Roland TrueVIS TR2 Replacement Ink: What You Should Know Before Buying

If you're running a Roland TrueVIS printer, you know how expensive ink can be. Whether you're printing vehicle wraps, banners, decals, or signs, ink is one of those ongoing expenses that can take a big bite out of your profits.

That's why more print shops are looking at alternative Roland TR2 replacement ink instead of automatically buying OEM ink.

But here's something I've learned over the years: The cheapest ink isn't always the best deal.

I've spent most of my working life in the printing industry, and I've seen what happens when someone chooses the wrong ink. Poor color, wasted material, clogged nozzles, and printer downtime can quickly eat up whatever money you thought you were saving.

I've also seen quality alternative inks perform very well while saving print shops a considerable amount of money.

I want to share some of my experience, explain why I've worked with STS Inks since 2018, and help you decide whether alternative TR2 ink makes sense for your business.

Shop Roland TR2 Replacement Ink at DPI-Supply

 

What Is Roland TrueVIS TR2 Replacement Ink?

Roland TR2 is an eco-solvent ink system used in several Roland TrueVIS printers and printer/cutters.

These printers are popular with sign shops, vehicle wrap companies, and other commercial graphics businesses.

They're used for printing:

• Vehicle wraps and lettering

• Signs and banners

• Window graphics

• Decals and stickers

• Labels

• Promotional graphics

Original Roland TR2 ink is designed for these printers, but independent manufacturers also produce alternative inks intended to provide similar printing characteristics at a lower price.

The important thing to understand is that not every alternative ink is made the same way.

The formulation, pigment consistency, drying characteristics, and overall manufacturing quality can all affect performance.

That's why I've always believed that knowing who makes your ink is just as important as knowing what it costs.

Which Roland Printers Use TR2 Ink?

Before ordering replacement ink, make sure you know exactly what your printer uses.

Roland TR2 ink is used in several TrueVIS printer models, including:

Printer series	Compatible models
TrueVIS VG2	VG2-540, VG2-640
TrueVIS SG2	SG2-540
TrueVIS VG3	VG3-540, VG3-640
TrueVIS SG3	SG3-300, SG3-540
TrueVIS VF2	VF2-640

Some earlier TrueVIS VG and SG printers can also use TR2 after an appropriate conversion or upgrade.

Always verify the ink configuration currently installed in your printer.

One thing I want to emphasize is that just because two products are eco-solvent inks doesn't mean they're interchangeable.

Roland TR2, TrueVIS TR, Eco-Sol MAX, and Eco-Sol MAX 2 belong to different ink systems.

If you're unsure which ink your machine requires, our Printer Ink Compatibility Guide is a good place to start.

You can also contact DPI-Supply if you need help identifying the correct ink.

Is It Okay to Use Alternative Roland TR2 Ink?

This is one of the questions I hear most often.

My answer is yes, provided you're using a quality replacement ink designed for your particular printer and ink configuration.

But I wouldn't tell anyone that every alternative ink on the market is good.

When I entered the digital ink business in 2010, I started looking at different manufacturers. Some of the inks I tried worked very well. Others didn't meet my expectations.

I learned that just because a company says its ink is compatible with a printer doesn't necessarily mean it will perform the way you expect.

Poorly formulated ink can create problems with color consistency, drying, ink flow, and maintenance.

That's why I believe you should know something about the manufacturer before putting its ink in an expensive printer.

Why I've Worked With STS Inks Since 2018

I spent 38 years working in the screen-printing industry before entering the digital ink business in 2010.

In 2018, I attended Roland technician training and became a certified Roland technician.

During lunch one day, I met a Roland distributor who worked in South America. We got to talking about alternative printer inks, and he introduced me to the owner of STS Inks.

That introduction turned out to be an important one for my business.

I started evaluating STS products and was impressed with the color performance and outdoor durability I was seeing.

Since 2018, STS has been my primary ink supplier.

I've stayed with them because of my experience with their products and the consistency I've seen over the years.

Does that mean there will never be a problem with an ink? Of course not.

No manufacturer, including the OEM manufacturers, can realistically guarantee that.

