Comparing the Roland Resin Printer (AP-640) with the Solvent equivalent (VG3-640)

In this video, we will be exploring the features of the Roland VG3 large-format Solvent Printer and how it compares to the new AP water-based Resin Printer released earlier this year.
Solvent still remains a popular choice for a lot of Printers in the industry, the reasons behind this we’ll get into later, but water-based alternatives are beginning to tick more boxes and actually contribute towards print service providers securing new clients. Both models have their place in the market (and in some cases they can complement each other too), but which one is right for you will depend entirely on your priorities and workflow.
Both Solvent and Resin ink have the flexibility to be used for vehicle wrapping and have similar characteristics when it comes to durability and scratch resistance, making them both great options for outdoor signage, stickers and promotional banners. This versatility means there are a lot of cross-compatible products available for both models, but Resin ink does rely more on using the correct profile to match the media. These profiles are usually provided by the media manufacturer, but Roland do have a large catalogue of approved materials to make choosing the right product easier.
Moving on to the results of our print test, the Solvent ink is capable of achieving a slightly higher vibrancy and retains more of the vinyl's gloss finish, due to the reduced dryer requirements. As it stands, there is no other outdoor durable ink that can compete against the quality of Solvent ink, but Resin is making ways to bridge the gap and deliver deeper, denser results, especially on the black, red and blue colours, which have previously been a struggle.
While Solvent ink leads the way in vibrancy, this comes from the nature of the ink and the chemicals used to reproduce strong, vibrant pigments. Solvent ink does have a noticeable odour that needs a well-ventilated space when the air is regularly circulating. Solvent prints also need to be left to cure for 24 hours, to allow enough time for the Solvents to evaporate from the printed vinyl before it is cut laminated or applied. If Solvent prints are not allowed enough time to de-gas / cure you run the risk of the edges curling or lifting after application.
The Roland AP Resin Series requires no curing time at all and is ready to finish and apply immediately after printing. This is a huge benefit for offering clients same-day turnaround.
As we’ve covered before, Resin ink is also water-based - this means it is virtually odourless and holds a number of certifications when it comes to sustainability, recycling and environmental consideration. This type of accreditation is increasingly important for a number of customers and industries, giving Resin a huge advantage when it comes to securing environmentally conscious clients.
The Roland AP Resin and VG3 Solvent (along with a number of other products from Roland) can both be purchased from Granthams GT.
Granthams are based in Preston, Lancashire and our showroom is available upon request for samples and private demonstrations.
www.granthams.co.uk

[@AveNoLife]

I was looking for this, thank you!

[@danydvorsky]

Thank you for this. SUPER USEFUL!!!!! Keep it up.

[@granthamsgt]

Thanks, we appreciate the comment! 😊

[@colloidal_gold]

Thanks for this informative video...

[@danydvorsky]

Doing gods work

[@TheBasquiatjm]

Please commect on vg3 out gassing time. Are paper poster ready to hand to customer right after printing in a busy print shop environment? Are vinyl ready to laminate after printing? Is vinyl printing scratch resistant without laminating? All questions are for vg3

[@granthamsgt]

The VG3 uses Solvent ink, which we would still recommend should be allowed to gas-off for 24 hours. This is recommended before cutting, applying or laminating. You may have seen reports of outgassing in as little as six hours, which is possible, but this has only been guaranteed on Avery Dennison medias. We know there are many people in the industry that aren’t in a position to wait until the following day, but whether there are consequences to this will depend on the substrate and how much ink has gone down. If you cut too early, you run the risk of the material curling / contracting and if you laminate too early the film may not adhere correctly and could fail (sometimes not even noticed until the following weeks). If you can afford to wait, leaving the prints 24 hours would be the recommendation.

[@jabulaniharvey]

is it easy to print on block-out PVC with this Resin ink printer? Worried about in-print warping, given the high dryer temperatures used...

[@TECHBUDDY420]

Best for car wrap?

[@granthamsgt]

Either would be suitable for wrapping - they both have the flexibility necessary for a full wrap. The only consideration I would point out is that Solvent ink does have an increased colour gamut / vibrancy, especially if you opt for an 8-colour configuration. This is often preferred if you need to hit particular Pantone references and corporate Logos. For example, many of our clients print Motocross graphics and prefer Solvent for achieving KTM Orange and Kawasaki Green.