HP has announced the HP Latex R Series, which it describes as the first true hybrid latex technology that merges HP’s flexible printing capabilities into rigid printing.
Joan Perez Pericot, general manager for HP Large Format Graphics Business, 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.”
The HP Latex R series will print on a wide range of rigid materials, such as foam boards, foam PVC, cardboard, fluted polypropylene, solid plastics, aluminium, wood and glass among others. HP says that, unlike UV printing technology that creates a thick layer of ink that completely covers the material, HP’s water-based Latex Inks preserve the look and feel of the media, and deliver odourless prints; both safe for the environment and the printer operator.
In addition to this HP Latex entry into the rigid printing world, the company has added white ink capabilities with the introduction of HP Latex White Ink, which uses a system that recirculates the white to avoid settling. The company says, “For the first time, HP’s innovative White Latex Ink delivers glossy, high-quality true white that doesn’t yellow over time like traditional UV-based white ink does.
Thom Brown, chief inkologist at HP, 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 solution. 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 make its industry debut in May at FESPA in Berlin. Click here for a view of HP’s preliminary video https://youtu.be/oOVLjwN8HmI
The company lists the new printer’s highlights
First true hybrid HP Latex Printing technology, offering both flexible and rigid printing
Introduces HP’s White Latex Ink, an industry breakthrough
First solution to produce totally odourless prints with eco-friendly, Original HP Latex water-based inks
Enables print and signage shops to expand their offering and enter new markets
