HP has announced an expanded range of new digital printing solutions.
The expanded range, they say will strengthen Print Service Providers’ (PSPs) value proposition to their customers, allowing them to capture a larger share of the fast growing signage industry in Asia Pacific.
It is forecasted that by 2013, 58% of all wide format signage output in Asia will be printed using digital technology. Likewise, digital printed signage output in Asia will account for 38% of total global digital printed signage(1). Asia has the highest CAGR (Compounded Annual Growth Rate) at 19% when comparing print value from 2008 to 2013(1).
“HP has a deep understanding of the trends and developments in the signage industry and the impact it will have on PSPs. We believe that we can work alongside PSPs to help them transition to be a Marketing Service Provider (MSP) to remain competitive in an increasingly price-sensitive market”, said Gido van Praag, Vice President, Graphic Solutions Business – Asia Pacific and Japan, HP. “HP is best positioned to help PSPs in their conversion to MSP where they will move beyond just competing on price to providing a full spectrum of value added services that will help differentiate them from competition“.
Environmental matters are growing in importance within the printing industry and there is now an increasing emphasis for PSPs to be able to provide eco-friendly printing alternatives. HP has long recognised this growing trend which resulted in the introduction of the HP Latex printing technology in March 2008. HP’s Latex printing technology that was developed based on the needs of PSPs would enable PSPs to increase their print capacity and grow their businesses while reducing the environmental impact of their printing.
HP supports PSPs in the signage industry in their drive for new growth and revenue streams by providing a portfolio of complete end-to-end solutions. HP’s broad and unrivalled large-format printing portfolio spans from flexible to rigid applications, ink technologies from low solvent to UV-curable to the latest water-based HP Latex Ink and production volumes from entry level to high productivity.
Highlights of the announcement at the 19th Shanghai International Advertising & Sign Technology & Equipment Exhibition July 6:
• The expanded digital printing solutions will empower PSPs in the signage industry to capture new business opportunities while boosting productivity and accelerating their large format workflow
• The HP Scitex LX850 Printer, being unveiled for the first time in Asia Pacific is a 126-inch (3.2 m) latex ink printer that delivers maximum versatility and productivity. HP Latex Inks offer the durability and versatility typically associated with solvent inks, together with the low maintenance and environmental advantages of water-based inks
• PSPSs can boost productivity with the HP Scitex FB7500 Printer which delivers industry-leading productivity along with high print speeds and standard three-quarter automation. The printer is being showcased for the first time in China
• HP will announce the winners of the HP Digital Print Awards 2011 (Asia Pacific & Japan) – HP Scitex. The Awards have an important role to play in enhancing the service standards and quality of digital print signage across the industry
Differentiate, boost productivity, accelerate workflows and win new business with the HP Scitex LX850
HP’s latest latex ink printer – HP Scitex LX850 will allow PSPs to differentiate, win new business and generate new profits. The HP Scitex LX850 printer will enable PSPs to expand the variety of environmentally conscious outdoor and indoor applications they can offer while also improving their overall printing atmosphere. Additionally, the printer will allow PSPs to pursue new business opportunities with leading international corporations that increasingly require them to provide eco-friendly printing solutions.
Delivering high image quality at production speeds, the HP Scitex LX850 Printer allows customers to accelerate their large-format workflows. The device also enables customers to expand their application versatility with a built-in ink collector for direct-to-fabric printing (2) on flag fabrics. A scaled-down version of the HP Scitex LX850 Printer, the new HP Scitex LX820 Printer, is available with an optional dual-roll kit upgrade.
The HP Scitex FB7500 printer delivers industry-leading productivity along with high print speeds and standard three-quarter automation
Magnify Media, based in Melbourne, is one of the leading PSPs in Australia. The company started in 2002 with a single HP Designjet printer operating out of the founder, John Duplock’s home. Magnify Media’s evolution into one of the leading PSPs in Australia is a testament to the great digital print work the company is delivering. Magnify Media installed their first HP Scitex FB7500 printer in October 2009. They installed their second HP Scitex FB7500 printer a year later in December 2010.
John Duplock, Managing Director, Magnify Media, said, “We didn’t expect to put a second HP Scitex FB7500 printer in that quickly, but we have literally been overwhelmed by customer demand and we have got work lined up on the existing HP Scitex FB7500 printer. It’s incredible how successful it has been for us. Since the installation of the company’s first HP Scitex FB7500 in October 2009, our turnover has almost doubled. That’s how massive an impact this machine has had on our business.”
John added that he believes the work he and his sales team did to educate the market about the benefits of digital screen printing versus traditional methods has contributed to the phenomenal intake of business for the HP Scitex FB7500.
Designed for fast-paced, industrial printing environments, the HP Scitex FB7500 printer is a versatile UV flatbed printer that is an ideal solution for close-view high-quality point-of-purchase/point-of-sale (POP/POS) applications, exhibition graphics, signage, backlit displays and posters. With speeds of up to 500 m2/hr (5380 ft2/hr) and three-quarter automated loading to reduce idle time between sheets by up to 85 percent, (3) the HP Scitex FB7500 printer delivers the highest productivity of digital flatbed printers in its price class (4).
(1) Source: The Future of Printed Signage, published by Pira International Ltd
(2) For best results, textile applications should be printed on fabric that does not stretch. Performance may vary depending on media. Compatibility details are available from media suppliers.
(3) Manual loading and unloading of a sheet can take 45 seconds or more; the loading mechanism reduces that time to no more than nine seconds.
(4) Based on published manufacturer specifications as of July 2008.
HP Australia
http://www.hp.com.au/graphicarts
