Choosing the right UV printer is a big step for any business or creative project. Two popular desktop UV printers stand out in the market: the Epson SureColor V1070 and the Roland VersaStudio BD-8. Both use advanced UV ink technology to bring your designs to life on many different items. However, they each have unique strengths that make them better suited for different needs.
This guide will help you understand the key differences between these two powerful machines. We will look at their printing size, how tall an object they can print on, and their price. We will also cover their maintenance and the software they include. Our goal is to give you a clear picture so you can decide which printer fits your goals best.
Understanding UV Printing Technology
Before we dive into the specifics of each printer, let’s briefly explain how UV printing works. Both the Epson V1070 and Roland BD-8 use UV ink technology. This is different from laser printing. With UV printing, liquid ink is applied directly to an object. Immediately after the ink is applied, a special UV light cures or dries it. This curing process makes the ink harden instantly, creating a durable and vibrant print that sticks well to many surfaces. This method allows for printing on a wide variety of materials, from plastics to metals and even glass.
Print Size: How Much Space Do You Need?
One of the first things people consider when buying a UV printer is the flatbed size, which means how large an area the printer can cover. The size of the print area directly impacts the size and number of items you can print at once.
The Epson SureColor V1070 offers a larger print area. Its flatbed size is 8.3 by 11.7 inches. To make this easy to picture, think of a standard sheet of paper you might use in a home printer. This larger size gives you more flexibility. You can print on bigger items, or you can fit several smaller items onto the flatbed at the same time. This can speed up your work if you are producing many small things like keychains or small plaques.
In contrast, the Roland VersaStudio BD-8 has a smaller print area. Its flatbed measures 5.8 by 8.2 inches. This size is similar to an A5 sheet of paper. While it is smaller, this compact print area can be perfect for businesses that focus on smaller, custom items. It also means the printer itself might take up less space in your workshop.
- Epson V1070: Larger print area, ideal for bigger items or more items at once.
- Roland BD-8: Smaller print area, good for focused, compact projects.
If your main need is to print on a larger surface or run batches of small items, the Epson V1070 has a clear advantage in print size.
Max Object Height: Printing on Taller Items
While the print area is important, the maximum object height is also a key factor. This tells you how tall an item can be for the printer to print on it. This feature often helps customers make their final decision. The height capability determines the range of products you can offer.
The Epson SureColor V1070 can print on objects with a maximum height of 2.7 inches. To give you an idea, this is a little bit taller than a standard golf ball. This height allows you to customize many popular items. These include:
- Golf balls
- Name tags
- Pens
- Acrylic photo blocks
- Small plaques
- Phone cases
- Keychains
If your business focuses on these types of items, the V1070 is a strong choice. It handles a wide range of common flat or low-profile items with ease.
The Roland VersaStudio BD-8 truly shines when it comes to printing on taller objects. It can handle items with a maximum height of 4 inches. That extra 1.3 inches makes a big difference. This added height opens up many more possibilities for your product line. With the BD-8, you can print directly onto items like:
- Baseballs
- Rocks
- Drinking glasses
- Popular insulated tumblers (like Yetis)
- Lunchboxes
- Small bottles or jars
- Candles
Consider this: if you want to print on a lunchbox, the BD-8 is the only printer of the two that can do it. This ability to print on taller, more unusual items gives the BD-8 a distinct advantage for businesses looking to expand their custom offerings.
- Epson V1070: Prints on items up to 2.7 inches tall. Good for golf balls, name tags, and flat items.
- Roland BD-8: Prints on items up to 4 inches tall. Perfect for baseballs, tumblers, and lunchboxes.
Your product range will largely dictate which printer is a better fit based on object height.
Price: What Does Each Printer Cost?
Price is always a major part of any investment decision. When comparing the Epson V1070 and the Roland BD-8, there is a clear price difference.
At the time of this comparison, the Epson SureColor V1070 is priced at around $9,000. This makes it the more affordable option between the two.
The Roland VersaStudio BD-8 is priced at around $11,000. This means there is about a $2,000 difference between the two models.
This extra cost for the BD-8 primarily comes from its enhanced capabilities. The most significant factor driving the price difference is its ability to print on objects up to 4 inches tall. This feature often requires more complex engineering and a more robust design to ensure stable printing on a wider variety of item shapes and sizes. The advanced software package that comes with the BD-8 also adds to its value.
- Epson V1070: Approximately $9,000. A more budget-friendly entry point.
- Roland BD-8: Approximately $11,000. Higher price due to increased object height capability and advanced software.
When considering the price, think about the long-term value. If the ability to print on taller objects will open new markets or significantly boost your product offerings, the extra $2,000 for the BD-8 might be a smart investment. If your custom items fit well within the V1070’s height limit, then the Epson could save you money.
Printer Upkeep and Maintenance
Maintaining your UV printer properly is important for its lifespan and print quality. Both the Epson V1070 and Roland BD-8 feature automatic maintenance systems. This is great news for both new and experienced users, as it helps keep the printers running smoothly with less manual effort.
However, there are some differences in how these systems operate.
The Epson SureColor V1070 is described as being a bit more hands-on when it comes to maintenance. While it has automatic cleaning, some of its cleaning cycles can take up to 20 minutes. This means you might need to dedicate a little more time to its upkeep, or be aware of these longer cleaning times when planning your printing schedule. For some users, this might mean a short pause in production.
The Roland VersaStudio BD-8 is known for being more efficient and consistent with its cleaning schedule. Its automatic maintenance routines are generally quicker and require less direct user involvement. This efficiency helps to minimize downtime, allowing you to focus more on printing and less on maintenance tasks. Its consistent cleaning helps maintain optimal print head performance over time.
- Epson V1070: More hands-on; some cleaning cycles can take up to 20 minutes.
- Roland BD-8: More efficient and consistent cleaning, requiring less direct user input.
Both printers are suitable for beginners due to their automated features. Yet, if you prefer a system that requires minimal interaction for upkeep, the Roland BD-8 has an edge.
Included Software: Powering Your Prints
Every UV printer needs good software to control printing, manage designs, and prepare files. Both Epson and Roland provide their own software packages free with the printer, and neither requires a subscription. This saves you money in the long run.
The Epson SureColor V1070 comes with Epson EdgePrint. This software is straightforward and effective. It is designed to handle all necessary printing tasks, from setting up print jobs to managing colors. Many users find EdgePrint reliable for running tests and creating samples. It provides everything you need to transfer your designs from your computer to your custom items.
The Roland VersaStudio BD-8 offers a more robust and comprehensive software package. It includes three pieces of software:
- DGHub: This acts as a central hub, likely managing device connections and overall workflow.
- VersaWorks 7: Roland’s powerful RIP (Raster Image Processor) software. VersaWorks is known for its advanced features, allowing precise control over print quality, color management, and layout. It is a professional-grade tool that offers a lot of depth for experienced users.
- Flexi Designer: This software is for design and layout. It gives users tools to create or adjust graphics before printing.
These three programs work together seamlessly, creating a complete ecosystem for design and print. The BD-8’s technology package is robust. It offers extensive tools for any object you want to print on. This makes it a strong choice for those who want more control over their design and printing process.
- Epson V1070: Includes Epson EdgePrint. Simple and effective for standard printing.
- Roland BD-8: Includes DGHub, VersaWorks 7, and Flexi Designer. A powerful, all-in-one suite for advanced control and design.
If you are looking for a simple, functional printing experience, Epson EdgePrint is a great fit. If you need more advanced design capabilities and precise control over your print output, the Roland BD-8’s software bundle offers more features.
Making Your Decision: Which Printer Is Right for You?
Choosing a UV printer is a significant investment. Both the Epson SureColor V1070 and the Roland VersaStudio BD-8 are high-quality desktop UV printers. Each has specific features that make it better for different types of printing businesses or projects.
Consider the Epson SureColor V1070 if:
- You need a larger print area for bigger items or batch printing of small items.
- Your main products are flat or low-profile, such as golf balls, name tags, pens, or acrylic photo blocks, where objects are less than 2.7 inches tall.
- You prefer a more budget-friendly entry point into UV printing.
- You are comfortable with slightly longer cleaning cycles.
- A straightforward printing software like Epson EdgePrint meets your needs.
Consider the Roland VersaStudio BD-8 if:
- You plan to print on taller objects, such as baseballs, rocks, tumblers, glasses, or lunchboxes, up to 4 inches tall.
- You value a more efficient and consistent automatic maintenance system.
- You need a robust software package, including design tools and advanced RIP software like VersaWorks 7, for greater control over your prints.
- You are willing to invest a little more for increased versatility in object height and software capabilities.
Making a decision on which printer to get is an important one! It’s an investment! We know that. Let’s work together and figure out which one is best for you. We have Bundle options to get a little more bang for your buck, financing options to give you a low monthly cost while you’re out there printing money, as they say!
Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to stay up on what’s new in the printing industry!
Click Here to learn more about the Roland BD-8.
Click Here to learn more about the Epson V0170.
IT Supplies is your one-stop shop for everything you need to achieve the perfect print. We partner with top manufacturers to bring you the best in printing technology, including Eco-Solvent, Latex, UV, and Aqueous printers from EPSON, HP, and Canon. Our lineup also features a wide selection of Dye-Sublimation, DTF, and DTG printers from EPSON and HP. Explore our full range at www.itsupplies.com or by giving us a call at 1-800-771-9665!
IT Supplies Blog 