29 Mar 2024

HP announces new faster, wider DesignJet L26500 and L28500 latex printers

HP Designjet L26500 latex printer

NEW HP Designjet L26500 & L28500 announced

HP has just announced the introduction of two new HP Designjet printers capable of handling a broader range of indoor and outdoor signage applications with better durability than eco-solvent inks.

Furthering HP's strategy to disrupt the eco-solvent market, the 104-inch-wide HP Designjet L28500 Printer delivers speeds up to 70 percent faster than the HP Designjet L25500 Printer, while the 61-inch HP Designjet L26500 Printer is ideal for customers entering the growing soft-signage market.

Both systems feature new HP 792 Latex Designjet Inks, which produce rich blacks and glossy results on banners and self-adhesive vinyl, and offer double-sided printing capabilities with less user intervention and more accurate, automated registration. Compatible with more than 500 media solutions, including the new HP Double-sided HDPE Reinforced Banner material, HP Latex Inks provide a consistent, reliable performance across a variety of substrates.

HP also launched HP Latex University, a set of training materials and application workshops led by industry experts, as well as the HP Ecosolutions Trained Printing Company program for educating HP Latex Printing Technologies users in sustainability best practices.

"With about 9,000 HP Latex Ink systems installed worldwide, HP is offering a superior alternative to eco-solvent solutions that delivers the versatility and ease of use our customers demand while lowering their impact on the environment," said Santiago Morera, vice president and general manager, Large-format Printing Business, HP. "By allowing customers to cost-effectively print a wide array of new applications and providing the training required to succeed, our updated HP Latex portfolio helps PSPs differentiate their businesses and seize new growth opportunities."

Driving business growth with broad application versatility

Ideal for high-impact point-of-purchase displays, soft signage, bus shelters, vehicle graphics and more, the HP Designjet L28500 and L26500 Printer series can print on a broad range of materials, including eco-solvent compatible media and low-cost uncoated options.

The new devices produce 1,200-dpi output with outdoor display permanence of up to three years unlaminated or five years laminated for high-quality, long-lasting prints. The output also dries inside the printer, boosting productivity for double-sided print jobs, and allowing immediate finishing or use.

"Compared with the solvent world that we're used to dealing in, the HP Designjet L26500 Printer is a breath of fresh air. It allows us to laminate immediately, installing at the same time, and do reprints in real time, increasing our productivity considerably," said Duston Noble, founder of Dallas-based Wrap Experts and a beta tester of the HP Designjet L26500 Printer. "We want to have the best equipment that makes our job easier and faster, so we love the fact that we can print and laminate jobs all in the same hour if we need to."

With new soft signage printing capabilities, customers can produce applications from retail banners to tradeshow signs and interior decor, which are easy to fold and pack, inexpensive to ship, simple to hang and have improved durability outdoors.

Building on the introduction of HP HDPE Reinforced Banner, the new printers also are optimised to work with new HP Double-sided HDPE Reinforced Banner, a compelling alternative to PVC scrim for advertising applications. The substrate offers the image quality, durability and tear strength of standard vinyl without the environmental disadvantages of a PVC-based substrate.

Availability of the HP Designjet L26500 Printer will vary by region beginning Nov. 3. The HP Designjet L28500 Printer is expected to be available Jan. 20, 2012.

HP Designjet L28500 latex printer

Designed with the environment in mind

Helping to address the demands of environmentally conscious print service providers and their clients, HP Latex Inks produce odourless prints. These water-based inks are nonflammable and noncombustible, and, unlike many eco-solvent inks, they do not require hazard warning labels and contain no hazardous air pollutants.  Additionally, no special ventilation equipment or external dryer is required for safe and productive operation, helping to keep energy costs down.

HP 792 Designjet ink cartridges are now Eco Mark certified by the Japan Environment Association, demonstrating relatively few environmental impacts through the product life cycle from production to disposal. PSPs can return their HP 792 Latex Designjet supplies through HP's free, convenient recycling program, including ink cartridges, printheads, the printhead cleaning cartridge and the printhead cleaning container.

A recycling program also is available for a range of HP High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and Polyester (PET) printing materials, including the new HP Double-sided HDPE Reinforced Banner.

Additionally, the new printing systems reduce the amount of ink used during maintenance routines compared to eco-solvent technology.

Application and sustainability education for HP Latex customers

Now available through HP Capture, HP Latex University provides PSPs with training to successfully produce a wide range of outdoor and indoor wide-format graphics applications using HP Latex Printing Technologies.

