These included the HP inkjet web T200, a 61 metres a minute full colour printer, which can easily switch to mono and print at 122 metres a minute on a 520mm wide web. Ipex also marked the official release of the T300, the original high speed inkjet, which prints on a 760mm wide web, and which HP says there are already nine operating around the world, claiming they are handling peak volumes of up to four million 4/0 pages per day.
HP also launched two new Indigo presses: the Indigo 3550, its new entry level machine; and the Indigo 7500, a new top of the range printer. Complementing the Indigo presses is a full portfolio of HP SmartStream workflow solutions, including the new 64-bit HP SmartStream Production Pro Print Server Version 4.0.
Indigo founder, and Ipex champion of print, Benny Landa made an appearance at the HP press conference, apologising that his 1993 prediction of digital taking over from offset within ten years was out, but went on to predict that his prediction would be fulfilled by the time the next Ipex take place in four years time.
HP also launched new products in its Scitex wide format printing series. These included the Scitex FB500, a new UV flatbed printer with a 163-cm print width and optional white ink capabilities; the Scitex TJ8600 that has full and selective gloss print modes with new HP TJ210 Scitex Inks; and an upgrade kit – including hardware, software, on-site installation and training – for existing owners of Scitex TJ8500/8550 printers.
HP’s new Designjet Z5200 PostScript Printer, making its debut at Ipex, is an entry level 112-cm (44-inch) printer that includes new HP Instant Printing Pro software and is compatible with new ColorPro papers.
HP is also demonstrating new finishing capabilities at Ipex that eliminate manual intervention including a new universal finishing interface that connects the press and its workflow to an automated in line or near line finishing environment.
For packaging applications and photo markets, HP is launching enhanced capabilities for the HP Indigo W7200 with light-cyan/light-magenta inks, in-line lamination and full-speed monochrome printing, and is showing a new HP Indigo WS6000p digital press with an in line laminator to address the market for book-cover production and photo applications. It is also displaying the HP Indigo 7000 and the HP Indigo press 5500
The company also announced an expansion of its Print Care portfolio, designed to help its customers maintain uptime with a set of tools that anticipate technical issues and provide performance information with features that include enhanced diagnostics and guidance tools, remote assistance and production information.
Comment below to have your say on this story.
If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.
Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter