HP Helps Print Service Providers Deliver Mainstream Flexible Packaging and Folding Carton Applications
HP has unveiled new presses that allow print service providers (PSPs) to apply digital printing's supply chain, inventory and product marketing advantages to the sizes common in packaging production.
To further improve the HP Indigo WS6600 model's capabilities, Michelman , a global developer of water-based barriers and coatings for flexible film packaging, paperboard, and corrugated cartons, has released a new primer for the press's ILP unit. The Michem ILP040 primer extends the ILP's media compatibility from paper-based substrates to synthetic media.
HP also has released a new SecurePack System for HP Indigo WS6600 and HP Indigo WS4600 model presses, providing a controlled and monitored environment for efficient production of pharmaceutical and security applications.
Helping PSPs capture growth in flexible packaging
Scheduled for commercial availability in late 2013, the HP Indigo 20000 Digital Press is a roll-to-roll digital press designed primarily for flexible packaging.
The HP Indigo 20000 press's 30-inch media width and 44-inch repeat length accommodate most flexible packaging format sizes. With up to seven-color printing, including white ink, and printing quality that matches gravure production, the press can meet brands' stringent color and quality requirements. The HP Indigo 20000 runs at 88.6 linear feet in five-color mode (full process color plus white) and at 147.6 linear feet per minute when running in Enhanced Productivity Mode.
An inline priming unit on the press helps to ensure compatibility with nearly any standard flexible packaging substrate from 10 to 250 microns thick. Materials printed on the press are compatible with dry lamination and comply with food packaging regulations when used with good manufacturing practices.
The press will feature an EskoArtwork print server and upstream prepress tools that integrate into the entire EskoArtwork system of production workflows for high quality and efficiency. Compatible third-party workflow solutions provide complementary capabilities such as web-to-print, management information systems services and printed content inspection/verification.
HP Indigo also supports customers wishing to set up dedicated production lines for short-run work with qualified comprehensive finishing options for the new press. Pouch-making equipment manufacturer Totani has joined the HP SmartStream Solutions Partner programme and is developing finishing solutions for flexible packaging printed on the HP Indigo 20000.
HP's new sheet-fed press for folding carton production
The sheet-fed HP Indigo 30000 Digital Press offers a 29.5 x 20.9 inch format size compatible with existing offset printing presses used for mainstream folding carton applications. Scheduled for commercial availability in late 2013, the press offers proven HP Indigo print quality with up to seven-color printing on carton stocks up to 600 microns thick. The press can run up to 4,600 sheets per hour in Enhanced Productivity Mode and 3,450 sheets per hour in regular four-color process printing.
As a near-zero setup digital solution, the HP Indigo 30000 can help PSPs produce more short-run jobs per shift. The press comes with an in-line priming unit for compatibility with a wide range of media.
Like the HP Indigo 20000, the HP Indigo 30000 will feature an EskoArtwork print server and upstream prepress tools. Additional comprehensive production components, such as digital finishing solutions from HP SmartStream Solutions Partner programme members, will help packaging printers reduce their turnaround times for folding carton work.
Best-in-class industrial white ink solution for corrugated
HP also offers a range of high-performance, UV-inkjet HP Scitex flatbed industrial presses that create new digital packaging production opportunities on corrugated board and other rigid substrates up to 1-inch thick.
The HP Scitex FB7500 and FB7600 Industrial Press models can now print high-quality, full-color corrugated packaging using a new white ink solution that produces high-quality, full-color graphics on natural kraft board.