By signing into HP Latex University, PSPs can access free application workshops led by specialists, online webinars and other tools that help maximize the use of their technology. The first webinar series kicks off in November and focuses on producing vehicle graphics and textiles.

Also available through HP Capture, all HP Latex Printing Technologies users can now participate in the free HP Ecosolutions Trained Printing Company program. This downloadable training is available in 10 languages to coach PSPs to take advantage of the environmental profile of their HP Latex printers, build an ongoing commitment to sustainability within their businesses and engage clients on their sustainability goals.

PSPs that complete the training will receive a framed certificate and an icon identifying them as an HP Ecosolutions Trained Printing Company that they may use for promotional purposes.

More information about the latest additions to the HP Latex Printing Technologies portfolio is available at www.hp.com/go/latex , through the HP Graphic Arts Twitter feed and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/hpgraphicarts .

 

International Paper commits to going 'greener' to support sustainability

International Paper has committed to use 15 percent less energy and to reduce its absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by the year 2020. Using 2010 as a baseline, these goals are the first in a set of comprehensive sustainability goals the company will announce in the coming months.

“To International Paper EMEA, sustainability simply means doing business in a thoughtful and enlightened manner today and tomorrow, just as you’d expect it to do, because we only have one planet to live on. We are extremely proud of our commitment to sustainability and we have an impressive track record of environmental leadership. Setting ourselves these new goals is the natural next step for us”, said Greg Gibson, Vice President of the company’s corrugated packaging business and Sustainability in Europe, Middle East and Africa.

“The goals of improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions go hand-in-hand. Being more energy efficient will directly improve emissions levels and in the last five years we have been able to reduce our global energy usage by 12 percent. We feel confident we can improve on this performance while still delivering our industry leading products and world class customer service.” Gibson added.

International Paper plans to achieve these reductions by increasing manufacturing efficiencies, exploring new technologies and engaging its employees to find innovative solutions within its operations. In its European operations, the company has already achieved a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of over 70 percent since 1990.

Mimaki JV34-260 printer awarded 'Best of 2011' honour by Viscom

An international judging panel has honoured Mimaki with a Viscom ‘Best of 2011’ award for the JV34-260 baby grand format inkjet printer which was exhibited at the recent event in Dusseldorf.

The JV34-260 featured as a winner in the Large Format Print category and one of the main reasons for the award was its price/performance ratio. The jury felt that the printer’s ability to deliver a high volume of work for customers operating in the digital printing and advertising sectors at a market leading quality made it “a real workhorse”.

Capable of printing outdoor durable work as well as textiles (via transfer paper and sublimation inks) at widths up to 2.6m, its versatility enables companies of all sizes to operate with just one printer. Appreciating the importance of an award from the highly regarded international exhibition, John de la Roche – national sales manager for Mimaki’s exclusive UK & Irish distributor, Hybrid Services Ltd said. “We are delighted that the Mimaki JV34-260 has been recognised by Viscom’s judging panel and the award confirms our belief that the machine is a true printing thoroughbred.”

The Mimaki JV34-260 sports a multiple of array of the latest printheads arranged in an offset configuration, delivering an impressive combination of speed and quality. Supplied in the UK & Ireland with a 2 year warranty, Mimaki’s RasterLink Pro RIP software and with optional bulk ink system, it is a popular choice for companies wishing to move their print output to the next level.

Currently available with a £5,000 trade-in against any 1m or wider outdoor printer, further details can be found by visiting www.hybridservices.co.uk

Registration for Sign & Digital UK 2012 now live

Following the recent launch of the new and improved website, the Sign & Digital UK show team is pleased to announce that visitor registration is now live.  People planning to visit the 2012 event can register free at www.signanddigitaluk.com.  Registering is easy and only takes a minute and - once registered - you will receive the latest updates from the show team about new exhibitors, show features (including workshops, seminars, competitions), demos and product launches.

Exhibitor list online

The exhibitor list has also gone live on the Sign & Digital UK website, so visitors can start to plan their visit in advance. Exhibitors will start to upload product and press information in the next few weeks so it’s worth checking the website to keep up to date with what’s happening and who’s exhibiting.

With over 6,000 visitors in 2011 and a buzz surrounding the show, Sign & Digital UK 2012 is set to be a great year yet again with really strong exhibitor numbers already confirmed, including a number of new suppliers. Sign & Digital UK is the only place in the UK where you can meet all your suppliers under one roof over the space of three days and is the annual highlight of the industry. 2012 is a special year for the show – reaching an impressive 25 years serving the industry!

