Quick verdict
For sign shops in Malaysia, choose TR3 ink for the Roland TrueVIS VG4. It offers white, light cyan and light magenta options, GREENGUARD Gold certification and full outdoor durability on every colour. D-EA2 is a lower-cost ink for designated emerging markets, limited to 4- and 8-colour sets, with orange rated for one year outdoors.
D-EA2 vs TR3: Choosing the Right Eco-Solvent Ink for Your Roland TrueVIS VG4
Two inks, two production profiles. Here's everything you need to know to pick the right configuration for your shop.
One of the most important decisions when configuring a Roland TrueVIS VG4-640/540 is choosing the right ink system. The VG4 supports two eco-solvent ink types: the globally established TR3 and the newer D-EA2. Both are high-performance inks with very different positioning — and understanding the distinction will help you maximise print quality, control running costs, and select the right configuration for your production needs.
What Are TR3 and D-EA2?
TR3 Ink
Roland DG's flagship eco-solvent ink — highest print quality, widest colour gamut, and industry-leading safety certifications. The primary ink for VG4 in most markets including Malaysia.
D-EA2 Ink
A cost-effective eco-solvent ink designed for emerging markets, offering multi-colour extended gamut capability at a more accessible price point. Introduced with the VG4 launch in April 2026.
D-EA2 vs TR3: Key Differences
| Feature | TR3 | D-EA2 |
|---|---|---|
| Target Market | Global | Emerging countries |
| Price Point | Premium | More affordable |
| Colour Configurations | 4C, 7C, 8C (multiple) | 4C, 8C only |
| Light Cyan / Light Magenta | ✅ Available (8C config) | Not available |
| White Ink | ✅ Available (7C config) | Not available |
| Greenguard Gold Certified | ✅ Yes | — |
| GBL-Free | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Full Outdoor Durability | ✅ All colours | Orange: 1 year only |
| Region Setting Required | No | Yes — machine must be configured |
| Cartridge Packaging | Eco-friendly cardboard | Eco-friendly cardboard |
TR3 Ink: The Professional Standard
TR3 is Roland's most advanced eco-solvent formulation and the recommended choice for professional sign shops in Malaysia and the broader Asia-Pacific market.
Full Colour Range
Up to 8 colours — including Lc, Lm, Lk, Green, Orange, Red, and White for maximum gamut flexibility.
Greenguard Gold
Certified for all-wall interior applications — schools, hospitals, retail, and government projects.
Full Outdoor Durability
All colour channels including Orange and Red rated for full outdoor durability — ideal for signage and vehicle wraps.
Eco Packaging
Cardboard-based cartridges reduce non-recyclable plastic waste in high-volume production environments.
Ink Configuration Options for the VG4
- 4-Colour: CMYK × 2
- 7-Colour: CMYK + Orange + Red + White (×2)
- 8-Colour (A): CMYK + Light Cyan + Light Magenta + Orange + Red
- 8-Colour (B): CMYK + Light Black + Green + Orange + Red
- 4-Colour: CMYK × 2
- 8-Colour: CMYK + Light Black + Orange + Green + Red
The VG4 must have a specific regional setting configured before D-EA2 ink can be used. This is typically handled at installation. D-EA2 is designated for emerging markets — check with your authorised Roland DG dealer for availability in your region.
Running Cost: How TR3 Compares to the Previous Generation
TR3 ink in the VG4 is dramatically more efficient than the TR2 ink used in the previous VG3 generation — delivering lower cost-per-m² even at comparable ink pricing.
TR3's improved efficiency means that even for shops switching from VG3, the total monthly ink spend decreases significantly — offsetting some of the per-cartridge cost difference between TR3 and older TR2 formulations.
D-EA2 Ink: When It Makes Sense
D-EA2 is engineered for markets where upfront ink cost is a primary consideration. It still delivers extended gamut printing with Light Black, Orange, Green, and Red — a significant colour advantage over plain CMYK — at a more accessible price point.
Best Use Cases for D-EA2
- Price-sensitive production where extended gamut is desirable but budget is constrained
- Indoor or short-term outdoor applications where the 1-year Orange durability limitation is acceptable
- Entry-level workflows that don't require Light Cyan, Light Magenta, or White ink
- Markets where D-EA2 is the designated regional offering
Which Ink Should You Choose?
✅ Choose TR3 if you…
- Operate in Malaysia or Asia-Pacific
- Produce vehicle wraps, premium signage, or brand-critical graphics
- Need White ink for clear media or window graphics
- Supply to clients with indoor air quality requirements
- Require full outdoor durability on all colour channels
- Want maximum ink configuration flexibility
Consider D-EA2 if you…
- Operate in a designated D-EA2 emerging market
- Need extended gamut at a lower ink cost
- Primarily produce indoor or short-term outdoor work
- Don't require White, Light Cyan, or Light Magenta ink
Conclusion
Both TR3 and D-EA2 bring genuine value to different production scenarios. For the majority of professional sign shops in Malaysia and the region, TR3 is the clear choice — offering the broadest colour gamut, Greenguard Gold certification, full outdoor durability, and the flexibility to handle any application that comes your way.
D-EA2 fills an important role in markets where price sensitivity is the deciding factor, while still delivering meaningful colour capability beyond basic CMYK.
Not Sure Which Ink Configuration Is Right for You?
Our team at DPI Technology can walk you through every VG4 ink configuration and help you choose the setup that fits your production workflow and budget.
Talk to Our Team Explore the VG4Frequently Asked Questions
Can D-EA2 ink print white on the Roland VG4?
No. White is only available with TR3 ink, in the 7-colour configuration. D-EA2 comes in 4-colour and 8-colour sets without white, light cyan or light magenta.
Is D-EA2 ink suitable for outdoor signage?
Only for short-term outdoor work. D-EA2's orange ink is rated for one year outdoors, while every TR3 colour, including orange and red, carries full outdoor durability. For vehicle wraps, premium signage and long-life outdoor jobs, DPI recommends TR3. D-EA2 fits indoor or short-term outdoor work where the one-year orange limit is acceptable.
Does the VG4 need a setting change to use D-EA2 ink?
Yes. The VG4 must be set to the correct regional setting before D-EA2 can be used, usually at installation. D-EA2 is designated for emerging markets, so check availability with your Roland DG dealer.
Manufacturer sources: Roland DG: TrueVIS VG4 Series
