If you're running a Roland TrueVIS VG3, chances are it's been a dependable workhorse. But with the launch of the TrueVIS VG4-640/540 in April 2026, Roland DG has introduced some meaningful advancements worth examining — especially if you're planning your next equipment investment or your current machine is approaching replacement time.

This guide breaks down the key differences between the VG3 and VG4, so you can make a well-informed decision about whether now is the right time to upgrade.

At a Glance: VG3 vs VG4

1. Better Print Head = Better Quality

The VG4 uses the same advanced print head as the XG-640 — Roland's flagship model. This single-head design with 3,200 nozzles delivers a maximum resolution of 1,800 dpi, up from 1,200 dpi on the VG3. In practical terms, this means sharper fine text, smoother gradients, and more accurate repeatable colour reproduction.

The difference is most visible in detailed graphics, fine line work, and photographic prints where pixel-level precision matters.

2. Red Ink Changes the Game

The VG3 offered an impressive colour gamut with TR2 ink, but the VG4 adds Red ink to the expanded colour configurations. This fills a gap in the colour gamut that Orange alone couldn't fully address, enabling:

• Richer, more saturated reds in brand logos and corporate graphics
• More accurate Pantone colour matching across warm tones
• Enhanced visual impact for vehicle wraps and premium signage
• Expanded 8-colour gamut — achieving 92.1% Pantone Solid Coated coverage

3. Dramatically Lower Ink Consumption

One of the most compelling upgrade reasons is running cost. The VG4 uses 30% less ink per m² during printing compared to the VG3 in standard 8-colour mode. Even more striking is the cleaning cycle comparison:

For shops doing regular maintenance, this translates to significant savings on both ink and cleaning liquid over the machine's lifetime.

4. Print & Cut with Integrated Take-Up Unit

On the VG3, using the take-up unit during a print-and-cut workflow required manual intervention — printed media could touch the floor during the cutting phase. The VG4 resolves this with full integration between the print/cut function and the take-up unit.

The take-up unit now actively operates during cutting, keeping media properly wound and off the floor throughout the entire job. This enables true unattended overnight production — print, cut, take-up, and repeat — without operator intervention.

5. Direct Printing: No More Walking Back to the PC

The VG4 introduces Direct Printing via the 7-inch touchscreen panel. Operators can browse VersaWorks 7 job queues, select files, and start printing directly at the machine — no need to return to the RIP workstation.

Why It Matters

• Reduced downtime between jobs on busy production floors
• PC independence — the operator can prepare the next job on the computer while the current job prints
• Better quality control — operators can visually check media before committing to a job
• Supports PC-less environments — production floors, kiosks, and stores where a workstation isn't adjacent to the printer

6. Higher Resolution Control Panel

The VG4's 7-inch LCD touchscreen has been upgraded to 1,024 × 600 resolution (from 800 × 480 on the VG3), providing a clearer, more responsive interface for daily operation, maintenance prompts, and job management.

A new QR code feature also displays when errors occur — scan it with a smartphone to jump directly to the relevant section of the service manual for fast guided troubleshooting.

Should You Upgrade?

Conclusion

The VG4 is not just an incremental refresh — it's a genuine generational leap. Better print quality at 1,800 dpi, significantly lower ink costs, smarter workflow tools, and the long-awaited print-cut-take-up integration make it a compelling upgrade for any serious sign shop currently running a VG3.

Whether you're weighing a scheduled replacement or trying to stay ahead of competitors, the VG4 delivers improvements across every dimension that matters to a production sign shop.