Awards & Networking Event

Once registered, you can receive the latest updates about the Sign & Digital UK Awards & Networking Event 2012.

Last years’ inaugural event, held at the National Motorcycle Museum, was a great success with signmakers, digital printers and suppliers all networking in style. The awards ceremony is the perfect place to round off your day at the show, tickets include; pre-dinner drinks, 3 course meal, entertainment and awards presentation with the opportunity to spend time socialising with other business contacts and colleagues. Also at the awards ceremony, there will be the chance to entertain customers, progress business opportunities and celebrate the high level of skills and innovation of those working in this vibrant market. And with it being the 25th anniversary of the show, there are plans afoot to make it an extra special night.

To follow the latest from the show, follow Sign & Digital UK on Twitter @signanddigital

For more information, visit www.signanddigitaluk.com.

[photo shows winners of 2011 Sign & Digital Awards]

Informa strengthens Ipex sales and marketing team with two key appointments

The Informa Print Group has announced two key appointments to add further strength and expertise to the Ipex sales and marketing team. Wayne Beckett has been promoted to the position of sales director, Ipex Print Group, while Andrew Thornhill joins the company as marketing manager, Informa Exhibitions. Both Wayne and Andrew will play key roles in supporting the Ipex portfolio which includes the continued growth of its online resource Ipex World, as well as the sales activity for Ipex 2014, the largest English speaking global technology event for print, publishing and media.

Wayne Beckett brings over 25 years of sales and marketing experience in the print and publishing sector to his new position as sales director, Ipex Print Group, where he will be working for Informa Print Group Director Trevor Crawford to spearhead exhibitor business development activities for Ipex 2014.

Prior to taking on his new role, Wayne was instrumental in successfully developing the sales and online service offerings of Ipex World, the easy-to-use online networking and resource portal dedicated to print professionals worldwide. Prior to joining Informa, Wayne held senior sales-related positions within the publishing sector including Reed Business Publishing, Miller Freeman and Total Solutions Publishing and more recently as managing director of LSJ Marketing Ltd.

Andrew Thornhill joins the Informa Print Group from Faversham House Group, where he was head of online marketing for the Group’s environmental division. A trained graphic and web designer with experience in working on high profile corporate identity projects, Andrew has also worked at FESPA as the senior marketing manager where he successfully implemented the marketing campaign for FESPA digital and significantly increased its social media interactive presence and membership. In his new role as marketing manager, Andrew will take over the strategic growth of Ipex World and will begin to work on the exhibitor and visitor promotions for Ipex 2014. Andrew, who will report to marketing director Nick Craig-Waller has previous experience with Ipex having supported the marketing team during Ipex 2010.

Comments Trevor Crawford, Informa Print Group Director, “At such an exciting time in the expansion and strategic development of the Ipex brand, we are delighted to have such an experienced team on board. Both Wayne and Andrew bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will be invaluable to continue to drive the growth of Ipex World as a global online resource and as well as gear up our sales and promotional activities for our flagship event in London in 2014.”

Ipex 2014 will take place at London’s ExCeL http://www.excel-london.co.uk international exhibition and conference centre from 26th March to 2nd April 2014.

[photo shows Andrew Thornhill (left) and Wayne Beckett (right)]

William Smith invites signmakers to HP latex print roadshow

William Smith is inviting signmakers to come along to the HP Latex Applications Tour to examine the evidence and judge for themselves how the HP latex printer range could help them expand their business.

The innovative roadshow, held onboard a customised truck, will give visitors the opportunity to see live demonstrations of the HP Designjet L25500 60” wide roll-to-roll latex printer, take part in hands-on workshops and come away with a wealth of information about the HP latex printer range. Signmakers will be able to see first-hand how the versatile, sustainable and proven L25500 printer could enable them to expand into new areas of application whilst easily continuing to meet customers’ current needs.

The HP Latex Tour roadshow can be seen at the following times and venues –

  • Tuesday 15th November: 2.00pm – Sandown Park Racecourse, Esher
  • Thursday 17th November: 9.30am & 11.30am – Motorcycle Museum, Solihull, West Midlands
  • Monday 21st November: 9.30am & 11.30am – Easter Road Stadium, Edinburgh
  • Wednesday 23rd November: 9.30am & 11.30am – Lancashire Cricket Club, Manchester

To book a place at one of these events contact Amanda Armstrong at amanda@williamsmith.co.uk with your chosen venue and time.