New low-solvent based large format printers for outdoor from HP

Digital printing is now competing with screenprinting and to tap this opportunity, HP has launched a new range of low solvent-based printers with high speeds, which not only improve service but also boost production, thereby accelerating return on investment.

HP and Seiko I Infotech have jointly developed low solvent-based large-format printers, intended primarily for the outdoor graphics printing market. This is in continuation of the multi-year OEM agreement between HP and Seiko. Seiko I Infotech has developed new printers exclusively for HP using its extensive expertise and technology while HP is handling the marketing, sales, distribution and supplies.

To further extend its graphic arts portfolio for the outdoor signage market, HP has introduced the HP Designjet 9000s printer series while their second product from this partnership, the HP Designjet 8000s printer series, is still in the pipeline.

“The new HP Designjet 9000s printer series and the upcoming HP Designjet 8000s printer series are key components in our outdoor graphics and signage strategy, which now covers wide to super wide format solutions,” said Dhirendra Khurana, country category manager, Large Format Printing, Imaging and Printing Group, HP India. “These latest additions to our HP Designjet family deliver high productivity at superior colour quality, providing the high quality throughput for today’s sign and graphics market demands.”

HP is also introducing an industry-leading Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) programme, which is an integral part of the entire HP Designjet product life cycle.  This includes HP guidance from initial product selection through work area preparation, product installation, use, handling and disposal of waste materials.
Accelerating the adoption of durable digital printing technologies for fast and easy production of banners, window graphics, vehicle graphics and decals, the new HP 9000s printer series opens new business opportunities for today’s print service providers and sign shops. The HP Designjet 9000s printer (print speeds of up to 176 sq ft per hour at 720 x 720 dpi, and up to 220 sq ft per hour at 540 x 720 dpi) and 8000s printer series are designed to accelerate the industry-wide transformation from analogue to digital in the large-format graphics marketplace. An outdoor colour application printer capable of producing durable high image quality printouts, the HP Designjet 9000s printer comes with an in-the-box Take-Up Reel for continuous unattended runs, fast data transmission rates, and easy-to-use USB 2.0 connectivity. Its high print speeds improve services, boost production and accelerate return on investments, creating a strong competitive advantage when competing with screenprinters.

Accompanying the Designjet 9000s total HP printing solution are high value accessories including: a high performance HP Air Purifier System for moderate to heavy users, which reduces workplace volatile organic compounds; a high speed dryer for prints that are ready for immediate finishing and ONYX PosterShop 6.5 for HP Designjet RIP.

The HP Designjet 8000s printer series will be an affordable high performance, durable and high image quality colour printer designed for outdoor print applications. This 1626mm (64 inches) wide printer is ideal for a wide range of long-lasting large format applications from small signs to banners. The low-solvent large format device can print 88 sq ft of vivid, long-lasting colour output per hour at 720 x 720 dpi. A comprehensive solution, the HP Designjet 8000sr model includes an ONYX SignEZ v.2 RIP for out-of-the-box productivity and colour management, HP support, and other accessories that simplify the implementation process.

For customers with existing software workflow solutions, HP is working with major software RIP vendors to develop solutions for the HP Designjet 9000s and 8000s printer series, including Scanvec Amiable, Wasatch, PosterJet, ColorGATE, Caldera, and Maintop.

The HP Designjet 9000s and 8000s printer series will feature a new “HP low-solvent” printing system which includes low-solvent ink formulations, ink cartridges and convenient cleaning and maintenance kits, enabling print service providers to produce vivid, durable prints in a safe and efficient way.

The HP low-solvent inks found in HP 780 and HP 790 print cartridges include a six-colour system that produces a wider colour gamut than comparable low/eco-solvent printers, as well as superior image quality on a variety of media, including uncoated vinyl, banner paper, cloth, paper, film and photo-based media. Additionally, these ink formulations provide uncompromising reliability, water-fastness and superior fade, smear, scratch and crack esistance, allowing images to last up to three years without costly lamination, even on economical uncoated media.

HP Smart Printing Technology, found in HP 780 and HP 790 print cartridges, monitors status and confirms correct installation to make managing and using HP ink cartridges simple and convenient. HP also provides detailed guidelines for installation and use to help customers manage safety, environmental and health issues associated with low-solvent ink formulations.

The HP Designjet 9000s printers come with an estimated street prices starting at Rs 24.5 lakhs.