HP Improves Productivity and Versatility in Large-Format Printing

LAS VEGAS, April 8, 2015 - HP today announced, on the eve of the International Sign Expo 2015, new HP Latex and Scitex wide format graphics printers, presses and inks to help print service providers (PSPs) specializing in the sign and visual communications industry deliver results faster and at a lower total cost.

• HP Latex 370 Printer enables more unattended printing at lower operational costs with higher capacity ink cartridges and the HP Latex Mobile App, now available, monitors print jobs remotely for peace of mind while away from the printer.
• HP Scitex FB550 and FB750 Printers provide PSPs an entrance into rigid with one of the most compact printers equipped with an enhanced loading system, increasing workflow for improved profitability.
• HP Scitex 11000 Industrial Press provides increased versatility and better surface durability with new overcoat technology.
• For corrugated converters, HP also announced the HP Scitex 15500 Corrugated Press with media handling for warped boards and economical HP HDR230 Scitex Inks.

“PSPs and converters are challenged to do more applications and keep productivity high, while reducing costs and working with limited space,” said Xavier Garcia, vice president and general manager, Large-Format Sign and Display Division, HP. “Backed by HP Latex and Scitex technologies, the new printers address demanding PSP and converter needs for lowering operational costs, increasing workflow efficiencies and broadening application versatility to drive profitable growth.”

Increasing Capacity for Greater Production with HP Latex

Designed for confident, unattended printing in high production PSP environments, the 64-inch HP Latex 370 Printer with the new 3-liter cartridges helps keep running costs low. It prints from traditional signage substrates like vinyl and banners to temporary textiles, canvas and wallpapers, increasing margins  and productivity via the ability to change cartridges while printing and maintaining the high quality at high speed, instant dry and scratch resistance benefits of the 3rd generation of latex inks.

Available since February, the HP Latex Mobile App enables users to confidently increase unattended printing by remotely tracking jobs and receiving alerts on the status of the printer on their Smartphone screen. In addition, HP will offer HP Mobile App on tablets this fall, including extra functionality in metrics and localizations so that customers can monitor monthly usage by printer to track jobs while away from the shop.

HP has announced the public release of its new HP Latex software developers kit (SDK), which allows third-party workflow and MIS developers to integrate their tools with HP Latex 370 printers for seamless workflow integration.

For HP Latex 871 and HP Latex 370 printers, 3M™ MCS™ Warranty, widely recognized as the industry’s most comprehensive finished graphics warranty, is now available when using approved 3M films. Combining the quality and flexibility of HP Latex Inks with the 3M™ MCS™ Warranty, which covers fading, cracking and peeling, the new offering helps PSPs secure business with discerning vehicle and fleet graphics customers without paying a premium for specialty inks.

Expand high value applications with HP Scitex

With high uptime and automatic maintenance, the HP Scitex Printers are proven robust, easy-to-use workhorses printing on both rigid and flexible media with a single device. The HP Scitex FB550 and HP Scitex FB750 now offer a new tabletop roll holder design for flexible substrates enabling easy, fast and efficient short-run printing, and new tapered wheels for easy and safe media loading, preventing media edge damage.

HP Scitex FB550 Printer and HP Scitex FB750 Printer offer greater image quality and full bleed on max widths with the same capability of printing on virtually any rigid or flexible media (up to 2.5 inches). The printers increase productivity by 12 percent in indoor signage print modes and deliver orders quickly by loading, printing and collecting media simultaneously. These printers help customers get into specialties with white ink, matte/gloss and textured effects, all while being one of the most compact printers on the market.

With the new HP Scitex 11000 Industrial Press, customers can increase versatility and productivity for their high volume indoor signage and display applications. PSPs can now cost effectively produce short runs to meet tight turnarounds. The new HP Scitex Smart Coat Technology provides surface durability without an additional overcoat. This places a thin, invisible layer on top of the image to enhance rigidity and protect against rubs, without compromising on flexibility.

“The print quality of the POP Production mode has allowed me to increase my productivity,” said Steve Wardwell, Manager of Prepress and Digital Print, Stevenson Color Inc. “I have been using the new HDR250 inks with Smart Coat option, which gives my prints good surface durability. The new configuration has reduced my running costs.”

HP Scitex 15500 Corrugated Press now has unique capabilities that help corrugated converters digitally print high value corrugated applications. This press offers automated stack to stack, hands-free operations, and an innovative media handling system that prints on warped boards, and economic inks designed for paper board applications, driving down costs and improving the break-even point. Converters can now produce higher volumes of short runs at low cost and can help improve their margins.

“We’ve seen a significant improvement in media hold down with the Corrugated Grip,” said Guy Frenkel, managing director at Carmel Frenkel. “There’s no need to manually bend the media before stacking, and the machine runs non-stop, so my operators are free for other activities. With the new configuration of the HP Scitex 15500 press, there’s no doubt it’s the right solution for corrugators!”

These new HP Scitex devices save time and money with easy operation, automated processes and reliable results.

Compatible with HP Latex and Scitex printers, the HP Scitex Caldera GrandRIP+ Software solution now includes Caldera Grand RIP v10 software. Two times faster, the updated software unleashes the power of smart algorithmic processing and includes: the full Adobe PDF workflow with the new APPE 3.3 engine with extending tiling; Text&Repeat, a new page step and repeat functionality for increased productivity; and enhanced remote management capabilities within a fully-featured new interface.