color gamut and saturation than traditional solvent inks along with improved scratch resistance. TrueVIS inks have low odor and emit fewer VOCs. They can be used for vehicle graphics, outdoor signage, POP displays, and more. 

UV Inks (TrueVIS Eco-UV, and V-Bond) 

UV inks use LED-cured ultraviolet light to instantly set and bond prints on rigid and flexible media. The result is crisp, vibrant output ideal for commercial graphics, packaging prototypes, and specialty applications. UV inks offer excellent durability and scratch resistance. Considerations include glossy surface finish and potential aging or yellowing concerns. 

Resin (Latex) Inks (TrueVIS)  

Water-based TrueVIS Resin/Latex Ink provides quick-drying, scratch-resistant, and safe results on a wide range of media. The low running costs of Resin ink make it a great choice for users who need extremely fast and high output capability for banners, canvas, window graphics, and many other wide format applications that do not require laminating or contour cutting before delivery or installation. 

Sublimation Inks 

Sublimation inks work by infusing dyes directly into compatible polyester-coated substrates using heat. The results are permanent, embedded graphics ideal for soft signage, apparel, home decor, and more. A downside is that sublimation only works with specially coated media. 

Maintenance and Troubleshooting 

Keeping your Roland ink system running optimally requires regular maintenance to prevent issues before they arise. Here are some best practices for maintenance: 

• Run printhead cleaning cycles regularly - at least once a week if the printer is in frequent use. This helps clear any dried ink or debris buildup. 
• Wipe down the capping station frequently to prevent ink drips and residue accumulation. 
• Check ink lines and connections for any leaks or damage. Replace worn parts as needed. 
• Replace dampers and wiper cleaners according to manufacturer guidelines. Worn dampers can cause print quality issues. 

Even with proper maintenance, problems can still occur. Here are some common ink issues and troubleshooting tips: 

Nozzle Clogs 

Clogged nozzles prevent ink from being deposited consistently on the media. Try these steps: 

• Run multiple head cleaning cycles. 
• If still clogged, perform a power flush which forces ink through the system. 
• Examine nozzles under a magnifying glass and use provided tools to manually unclog. 
• Replace dampers or printhead if cleaning cycles don’t resolve the issue. 

Ink Drips/Leaks 

Excess ink buildup on and around the printhead is often due to a damaged or worn damper. Other causes include loose connections or cracks in tubing. Take these actions: 

• Wipe any leaked ink thoroughly and dispose properly. 
• Inspect tubing for cracks and replace if needed. 
• Check/replace dampers and gaskets if worn. 
• Ensure all connections are securely sealed. 

Poor Print Quality 

Problems like banding, graininess, or colors not printing accurately usually indicate issues with the printhead or ink flow. Try these troubleshooting steps: 

• Run cleaning cycles. 
• Print nozzle check pattern to identify issues. 
• Replace dampers/wipers if worn or damaged. 
• For inaccurate colors, recalibrate with printer software. 
• Replace printhead if it is reaching end of service life. 

Regular maintenance and prompt troubleshooting at the first sign of issues will keep your Roland ink system running smoothly for years. Contact Roland or an authorized dealer for replacement parts or additional support as needed. 

Advanced Ink Technologies 

Roland printers with VersaWorks RIP software provide exceptional color management tools for achieving accurate, consistent color matching across devices. VersaWorks includes features like: 

• Advanced Color Profiles - Preset and customizable ICC profiles specifically tuned for Roland inks and media deliver precise, predictable color. Profiles can be imported or exported as needed. 
• Color Management Module - Powerful color management engine ensures colors are mapped properly from input to output devices. Critical for matching proofs and monitors. 
• Color libraries - Libraries for PANTONE, RAL, FOCOLTONE and other color systems make matching brand colors simple. 
• Printer linearization - Linearizes printer output for consistent tonal response and minimal deviation across the print width. 
• Ink Layering - Sophisticated ink layering controls dot placement for smooth gradients, shadows and highlights. Reduces graininess in prints. 
• Halftone Options - Full control over halftone dot shapes and screening for optimizing print quality. Elliptical dots produce exceptionally smooth prints. 
• Device Link Profiles - For direct conversions between color spaces without conversions to Lab color space. Maintains original gamut for precise matching. 
• VersaWorks Optimizer - Intelligent nesting of jobs to minimize media waste and printer movements for faster throughput. 

Using the advanced color tools in VersaWorks RIP software allows users to produce accurate, vibrant graphics and photographs using Roland inks. The specialized tools and interface simplify even the most complex color tasks. 

