Mimaki vs Roland: Honest Comparison for Print Shops in Canada

Which One is Right for Your Business in 2025?

When Canadian print shops are choosing a reliable, versatile, and efficient wide-format printer, the debate often narrows down to Mimaki vs Roland. Both brands are giants in the industry, with solid reputations for quality, innovation, and service.

But which one is the better fit for your business? The answer depends on your applications, budget, and long-term goals.

In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences and advantages of Mimaki and Roland printers—no bias, just facts—to help you make the most informed decision for your Canadian print operation.

Brand Overview

Mimaki

A Japanese company known for its cutting-edge UV, solvent, and textile printers, Mimaki offers a wide range of models tailored for commercial signage, industrial printing, and packaging. They’re especially strong in:

• UV flatbed and hybrid printing
• High-detail, small-format printing (UJF series)
• Eco-solvent and solvent printers with precision cutting
• Automated workflow options

Roland

Also a trusted Japanese brand, Roland specializes in eco-solvent printers, printer/cutter combos, and textile machines. Their strength lies in user-friendly setups and durable, consistent performance. Popular in:

• Vinyl decal and sticker production
• Apparel and heat transfer printing
• Print-and-cut workflows
• Compact shop-friendly machines

Side-by-Side Comparison

When to Choose Mimaki

✔️ You need UV flatbed capabilities for rigid media
✔️ You print packaging, labels, or signage with white or clear ink
✔️ You want advanced effects like 2.5D textures
✔️ You're scaling up and need industrial speed and automation
✔️ You want a future-proof solution with cutting-edge features

Popular Mimaki Models in Canada:

• UJF-6042 MkII e – For promotional products and small-run packaging
• CJV300 Plus – Print and cut eco-solvent powerhouse
• JFX200-2513 EX – Large-format flatbed for signage and panels

When to Choose Roland

✔️ You specialize in apparel, decals, or vinyl signage
✔️ You want a simple, reliable print-and-cut system
✔️ You're a new or small shop looking for an easy setup
✔️ You value color vibrancy and consistency over multiple runs
✔️ You need a compact footprint without sacrificing quality

Popular Roland Models in Canada:

• TrueVIS SG3/VG3 Series – Perfect for stickers, wraps, apparel
• VersaStudio BN2-20 – Compact solution for startups
• IU-1000F – Roland’s UV flatbed option for higher production

What About Service and Parts in Canada?

Both brands are well-supported across Canada, with technicians, parts availability, and authorized resellers. However, Mimaki's UV-specific expertise is more advanced, while Roland maintains a large community of users and online resources for print-and-cut.

At Absolute Toner, we’re an authorized Mimaki dealer, offering Canadian businesses full service, warranty support, installation, training, and ink supply. We also work closely with shops using Roland and can help you compare specific models head-to-head.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Still Not Sure?

Let’s talk about your business goals and workflow. Whether you’re looking for your first printer or upgrading to something faster and smarter, we’ll help you choose the perfect Mimaki or Roland setup.