Ten years since the introduction of HP Latex Printing Technologies in 2008, HP unveiled the latest addition to that series of wide format printers recently at ISA Sign Expo in Orlando. The new “HP Latex R Series” builds on existing HP Latex technology but is the first HP Latex printer to print on rigid media. HP Latex R, which also prints flexible media, is designed to print a wide variety of rigid substrates including foamboards, PVC cardboard, fluted polypropylene, solid plastics, aluminum, wood, and glass. The Latex R Series is also notable because it marks the introduction of HP Latex White Ink. Like its other water-based Latex inks, HP says the Latex R’s white ink will maintain the appearance and texture of the substrate, a desirable quality when printing on materials like aluminum or wood. HP also claims that their new white ink—the first for the HP Latex line– will not yellow over time, which can be a problem with some white UV inks.
HP has also included fluid management technology in the R series to combat problems typically associated with white ink. Pigments in white inks are prone to settling due to the larger particle sizes of white pigments; their larger particle sizes can make such inks a problem for print heads, causing clogs or blockages during printing or while the printer is idle. To counteract possible problems with settling and clogging, HP has added an ink recirculation system to keep ink moving both within the ink delivery system and at the printhead. The ink storage system will also feature an automatic ink agitator to prevent settling over time.
HP has not yet released photos of the new R Series, though a teaser video can be found on their website
About HP Latex
Originally known as DesignJet and Scitex Latex Printers & Supplies, what we now know as HP Latex was first developed as a water-based alternative to traditional solvent and UV inkjet printing technologies. In the decade since the first HP Latex printer, thousands of HP Latex systems have shipped worldwide, all for use in printing flexible media. HP Latex Printers currently offered include at least a dozen models ranging from small print and cut systems to industrial 3.2-meter printers.
The existing installations of HP Latex printers are used for a wide variety of flexible applications including indoor/outdoor banners, print and cut graphics, backlit displays, textiles, window graphics, and vehicle wraps. With the introduction of Latex R and rigid media, though, multiple other applications will now be possible, in particular rigid signage and POP displays, as well as décor and other industrial uses.
Color printed Coroplast will be a new media option for HP Latex R
More Information to Come
For now, HP has kept quiet about most details regarding the R Series (no photos, for instance, or key specifications), but more information is expected soon. The new machine will make its European debut at FESPA this May and will be commercially available during Q3 of 2018. Analysts from Keypoint Intelligence will be attending FESPA and will report to clients any further details that become available at the show.