At the HP Latex Leadership Summit held in Barcelona, Spain, this fall, HP introduced two Designjet printers capable of handling a broad range of indoor and outdoor signage applications: the 61-in. HP Designjet L26500 printer and the 104-in. HP Designjet L28500 printer.

Both systems are 6-color (CMYKcm) rollfed printers and feature: new HP 792 Latex Designjet Inks, designed to produce rich blacks and glossy results; produce 1200-dpi output; can print on a broad range of materials, including eco-solvent-compatible media and low-cost uncoated options; feature double-sided print capabilities and are optimized to work with new HP Double-sided HDPE Reinforced Banner, an alternative to PVC scrim. The printers are engineered to address customers entering the soft-signage market, reports HP, adding a new front tension system and edge holders to help improve on image quality, an HP Optical Media Advance Sensor to automatically control registration, and a Soft Media loading accessory. Other applications include P-O-P displays, bus shelters, vehicle graphics, and more. Both models can accommodate media up to 0.5-mm thick and feature robust takeup reels.

The Designjet L26500’s speed ranges from 246 sq ft/hr (4-pass) to 68 sq ft/hr (16-pass); it will gradually replace the HP Designjet L25500. Price: $25,995, available in mid-December 2011. The Designjet L28500 delivers speeds up to 70% faster than the L25500/L26500, with a range of 753 sq ft/hr (2-pass) to 99 sq ft/hr (16-pass). Price: $61,995, available in January 2012.

Other HP news from Barcelona:

• The aforementioned new water-based HP 792 Latex Designjet Inks: Nonflammable and noncombustible, they’re designed to generate rich blacks and glossy results and offer improved water-resistance on fabrics; they contain no hazardous air pollutants and no special ventilation equipment or external dryer is required for safe and productive operation, HP reports. The HP 792 ink cartridges (as well as printheads and cleaning cartridge and container) can be returned through HP’s free recycling program.

• New green banners: HP HDPE Reinforced Banner and HP Double-sided HDPE Reinforced Banner.

• Launching of HP Latex University: Available through HP Capture and created to provide print providers with training on HP latex technologies. Free application workshops led by specialists, online webinars, and other tools are available at hp.com/go/hplatexuniversity.

• Launching of the HP Ecosolutions Trained Printing Company Program: A free certificate program, also through HP Capture, that educates HP latex printing technologt users in sustainability best practices and provides a mechanism for print providers to identify themselves as a company dedicated to sustainability based on their use of latex printing technologies.

HP
www.hp.com