Roland VG3 versus the new VG4 Series: What's the difference?

The Roland VG3 Series has long been one of the most popular solvent print-and-cut printers in the sign and graphics industry. Known for reliability and versatility, it remains widely used today. However, Roland's latest VG4 Series introduces meaningful upgrades in speed, ink technology, and long-term compliance.

In this guide, we compare the Roland VG3 vs VG4, look at how the ER Series fits into the range, and also touch on the higher-production Roland XP and XG Series.

What’s New with the Roland VG4 Series?

The Roland VG4 is not just a cosmetic update. The biggest developments compared to the VG3 are found in the printhead technology and ink options, along with the below.

VIEW the Roland Solvent Collection

New Take-up mode for Print & Cut

The new take-up unit benefits from improved communication and synchronisation with the media feed, which keeps the media from touching the floor and allows for longer production and unattended workflows.

Direct printing from the touchscreen

Perform reprints directly from the screen. This is a great addition in the event the PC is not close to the Printer or the print operator isn't software experienced. 

New Printhead Technology: Faster and Easier to Maintain

The VG4 Series features an all-new printhead that is approximately 20% faster than the VG3. This results in:

• Higher production output

• Shorter turnaround times

• Improved workflow efficiency

Maintenance has also been improved, with faster automated cleaning cycles that reduce downtime and make day-to-day operation easier.

Roland VG3 vs VG4: Print Speed Comparison

Speed is just one of the improvements when upgrading from a VG3 to a VG4 / XG.

For many sign makers and print shops, this increase alone can significantly improve productivity without stepping into full production-level equipment.

Ink Options: TR3 Solvent Ink

One of the most important upgrades in the VG4 Series is the introduction of a new ink type.

TR3 Solvent Ink - GBL-Free and Future-Proof

TR3 is Roland's next-generation solvent ink and is completely GBL-free.

GBL (Gamma-Butyrolactone) is a controlled substance that has been increasingly regulated worldwide. Historically used in solvent inks such as TR2, manufacturers are now actively removing GBL to protect customers from future legislative changes.

TR3 benefits include:

• Completely GBL-free

• Designed to meet future regulatory standards

• Available in 4-colour and 8-colour configurations

• Ideal for customers prioritising compliance and longevity

• Expanded colour gamut with Red, Orange, Green and White ink

TR3 is priced at £98.00 + VAT for 500ml, reflecting its next-generation formulation.

TR3 500ml Solvent Ink - BUY ONLINE

Available Sizes and Models in the VG4 Range

The Roland VG4 Series is available in three print widths:

• VG4-540 - 54 inches / 1,370mm

• VG4-640 - 64 inches / 1,600mm

VIEW the Roland Solvent Collection

The Roland ER Series: Print-Only Performance

For customers who don’t require integrated cutting, Roland also offers the ER Series.

The ER-641 runs just four ink channels as well as the new budget-friendly TH ink.

This makes it ideal for:

• High-output roll-to-roll printing

• Businesses using separate finishing equipment

• Users seeking maximum print speed at a lower entry cost

• Printing at an low cost without converting to third-party inks (and risking the warranty)

VIEW the Roland ER-641 Solvent Printer

Where Does the Roland XP / XG Series Fit In?

The Roland XG and XP Series is designed for businesses that require high-volume, production-level output.

With speeds of up to 22.5 sqm/hr in Dual CMYK, the XG / XP Series more than doubles the performance of the VG3 and significantly outpaces the VG4.

VIEW the Roland XG-640 Solvent Printer / Cutter

VIEW the Roland XP-640 Solvent Printer

TH Ink - OEM Budget Solvent

TH is Roland's new budget solvent ink, developed to compete directly with third-party alternatives, while retaining full manufacturer warranty. This ink is exclusive to the Print-only XP and ER Series.

TH benefits include:

• Lower running costs (£69.00 + VAT for 500ml)

• OEM ink with full Roland warranty protection

• Available in 4-colour and 8-colour configurations

• Capable of running Orange, Red and Green ink

For cost-conscious production environments, TH ink offers excellent value without the risks associated with third-party inks.

TH 500ml Solvent Ink - BUY ONLINE

Choosing the Right Roland Printer

• VG4-540 – New standard for Solvent Printer / Cutter (54-inches wide)

• VG4-640 – New standard for Solvent Printer / Cutter (64-inches wide)

• ER-641 – Budget-friendly, low running cost, 4-colour Solvent Printer
  

• XP-640 – High-production, low running cost, Solvent Printer
  

• XG-640 - High-production Solvent Printer / Cutter

For many growing print businesses, the VG4 represents the perfect balance between performance, cost, and future-proofing. The XP & XG Series is the next step when throughput becomes the primary driver.