When it comes to wide-format digital printing, it’s easy to focus on the hardware, the cutting-edge technology, the print speeds, the versatility of media handling, the scalability to suit each business. But what often gets overlooked is something equally crucial: the ink.
Ink is the lifeblood of your print business. It defines your colour vibrancy, your print durability, your machine’s lifespan, and, ultimately, your reputation. That’s why Roland DG invests heavily in the development of its genuine inks, designed not only to deliver world-class results, but also to safeguard your equipment and your profitability.
In this article, we’ll explore why using Roland DG genuine inks is so important, and why cutting corners with third-party inks can cost far more than you save.
Ink cartridges in Roland DG printers
Designed Together, Tested Together
Every Roland DG printer is the result of years of research, development and precision engineering – and the inks are no exception. In fact, Roland DG inks are developed in tandem with the printers themselves. More than just compatible; they are co-engineered for the very best results.
Unlike third-party alternatives, genuine Roland DG inks are purpose-built for your specific Roland print system. They’re tested under extreme conditions to ensure optimal performance, from your first print to your thousandth.
What you get is exceptional colour accuracy, superior drying times, and unrivalled adhesion on certified substrates – all of which contribute to faster workflows, fewer reprints, and more consistent output that clients can rely on.
Uncompromising Colour Quality
Whether you’re printing exhibition graphics, personalised apparel, or vehicle wraps, colour matters. Roland DG inks are formulated to deliver:
- Rich, vibrant hues
- Sharp gradients and tonal transitions
- Consistent colour reproduction job after job
Thanks to the controlled particle size and finely tuned formulation of genuine Roland DG inks, your printer can reproduce precise brand colours and complex artwork with confidence. This level of colour stability is essential. It doesn’t matter what industry, customers have higher standards than ever, so brand integrity means everything.
Want to colour-match across devices or media types? With genuine Roland DG inks and Roland DG’s dedicated RIP software, VersaWorks, that consistency becomes a competitive advantage.
Protecting Your Investment and Your Productivity
One of the most common misconceptions in the market is that third-party inks are “good enough.” But the truth is that they can quickly become a false economy.
What can go wrong with third-party inks?
- Nozzle blockages due to impurities or poor viscosity control
- Ink starvation or leaking, leading to printhead damage
- Poor media compatibility, causing cracking, adhesion issues, smearing or fading
- Increased maintenance downtime and production delays
- Warranty voidance
These issues aren’t just technical annoyances. Lost time, wasted media, damaged printheads, and dissatisfied customers can add up fast, resulting in significant business risk.
Roland DG genuine inks, on the other hand, are guaranteed to perform. They’re designed to work with your printer’s ink delivery system, drying units, heaters and wipers to reduce wear, minimise maintenance, and extend the life of critical components like your printheads.
When you use genuine inks, you’re fully covered by Roland DG’s warranty and supported by our global service network.
Safe, Sustainable and Certified
The environmental impact of print production is increasingly important to clients, end-users and legislators. Roland DG inks provide many key benefits:
- Low VOC formulations for a safer working environment
- GREENGUARD Gold certification on selected inks (ideal for healthcare, education and indoor décor)
- Compliant with key environmental and health regulations worldwide
- Support for recycling programmes and responsible disposal
Committing to safety and sustainability opens doors in high-value sectors like interior décor, hospitality, corporate environments and retail, where eco-credentials are expected.
More Than Ink — A Business Enabler
Using Roland DG genuine inks goes deeper than simple print quality. The most successful businesses in these incredibly competitive markets don’t rely on the cheapest consumables. They invest in solutions that give them:
- Faster turnaround times
- Fewer errors or reprints
- Consistent, brand-safe results
- Wider media compatibility
- Access to profitable new markets (like décor or short-run customisation)
Your Roland DG printer is a high-precision machine. It deserves to be powered by inks that allow it to operate at its full potential, and your clients deserve the quality that only true, tried and tested system-matched inks can deliver.
The Real Cost of “Compatible” Inks
Let’s talk numbers. Using third-party inks might save a little per cartridge up front. But what happens when:
- A printhead clogs and needs replacing
- A banner has to be reprinted due to fading or flaking
- A job is rejected because the colours don't match the approved proof
- You lose time running test prints or flushing your system
Over time, these costs, plus the risk of warranty invalidation, far outweigh any initial savings. And the intangible costs? Damage to your reputation, lost clients, and reduced trust.
Simply put, using third-party ink in a Roland printer is a high-stakes gamble.
Ready to Print with Confidence?
Roland DG printers are chosen by professionals who demand quality, reliability and innovation. If you're one of them, using Roland DG genuine inks means you're investing in the ongoing success of your business.
It will give you consistency in your colours, confidence in your workflow, protection for your equipment and support from a global leader in print technology.
Don’t forget, if you’d like any more information on anything in this article, our experts would be happy to help.