OUTPUT

There's a new breed of ink-jet system making its way to market which takes the familiarity of wide-format machines and adapts it to fit in a compact unit. Roland's VersaStudio BN-20 is one such example of this narrowing down of technology. Roland quite rightly states that it's the first print-and-cut device of its kind that brings the company's eco-solvent ink technology, complete with a metallic option, to the desktop. It's also available with an aqueous-based four-colour ink set.

Roland DG sees this novel, low-cost machine as being ideal for garment decoration as well as for anyone wanting to produce signs up to a maximum width of 480mm. Its print-and-cut capabilities also mean it is ideal for the production of short-run labels and stickers and its appeal outside the display industry should be far-reaching.

The VersaStudio BN-20 is a fun and easy machine to use, offering very simple print-and-cut workflow and requiring minimal technical knowledge. Despite its reduced footprint, the quality it outputs makes it a tempting proposition for anyone who wants to produce their own jobs in a small way or, even, for a larger print service provider needing a unit which can be used for one-offs or very low label runs.

For the garment market, its capacity for heat transfer jobs is ideal for personalised goods, and the BN-20 must surely be a serious contender for educational environments (particularly with its aqueous-based pigmented ink option), design agencies, promotional gift specialists and home-based businesses. Its ease of use is enhanced by Roland's pedigree for cutting accuracy so that nested labels and decals can be produced to precise tolerances.

Setting up the media is simple and quick, with automatic alignment of the material. The software which comes with the unit incorporates a printer driver and the R-Works drawing program, plus Roland's VersaWorks if more professional features are needed. The BN-20 can also be used with commercial products, such as Adobe Illustrator or CorelDraw.

This is a remarkable little printer which capitalises on its wide-format relations yet is designed to be used by anyone wanting to produce decent graphics with the durability and bright colours available from Roland's Eco-Sol Max inks. The user-friendly software simplifies workflow, particularly important for those unaccustomed to working with ink-jet technology, and there's a pop-up window to tell users when the waste cartridge needs to be replaced.

The compact design isn't peppered with confusing knobs and buttons, and is sensibly constructed for ease of access and media loading. Some allowance needs to be given to the additional footprint required by the cartridges which slot into the right-hand side of the unit. The rear of the machine houses the power cable and USB connector on one side, and the waste cartridge on the other with the material holder sitting conveniently in between for ease of loading.

Although it's designed to sit on a desktop, it can also be used with a stand that's available as an optional extra. The cartridge sizes are 220cc, and connectivity is via USB, with power from a standard 13 amp socket.

Target audience
Anyone wanting to benefit from a desktop machine that produces durable output. Typical users include promotional garment producers, sign-makers, digital print bureaux, agencies and the education sector.

Relevant applications
Display jobs up to 480mm wide, posters, labels, stickers, decals, displays and signs, plus garment decorations using heat transfer.

Price
£5,499

Pros and cons
Its ease of use makes it ideal for novice users as well as experienced production companies, with good colour and accurate contour cutting. It's perhaps a shame the cartridges aren't sited vertically instead of horizontally as this would reduce the footprint further.

Verdict
The Roland BN-20 is not designed to be a high productivity speed merchant, and this is reflected in its modest price. As the first machine of its kind, it will appeal to users taking the first steps down the road to durable print production, and it's also a good option for back-ups and small jobs needed urgently where the user doesn't want to disrupt throughput on his wider machines.

Ease of use: 5/5
Speed: 2/5
Quality: 5/5
Versatility: 3/5
Value for money: 5/5