HP Indigo enhances technology capabilities

These are focused on the 20000 and 6900 digital presses, and the GEM one-pass digital embellishment system, as well as software and workflow enhancements.

For the HP Indigo 20000, this includes:

• An extended media gamut and enhanced support of extra stretchable substrates and support of paper substrates up to 350 microns;
• The ILP 030 primer, now available for use with the HP Indigo 20000 for pressure-sensitive label applications;
• Premium White ElectroInk, offering high opacity white printing to flexible packaging, shrink sleeves, IML and others;
• Concentrated ink that reduces oily waste from the press by up to 50 percent compared to previous ink supplied, as well as reduced transportation impact; and
• Integration with the new AB Graphic ILC760, which enables top coating and sliting rewinding in-line with the press using industry standard water-based and UV coatings. ILC760 has been designed to enable efficient and economical one-step production of shrink sleeves, flexible packaging, IML, tubes, wrap around and more.

For the HP Indigo 6900, this includes:

• Pack Ready for Labels being extended to HP’s entire labels and packaging portfolio, claimed to improve performance against water, chemical and temperature exposure based on a new UV curable additive added to off-the-shelf varnishes, cross-linking the label’s construction;
• Support for the newly introduced HP Indigo ElectroInk Invisible Yellow and Blue, which are only visible under UV light and suitable for security applications. Coupled with new software and cloud-based options that allow anti-counterfeiting marks, micro text fonts and protected track and trace, converters can offer unique layered security, static and serialized, for brand protection; and
• Use with the HP Indigo ElectroInk Silver, which has been introduced to combines metallic effects with digital capabilities in one printing process.

Read more about the HP Indigo 6900 here.

For HP Indigo GEM, updates include compatibility with foils from Kurz and K Laser Technology. ILS has also signed up as the first US beta site for GEM. Read more here.

Further advances from HP Indigo have been made in the software and workflow that support its production technology.

The latest Production Pro digital front end (DFE) is now available for the HP Indigo 6x00 portfolio and HP Indigo 20000. The new DFE delivers scalable RIP performance to process complex jobs including mass customization, security and variable brand protection data. Production Pro is up to five times faster compared to the previous versions and provides converters with a single point of control to manage production and colors across multiple HP Indigo digital presses. Color management is powered by Esko, enabling customers to manage color accurately, consistently, and predictably.

HP is also now offering Esko Automation Engine QuickStart for Labels, an out-of-the-box workflow option that automates label production. It integrates with HP Indigo presses and MIS systems connecting the entire label production team via a web-browser based interface. Automation Engine QuickStart for Labels enables converters to handle up to 50 percent more jobs with the same headcount and meet tight production deadlines for short-run print jobs.

Making its worldwide debut at Labelexpo Americas 2018 is HP SmartStream Collage, an automated variable design feature for HP Indigo printing. This follows and advances HP SmartStream Mosaic. It allows converters to create large numbers of unique designs by manipulating elements randomly for unprecedented packaging impact. The new feature, part of HP SmartStream Designer, is expected to be available later this year.

New applications and enhancements to HP PrintOS include:

• HP PrintOS Marketplace, a cloud-based community to enable on-demand subscription to a wide variety of value-add workflow apps and licenses, plus a community of ideas, services and more, from HP and any third-party vendor. The first third party apps on PrintOS Marketplace are: Hybrid Software’s PACKZalyzer, which automatically detects and corrects common print file issues such as barcode validation, white overprint, minimum link thickness, font size and more; and OneFlow Systems’ AutoFlow, a smart, scalable, rule-based pre-press automation option that automates repetitive actions, including artwork fetching, checking, fixups, and page manipulations helping to speed time to print.
• PrintOS OEE, which allows converters to use the overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) methodology to gain insights into HP Indigo press efficiency; and
• EPM Preflight, which replaces manual file analysis and allows checking EPM compatibility of PDF files submitted to HP PrintOS Box.

Dave Prezzano, vice president and general manager, Graphics Solutions Business, Americas, HP Inc, commented: ‘Digital adoption is growing, and converters need more sophisticated solutions to differentiate themselves and effectively add value to brands. HP Indigo’s platform for digital labels and packaging production empowers converters to embrace the possibilities of print to create, innovate, and grow their business profitably. By optimizing supply chain and meeting sustainability goals all while helping brands engage with their consumers with state-of-the-art automated design and production management tool – HP Indigo is helping them, and their customers, thrive in a changing world.’