Imaging giant HP is launching the HP Latex R Series, its first flatbed Latex printing system, as the flatbed boom continues around the world.
The new rigid Latex printing technology enables latex printing on multiple surfaces, and includes what HP says is breakthrough HP White Latex Ink.
The company says it is the first solution to produce totally odorless prints with eco-friendly, original HP Latex water-based inks. It says it will enable print service providers to expand their offering and enter new markets.
According to HP the Latex R Series brings vibrant colours into the rigid printing world, and pioneers white ink capabilities with the introduction of HP Latex White Ink.
The HP Latex R series brings speed and quality to a wide range of rigid materials, such as foamboards, foam PVC, cardboard, fluted polypropylene, solid plastics, aluminum, wood and glass among others.
[Related: Dashing implements HP PrintOS]
Unlike UV printing technology, which HP says creates a thick layer of ink that completely covers the material, the HP water-based Latex Inks preserve the look and feel of the media, and delivers odourless prints that are both safe for the environment and the printer operator.
Michael Boyle, vice president, Graphics Solutions Business – Asia Pacific and Japan, HP Inc, says, “With the new HP Latex Rigid Technology, our customers can expand their offering into new, high-value applications while also opening fresh creative ideas and concepts for sign and display that provide their users greater value.”
Tackling what HP says is one of the industry’s most pervasive limitations in printing, HP’s White Latex Ink has an innovative system that recirculates the white ink to avoid settling. For the first time, HP’s innovative White Latex Ink delivers glossy, high-quality white that does not yellow over time like traditional UV-based white ink does.
Boyle says, “White ink has been a consistent problem for the industry. Traditionally it uses bigger and heavier pigment particles that frequently clog printheads, or the opaque mixture becomes separated and settles to the bottom of the ink reservoir. Until now, physically shaking the reservoirs often has been the necessary.”
Thom Brown, Chief Inkologist at HP says. “Through HP’s investment in innovation around chemistry and engineering, the white ink solution with the HP Latex R Series is an industry breakthrough.”
The HP Latex R Series will be available during Q3 of 2018, with a full industry debut occurring in May at Fespa in Berlin, Germany.
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