But I believe a good ink manufacturer should produce consistent products and provide dependable support.

That's what I look for when choosing the inks we sell at DPI-Supply.

How Much Can You Save With Alternative Roland TR2 Ink?

Ink is one of those expenses that keeps adding up, especially when you're running your printer every day.

If you can reduce your ink costs without sacrificing print quality or reliability, that money goes straight toward improving your bottom line.

Our STS-manufactured Roland TR2 alternative ink currently starts at:

• $88 for standard 500 mL colors

• $99 for Green and Orange

Let's look at a simple example.

Our standard-color product page shows a comparison price of $115 and a selling price of $88.

Quantity	At $115	At $88	Savings
1 pouch	$115	$88	$27
10 pouches	$1,150	$880	$270
20 pouches	$2,300	$1,760	$540
40 pouches	$4,600	$3,520	$1,080

That's approximately 23.5% savings compared with the listed $115 reference price.

Keep in mind that $115 is the comparison price shown on our product listing, not a verified current OEM price for every color. Your actual savings depend on what you're currently paying.

And remember, the purchase price isn't the only thing that matters.

If you're constantly reprinting jobs, throwing away material, or dealing with printer problems, that cheap ink may cost you more in the long run.

My goal is to help customers reduce ink costs while keeping their printers running reliably.

Compare Available Roland TR2 Inks

Can You Switch From OEM Roland TR2 Ink Without Flushing?

This is another question customers ask me frequently.

In most normal changeovers from OEM Roland TR2 ink to the STS-manufactured replacement ink we sell, a complete ink flush normally isn't necessary.

The replacement is designed to work with the correct OEM TR2 ink configuration, making the changeover straightforward for compatible systems.

That's a big advantage.

Flushing a printer takes time, requires cleaning fluid, and can create unnecessary downtime.

However, not every alternative ink can be installed this way.

If your printer is running a different type of ink, or someone has previously converted it to another ink system, the switching procedure may be different.

Before making any change, I recommend checking four things:

1. Your exact printer model.

2. The type of ink currently installed.

3. Your printer's color configuration.

4. Whether the printer has previously been converted.

If you're not sure, contact us before switching.

I'd rather help you choose the right ink than have you deal with an avoidable problem later.

Do You Need New Color Profiles When Switching TR2 Ink?

Normally, you shouldn't need new color profiles when switching from OEM Roland TR2 to the STS alternative ink we sell.

The idea behind a good OEM-matched alternative ink is to closely reproduce the original ink's color characteristics.

That allows many customers to continue using their existing profiles without major adjustments.

But every print shop's setup is a little different.

The printer, RIP software, vinyl, print settings, and color-management requirements all affect the final output.

Here's what I recommend.

Before switching, print a familiar graphic using your existing ink.

After making the change, print the same graphic using the same settings.

Compare the colors, especially solid colors, gradients, and customer logos.

If you're doing color-critical work, you may need to make some adjustments.

Even when an ink is designed to closely match OEM performance, I believe taking a few minutes to test your output is a good idea.

How Important Are Color Accuracy and Outdoor Durability?

If you're printing signs, decals, or vehicle graphics, you already know how important consistent color can be.

Let's say you produce graphics for a customer's fleet of vehicles.

Six months later, they purchase another vehicle and want matching graphics.

You need those colors to look like the original job.

If they don't match, you may end up spending time and money reprinting the work.

That's why color consistency has always been important to me when evaluating alternative inks.

Outdoor durability matters too.

Vehicle wraps, signs, and banners can be exposed to sunlight, moisture, temperature changes, and other environmental conditions.

I've been pleased with the outdoor performance of the STS inks I've used.

However, durability depends on several factors, including the media, exposure conditions, installation, and whether the graphics are laminated.

For demanding outdoor applications, I recommend testing the ink and media combination and using appropriate protection when necessary.

How Often Should You Clean Your Roland Printer?

I've talked with many printer owners over the years, and maintenance is one subject that comes up regularly.

When I was working with two other technicians, we had a simple saying:

"Did you run it? Clean it."

What we meant was that if you used your printer that day, you should pay attention to its condition and perform the appropriate routine maintenance.

During printing, not every little ink droplet lands exactly where it's supposed to.

Ink mist and residue can collect around the printhead carriage and other designated maintenance areas.

Over time, buildup can contribute to printing problems.

I believe a few minutes of proper maintenance can save you a lot of trouble down the road.

That doesn't mean performing unnecessary powerful cleaning cycles or touching sensitive printhead components.

It means following Roland's recommended maintenance procedures for your particular printer, inspecting the appropriate areas, and keeping the machine in good working condition.

Good maintenance is important whether you're using OEM ink or an alternative.

What Should You Look for in a Replacement Ink Supplier?

I've always believed buying printer ink should involve more than finding the lowest price online.

Before switching suppliers, here are a few things I think are worth considering.

Does the supplier understand your printer?

You want someone who knows the differences between Roland printer models and ink systems.

Who manufactures the ink?

I believe customers should know something about the company producing the ink they're putting in their equipment.

Has the ink demonstrated reliable performance?

One good test print doesn't tell you how an ink will perform over time.

Can the supplier help with technical questions?

If you're switching inks or experiencing a printing problem, it helps to talk with someone who understands the equipment.

Is the price worth it?

You should consider the overall cost of operating your printer, not just the cost of one pouch.

That's the approach I try to take when helping customers choose ink for their machines.

Why Buy Roland TR2 Replacement Ink From DPI-Supply?

I'm not going to tell you we're the only company selling good alternative ink. We're not.

There are other quality ink manufacturers and suppliers.

What I can tell you is that I've spent most of my working life in printing, and I've learned a few things along the way.

After 38 years in screen printing, entering the digital ink business in 2010, and becoming a certified Roland technician in 2018, I understand how important dependable ink and proper maintenance are to a print shop.

I've worked with STS as my primary supplier since 2018 because of the performance I've experienced with their products.

At DPI-Supply, our goal is to offer quality alternative inks at prices that make sense for professional print shops.

We also want customers to feel comfortable contacting us with questions about compatibility, switching inks, and printer maintenance.

For me, that's part of doing business the right way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roland TR2 Replacement Ink

Can I use alternative TR2 ink in my Roland printer?

Yes, provided the replacement ink is designed for your exact printer and current ink configuration. I always recommend verifying compatibility before ordering.

Do I need to flush my printer when switching?

Normally, a complete flush isn't required when switching from compatible OEM Roland TR2 ink to our STS-manufactured alternative. However, converted printers or systems running different ink chemistries may require a different procedure.

Will I need new color profiles?

Usually not for routine printing. I recommend running a comparison print after switching, especially if color matching is important.

Is alternative TR2 ink as good as OEM ink?

That depends on the manufacturer. I've had very good experiences with STS products, but I wouldn't tell you every alternative ink on the market performs the same way.

Can alternative ink damage my printhead?

Using incompatible or poorly formulated ink can contribute to printing and maintenance problems. That's why I recommend buying the correct product from an experienced supplier.

How much does DPI-Supply TR2 alternative ink cost?

Our standard 500 mL colors currently start at $88, while Green and Orange are $99. Check our website for current prices and availability.

Who manufactures DPI-Supply's primary TR2 replacement ink?

STS Inks manufactures the alternative TR2 products discussed in this article. I've worked with STS as my primary ink supplier since 2018.

Where Can You Buy Roland TR2 Replacement Ink?

If you're considering switching from OEM Roland ink, I encourage you to look at the alternative TR2 products we carry at DPI-Supply.

I believe you can reduce your ink costs without giving up the dependable performance your business needs, provided you choose the right ink and maintain your equipment properly.

And if you're not sure which ink is right for your printer, contact us.

We'll help you identify the correct product and answer questions about switching.

Shop Roland TrueVIS TR2 Replacement Ink at DPI-Supply

Thanks for taking the time to read this. I hope my experience helps you make a better decision about the ink you're using in your printer.

Monty Hand
Owner, DPI-Supply
Digital Ink Industry Since 2010
Certified Roland Technician Since 2018

Quality Inks. Reliable Performance. Better Value.