VersaWorks is the printing software used with the Roland BN-20A. It’s known as a RIP (Raster Image Processor), which means it translates your graphics into instructions the printer can follow.
VersaWorks is also used to manage print settings, select media types, monitor ink quantity, and even add simple cutlines.
At the Idea Lab, VersaWorks can be accessed on the desktop computer located next to the printer.
Launch the VersaWorks application on the Idea Lab desktop computer located next to the Roland BN20-A.
Drag-and-drop your PDF file into the job queue.
Alternatively, you can go to File > Add Job to Queue A and select your PDF file from the computer.
Connect the printer: An Idea Lab team member will check to make sure the Roland BN20-A is turned on and connected to the computer by USB.
Load media: An Idea Lab team member will help you load your selected media.
Load blade: An Idea Lab team member will load the correct blade for your media.
Open Job Assistant
From the queue, right-click on your file and select “Job Assistant”.
This will open a new window where you can edit cutlines.
Create or Modify Cutlines
Use the tools in Job Assistant to:
Draw basic cutlines (e.g., circles, rectangles) around your image or convert existing vector paths into cutlines
Choose the Type of Cut:
Contour (kiss) cut (cut through the top material only) or perforated cut (cut through the top material and backing).
Change Cutting Line Properties:
Adjust the Type of Contour, Cut Interior, and Corner Shape
Adjust the Offset (space between the artwork and cutline) if desired.
Save Changes
Save your changes and close the Job Assistant window. VersaWorks will create a second version of your file with the cutlines applied.
Double-click on the newly generated file in the queue to continue setting up your print job.
Contour Cut
Cuts through the top layer of the material, leaving the backing intact.
This is often referred to as a “kiss cut.”
Perforated Cut
Cuts through both the top layer and the backing material.
This is often referred to as a “die cut.”
Under Media Settings, click “Get Media Width” to detect and set the width of the media loaded into the printer.
Under Scaling, confirm or adjust the size of your graphics.
Under Print Properties, set the number of copies.
Confirm or adjust the spacing between each copy.
If there is too much white space around the artwork, use the Clip and Tile tab to crop it out.
Select the media type that is loaded in the printer.
If you’re not sure, please check with an Idea Lab team member.
The Idea Lab has tested and determined the appropriate contour (kiss cut) and perforated cut settings for the printable media we provide.
Consult the Cut Settings chart, and enter the appropriate values for your job.
See also: Cut Settings in Versa Works Explained
Return to the print queue and select the print job.
Before you hit print, double-check:
Is the right media loaded?
Is the correct blade loaded?
Are the cut settings correct?
Now, you're ready to hit Print!
While your job is printing, you must remain near the printer. Watch for any issues such as misalignment of the media or paper jams.
Notify an Idea Lab team member immediately if there are any issues.