Let there be light: Genesis Marketing installs first Roland S-Series UV-LED in Wales

Genesis Marketing & Events Ltd says it has big ideas for its new Roland DG VersaUV LEJ-640 S-Series UV-LED belt printer, the first of the exceptional new S-Series family to be installed in Wales.

In the first few days after its arrival at Genesis Marketing's premises in Cardiff the S-Series had already accelerated the production of signage boards, thanks to its direct-to-substrate capability – the team no longer has to print onto and apply self-adhesive vinyl. But Andrew Owen, who set up the business in 2007 with a background in print, has plans to explore exciting new areas.

He explains: "We had been looking at the Roland LEJ-640 UV hybrid printer as it offers direct printing onto practically any substrate in CYMK, white and gloss – you can even print textures. But during an open day at Roland's Creative Centre the S-Series caught my eye; it does everything the LEJ does but its size means you can print larger pieces. You can actually put a door through it.”

"And it's really going to open doors for us. We've experimented with different substrates including wood, glass, plastic, canvas, MDF, leather and ceramic tiles."

Genesis Marketing's clients include local historical buildings such as Cardiff Market, the National Museum of Wales and Cardiff Castle, and Andrew has already experimented with printing the castle's logo directly onto the dining tables of The Keep Terrace Bistro.

In addition, the S-Series will enable the business to bring more work in-house that was formerly outsourced, for example printing Braille on signage. This is possible by printing gloss varnish in layers, building up accurate, 3D textures. Genesis Marketing also intends to use the printer's white ink function to print more window graphics – a key line of work during the October-March period when the business's core market of exhibition and event graphics is typically slower.

Genesis Marketing began as a specialist in event management, later expanding into branding and signage, counting the Volvo Ocean Race and 2017 UEFA Champions League Final among its recent event branding clients. It also works with retail and commercial customers, leaving its mark across Cardiff and the surrounding area.

The VersaUV S-Series UV-LED belt UV printer is ideal for all these markets and more, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in UV printing. It can print directly onto virtually any material, even thin and heat-sensitive media, and objects up to 235mm in height and 100kg/sqm in weight – opening new, creative revenue streams for businesses such as Genesis Marketing.