While by no means a new concept, HP continues to work on its range of HP Latex printers to offer print companies around the world access to technology to help them grow and succeed across a range of markets.
HP Latex printers combine high-quality printed output with environmentally friendly production. All printers within the range run water-based HP Latex inks, which have much less impact on the world around us than their solvent, eco-solvent and UV counterparts. Such has been the success of this approach that the range has continued to evolve and expand to cope with demand.
The latest addition to this family of solutions is the HP Latex 630 series, which launched at The Print Show 2023. This series comprises the HP Latex 630, HP Latex 630W, HP Latex 630 Print & Cut Plus, and HP Latex 630W Print & Cut Plus. Each device can print on materials up to 1.63m wide and run rolls as heavy as 42kg, while also boasting a top operating speed of 14sq m/hr in standard quality mode.
Print companies running these machines also benefit from the accompanying HP Print OS Design & eCommerce solution, which makes production even easier and allows them to get the absolute most out of their new HP Latex 630 solution.
Entry-level solution
What perhaps makes the range most notable is the fact that is being billed as an entry-level series. In essence, the range allows those print businesses looking to take advantage of HP Latex printing technology to do so at a lower price point than other devices in the wider HP Latex collection.
While the machines are being marketed at a lower price, this by no means has any impact on the quality of the solutions, their features, or the quality at which they can print. It simply means that more print service providers (PSPs) can make use of the leading technology without having to spend as much as they would with the larger HP Latex machines.
Picking out some of the core features within the HP Latex 630 family, each machine runs with lower curing temperatures, allowing them to handle a wider range of printable media. This is particularly useful for those businesses looking at taking on jobs in areas that require working with heat sensitive materials.
As for its wider appeal, the 1.63m operating width will open doors to all manner of markets across more general wide-format print sector such as banners, wallcoverings and canvases. Then there is consideration for emerging, perhaps more niche, markets such as exterior decals, interior décor, personalised giftware, and custom white ink concepts and proofs, with the HP Latex 630 series positioned perfectly for such work.
Widen your horizons with white ink
On the subject of white ink, to put it simply, there is no overstating the importance of this feature, not only within the HP Latex 630 series but also the wider HP Latex range, and indeed other HP machines outside of the Latex family.
HP is gaining something of a reputation as the technology leader in terms of white ink printing. If you consider that two machines in the new range have white ink capabilities – the HP Latex 630W and HP Latex 630W Print & Cut Plus – then this means the technology becomes available to more PSPs at a lower price point.
What makes the HP Latex white ink stand out is its ability to maintain excellent whiteness over time. Other white ink technologies tend to wash out and can be prone to yellow over time, causing issues for PSPs in terms of having to reprint work, which could in turn leave the customer disappointed.
This quality, combined with the capabilities of the HP Latex 630W machines, including lower curing temperatures to minimise media distortion and a separate anti-scratch cartridge, helps users to achieve much higher quality and durable output in the long run.
Superior sustainability
Of course, a look at any piece of HP Latex printing technology would not be complete without due consideration of the environmental qualities of these machines. As is well documented, all HP Latex machines use water-based inks, with the sustainable qualities of these speaking for themselves.
Working with more planet friendly machinery and consumables is becoming increasingly important for print companies in the modern market, with more customers demanding that their printed work has as little impact on the environment as possible. The HP Latex 630 series allows users to deliver just this at a lower price point for their own business.
Offering an insight into just how much difference there is running HP Latex inks as opposed to other ink types, take large-format print as an example. HP Latex inks are made up of 65% water, with the other 35% comprising latex, pigments, and other materials. Compare this with eco-solvent inks, these have no water but do feature up to 80% of highly volatile organic solvent, which has a much harsher impact on the planet.
The figures are similar when comparing latex inks to UV large-format ink products. While latex inks are mostly water and do not contain any volatile organic compounds, UV inks do not contain any water, but instead are produced using up to 80% of hazardous acylates and photoinitiators.
Water-based, latex inks allow users to take on all manner of work with little to worry about in terms of hazardous materials and odour.
Exploring new possibilities
Keeping with a running theme of flexibility, there are plenty of other attributes and features to note within the HP Latex 630 series that help make operation even easier for users.
To offer but a few examples, all machines in the series have 13-amp plug compatibility, allowing users to connect to standard sockets and not use high power connectivity that may cost more in terms of energy use. On this subject, there is also automatic maintenance and automated printhead cleaning to reduce user intervention, while customers can replace printheads themselves without having to wait for specialist support.
Furthermore, a spindle-less design makes switching between different media types much easier, while a front media-loading system that both streamlines and speeds up production allows users to produce output faster and take on more jobs.
When you consider the level of quality you can achieve when running HP Latex 630 series machines, and couple this with a low environmental impact and scope to produce a whole range of work on a wider print area, it is hard to argue against investment.
For more information on HP solutions and/or to speak with an expert, please click here.
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