The company has expanded its Latex printing portfolio with the launch of the Designjet L28500 and L26500 printers, which offer improved versatility and durability compared with Eco-solvent technology. The launch was announced at the HP Latex Leadership Summit in Barcelona on 2 November 2011. Africa Print was in Barcelona this week to get the news first hand.
Furthering its strategy to disrupt the eco-solvent market, the 265cm (104-inch) wide L28500 delivers speeds up to 70% faster than the Designjet L25500 printer, while the 155cm (61-inch) L26500 is ideal for customers entering the growing soft-signage market.
Both systems feature new HP 792 Latex Designjet Inks, which produce rich blacks and glossy results on banners and self-adhesive vinyl, and offer double-sided printing capabilities with less user intervention and more accurate, automated registration. Compatible with more than 500 media solutions, including the new HP Double-sided HDPE Reinforced Banner material, HP Latex Inks provide a consistent, reliable performance across a variety of substrates.
The company also launched HP Latex University, a set of training materials and application workshops led by industry experts to help PSPs excel in the production of HP Latex-based Signage applications and grow and differentiate their business, as well as the HP Eco Solutions Trained Printing Company programme for educating HP Latex Printing Technology users in sustainability and best practices.
The programme is a simple mechanism for PSPs to identify themselves as green based on use of HP Latex printing technologies. Key features of the programme are that it is free and convenient and the nine modules take about two hours to complete, with a short test after each module. Upon completion of the training, PSPs receive a personalised, framed certificate to be visible in their premises and an electronic icon that can be placed in marketing tools, letter heads and on web sites.
‘With about 9000 HP Latex Ink systems installed worldwide, HP is offering a superior alternative to eco-solvent solutions that delivers the versatility and ease of use our customers demand while lowering their impact on the environment, said Santiago Morera, Vice President and General Manager, Large format Printing Business, HP. By allowing customers to cost-effectively print a wide array of new applications and providing the training required to succeed, our updated HP Latex portfolio helps PSPs differentiate their business and seize new growth opportunities.
Ideal for high-impact point-of-purchase displays, soft signage, bus shelters, vehicle graphics and more, the L28500 and L26500 printer series can print on a broad range of materials, including eco-solvent compatible media and low-cost uncoated options. The devices produce 1200dpi output with outdoor display permanence of up to three years unlaminated or five years laminated for high-quality, long-lasting prints. The output also dries inside the printer, boosting productivity for double-sided print jobs, and allowing immediate finishing or use.
Follow the HP Graphic Arts Twitter feed or www.youtube.com/hpgraphicarts.
