HP Expands Latex-printing Portfolio

HP (Palo Alto, CA) has expanded its portfolio of HP Latex Printing Technology solutions to broaden production capabilities for more customers and provide a viable alternative to eco-solvent technologies.
The offerings enable small and midsize, digital-print and sign shops, copy shops and photo labs to produce indoor and outdoor applications and reduce their environmental impact.
Additions include:
? The HP Designjet L25500 printer, which offers low-maintenance printing of a wider range of applications, from indoor POP displays, exhibition graphics and interior décor (such as wall murals and fabrics) to outdoor banners, bus shelters and vehicle wraps – than is possible, the company says, with eco-solvent or traditional waterbased printing alone. Available in 42- and 60-in. models, the printer can benefit existing, low-volume print service providers with its quality and durability that’s comparable to eco-solvent ink technologies.
? Six, original HP printing materials that are compatible with HP latex-ink printers, including two recyclable substrates and three PVC-free alternatives
? The expansion of the HP Planet Partners program to include the HP Large-format Media take-back program in the U.S. and select European countries.

The expanded HP latex printing technology portfolio builds on the HP Designjet L65500 printer, which, the company reports, has printed more than 1.2 million sq. meters since the printer’s general availability in August 2008.
“The HP Designjet L25500 Printer has allowed us to expand our previously solvent-only sign-making business with new applications and products, while still serving our core business for robust, durable output,” said Joan Torrents, general manager and owner, Tot.rètol. “We recently bid for a high-image-quality job for which our solvent printer was not an option due to the low image quality it offers. By using the HP Designjet L25500 Printer, as opposed to outsourcing, we were able to make an extremely competitive offer to acquire the new customer and still make a profit. The customer was satisfied with our printing service and we have become their first choice supplier.”
Also, the six Original HP printing materials expand the portfolio to 19 printing materials, including seven recyclable substrates and several PVC-free alternatives.
? HP White Satin poster paper, a multi-layer, bright-white coated paper, is suitable for indoor- and outdoor-advertising applications. It can be recycled through commonly available recycling programs
? HP One-view perforated adhesive window vinyl, a self-adhesive vinyl, is designed particularly for window graphics, with a perforated, black back film and a white paper liner that provides graphics on one side and a clear view from the other
? HP Air Release Adhesive gloss cast vinyl is a high-performance, white, cast vinyl with a gloss finish. The opaque, permanent adhesive provides clean removability, laminated outdoor durability up to five years for vehicle- and fleet-graphics applications. The new HP Performance Warranty is offered when used with the HP Clear Gloss cast overlaminate
? HP PVC-free Gloss adhesive film, a PVC-free alternative to monomeric vinyl, is a white film with a gloss-satin finish and a permanent, repositionable adhesive for strong adhesion and outdoor durability, as well as glass and all-purpose-cleaner rub resistance
? HP PVC-free Wall Paper, a flame-retardant, strippable, pre-pasted wall paper, offers a smooth finish that provides vivid, high-definition detail for close viewing. The odor-free PVC alternative is suitable for wall murals and creative designs. It provides up to 20 years’ display permanence indoors, away from direct sun. The paper comes with an HP warranty for clean removal.
? HP Light Textile display banner, a PVC-free, flame-retardant, uncoated polyester textile banner material, delivers long-lasting, indoor-image quality and dimensional stability during printing. It’s recyclable through the HP Large-format Media take-back program.

HP also expanded the HP Planet Partners program to include the HP Large-format Media take-back program in the U. S. and select European countries in Europe. The program allows customers to return and recycle prints produced with HP latex inks on HP recyclable media, as well as Original HP 789 Latex Designjet ink cartridges and printheads, at no additional cost. HP pays the shipping charges, and it handles sorting and recycling.
The HP Designjet L25500 printer will be demonstrated publicly for the first time at VISCOM Germany in Dusseldorf, October 1-3, and is expected to begin shipping this year and be available worldwide in early 2010.