HP believes that wide format printing is one of the most important aspects of communication in today’s world. During a global pandemic, it can help convert fear into fun. Whether we like it or not, COVID-19 is affecting everything, and businesses are seeking new opportunities and revenue streams. Social distancing signage is a bright spot that can compensate for areas that are struggling due to the current situation (trade show signage, for example). As we hopefully move toward recovery in 2021, we will see continued shifts and modifications in market demand as customers continue to seek differentiation in various applications. With a focus on addressing these needs, HP has furthered its investment in the sign & graphics market and introduced its Latex 700 and 800 printer series, announced updates the Latex Print and Cut Plus series, and highlighted new additions to its PageWide XL printer series at the beginning of February.
HP Latex 700 and 800 Series
HP’s Latex 700 and 800 series deliver a unique visual experience with more emphasis on style and the ability to accommodate a wider variety of substrates, colors, and surfaces.
This series supports additional expansion into the fast-growing large format signage & décor segment, including packaging and soft signage. HP’s strategy is to promote technological leadership while enabling PSPs to capture new pages and expand their businesses. In addition, because sustainability is an increasingly important factor that will affect future investments, the Latex 700 and 800 devices incorporate water-based inks and are manufactured using less plastic.
With the HP Latex 700 and 800 series, PSPs can diversify their offerings and better meet customers’ evolving needs, all while improving their sustainability.
This new range consists of four devices, including the HP Latex 700 and 800 as well as the HP Latex 700W and 800W. These printers feature water-based inks for increased eco-friendliness, minimal ink waste, vivid colors at high speeds, sharp 4-point text, and greater media versatility. The primary differences between the devices in the series are as follows:
- The 800 devices are faster than the 700s and offer a better curing capacity.
- White ink is only available as an accessory on the 700W and 800W devices.
With the “W” devices in its new series, HP believes that it has the whitest white ink on the market. The white ink doesn’t yellow over time or with exposure to the sun. Because the ink layer is very thin, output is scratch-resistant and easy to laminate. The white ink cartridge can also be removed from the device when it is not in use to reduce waste.
Other innovations with the Latex 700 and 800 series include:
- New inks with more pigment to enable better image quality. Because the inks cure at a lower temperature, it is also possible to print on heat-sensitive materials.
- New printheads for 50% better productivity versus previous offerings. More nozzles enable faster print speeds (up to 36 m2/hr on the 800 devices) with better color consistency for indoor and outdoor applications.
- An 8-inch smart front panel with easy-to-use animations and a queue that stores up to 100 jobs.
- HP Eco Carton cartridges that use cardboard instead of plastic for 60% lower carbon emissions and easier recycling. In addition, the printer itself is made with 30% recycled plastic.
- A raiseable curing module to facilitate machine loading.
- HP PrintOS so PSPs can monitor and control their fleet using a cloud-based interface that can be accessed anytime, anywhere.
The HP Latex 700 and 800 series supports an expanded range of applications with the ability to support more media types, including film, décor, fabrics, canvas, textiles, and soft signage. The introduction of white ink on the “W” devices further expands the range of applications to labels, metallics, window graphics, and decals.
Improved HP Latex Print and Cut Plus
HP has also launched an updated Latex Print and Cut portfolio that is fully compatible with the Latex 700 and 800 series. Featuring the RIP software and new contour cutters, the devices make it easier than ever to create and cut signage, decorative print, and a wide variety of other materials.
The HP Latex Print and Cut Plus Portfolio includes:
- HP Latex 335 Print and Cut Plus Solution
- HP Latex 315 Print and Cut Plus Solution
- HP Latex 115 Print and Cut Plus Solution
- HP Latex 64 Plus Cutting Solution
- HP Latex 54 Plus Cutting Solution
- HP Latex 54 Basic Plus Cutting Solution
Cutting accuracy has been optimized with the enhanced Optical Position System (OPOS) configurations. As part of this improvement, the HP cutter reads the black inner lines along the job and carries out additional measurements, further aided by new HP barcodes located on the printed sheets to identify jobs. Cutting on the Latex 64 and 54 Plus Cutting Solutions is enhanced by a higher cutter downforce of up to 600 gr, which provides the necessary pressure to deliver accurate cutting performance even on thicker media.
The user experience on the color touchscreen is highly responsive and includes an improved, more intuitive menu. The media basket also features a refined design with a smaller footprint when folded, enabling businesses to make better use of space.
Additions to HP PageWide XL Suite
To round out its latest announcements, HP made new additions to its PageWide XL suite of large format printers, which are targeted toward the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. The new range includes:
- PageWide XL 3920 MFP
- PageWide XL 4200 Printer and MFP
- PageWide XL 4700 Printer and MFP
- PageWide XL 5200 Printer and MFP
- PageWide XL 8200 Printer
The 4200, 4700, and 5200 models feature a larger front panel (increased from 8 inches to 15.6 inches), making it easier for users to preview real-time scans and undertake more complex printing tasks. Users can also carry out post-editing tasks (e.g., crop, contrast, brightness, and rotation) directly from the panel. The PageWide XL range is among the world’s most secure large format printers, incorporating HP SecureBoot, Whitelisting, and HP Connection Inspector for improved protection.
All of the offerings associated with this announcement are currently available. There is no question that the events of the past year have challenged PSPs in unexpected ways, and HP’s latest offerings are designed to address those challenges head on.
