Roland DG is to launch a new direct-to-garment desktop printer. Designed to allow on-demand personalisation, the VersaStudio BT-12 will be available from April 2019.
The A4 machine will be able to able to print full colour graphics including photos, logos and text directly on a wide variety of cotton-based items, such as t-shirts, tote bags and textile interior decoration products.
According to Etsuo Harada, division president of COTO Business Division for Roland DG, since the introduction of VersaCamm SP-300 in 2003, the company’s inkjet printers have increasingly been used in the production of custom apparel and fabric goods.
‘More recently,’ Mr Harada explained, ‘in-store personalisation services for printing customer designs have grown rapidly. To meet this demand, the COTO Business Division has developed the new DTG printer.’
Bundled with Roland design software, the BT-12 allows users to create unique designs with minimal training. Cassettes hold the items for printing and finishing, ensuring the safety of operators and customers.
‘Consumer behaviour has been shifting from consumption to experience due to the diversification of consumer values,’ Mr Harada concluded. ‘As a result, businesses have an opportunity to offer high-value merchandise such as personalised products to meet customer needs and desires.’