Environmental and Cost Considerations 

Roland inks offer significant environmental benefits compared to some other ink chemistries. Most Roland Eco-Solvent inks are Greenguard Gold certified, meaning they meet stringent standards for low VOC emissions. This makes them safer for print operators and the environment. 

Many Roland inks are also GREENGUARD certified for indoor air quality. Prints made with certified inks can safely be used in sensitive environments like schools and healthcare facilities. 

Roland's Eco-Solvent inks are designed to print vibrant, durable graphics while minimizing the impact on the environment. Most Roland Eco-Solvent inks do not contain nickel, which can be concerning for waste and recycling. The inks also have up to 30% bio-renewable material derived from plants. 

UV inks from Roland boast environmental advantages as well. UV inks do not contain solvents, so VOC emissions are extremely low. There are no drying stages, so energy consumption is minimized. UV LED lamps last thousands of hours longer than conventional UV lamps, reducing waste. 

Sublimation inks from Roland allow printing on synthetic fabrics made from recycled PET plastic. This gives materials like polyester a second life and diverts waste from landfills. 

Careful print workflow planning can maximize media usage and minimize waste. Proper printhead maintenance extends the printhead lifespan and avoids costly replacements. Following the maintenance tips in this guide will help ensure the lowest long-term operating costs. 

The advanced ink technologies from Roland deliver excellent print quality while supporting environmental sustainability and cost efficiency. With conscientious use and maintenance, Roland printers and inks can save money and reduce waste over years of reliable service. 

Standards and Certifications 

Roland inks are designed to meet and exceed industry standards for quality and reliability. Here are some of the key certifications and standards that Roland inks comply with: 

• UL GREENGUARD Gold Certification - This certification verifies that Roland Eco-Sol MAX2 inks meet stringent standards for low VOC emissions. It confirms the inks are safe for use in environments like schools and healthcare facilities. 
• ASTM D5767-18 Standard - Roland Eco-Sol inks comply with the ASTM D5767-18 international standards for durability and colorfastness. This ensures the inks will resist fading, cracking, and peeling for years. 
• 3M MCS Warranty - When used with 3M media, Roland Eco-Sol inks are eligible for the 3M MCS Warranty. This provides assurance the prints will retain color and remain readable for a specified number of years. 
• OEKO-TEX Standard 100 - This globally recognized standard certifies textiles are free from harmful chemicals. Roland Texart sublimation inks and printed fabrics meet OEKO-TEX requirements. 
• GREENGUARD Gold, CE, REACH - Roland UV inks meet these and other strict standards related to health, safety, and environmental impact. This makes them safe for commercial use. 
• RoHS Compliant - All Roland ink cartridges comply with the RoHS directive, restricting hazardous substances in electronics. This makes them safe to dispose of and recycle. 

By meeting or exceeding these standards, Roland demonstrates their commitment to producing inks that deliver exceptional quality while minimizing environmental and health risks. Customers can feel confident using Roland inks for wide-format, apparel, packaging, and UV printing applications. 

Ordering 

When ready to order, contact the USCutter sales team with your printer model. We will ensure you get the optimal inks to enhance your printer's capabilities. USCutter also stocks a wide range of Roland inks, to keep your printer fully stocked. We offer: 

• Genuine Roland inks for reliable, OEM-certified performance. 
• Fast shipping across the U.S. with most orders fulfilled in 24 hours. 
• Expert support to help you find the right ink for your printer and application. Rely on USCutter as your one-stop shop for Roland inks and supplies. Our years of experience with Roland printers allows us to provide unmatched guidance. Contact our team today to discuss your needs or place an order. 

Conclusion 

Roland inks provide superior print quality, durability, and longevity when used correctly. This guide covered key factors in selecting and maintaining Roland inks to unlock your printer's full potential. 

The main takeaways: 

• Choose inks compatible with your specific printer model and intended application. 
• Use genuine Roland inks and supplies for optimal performance. 
• Perform regular maintenance like printhead cleanings and nozzle checks. 
• Troubleshoot issues immediately to avoid permanent clogs or damage. 
• Manage color accurately with ICC profiles and VersaWorks RIP 
• Eco-solvent inks are more eco-friendly and UV inks faster drying. 

To explore the complete range of Roland inks and supplies tailored to your needs, visit the experts at USCutter. Their customer service and technical support can help you select the ideal inks and components for your printer, application, and budget. 

Investing in the right Roland ink products will maximize the quality, consistency, and reliability of your prints for years to come. Partner with USCutter to take your printing capabilities to the next level.