HP Indigo launches enhancement package

The enhancement package features the new HP SmartStream labels and packaging workflow suite, version 4.0, powered by Esko, for simplified color management and automated job preparation.

Key features include: a new color engine that transforms existing workflow processes by automating common, time-consuming procedures; new imposition and variable data tools, including dynamic marks; and an additional RIP choice, Adobe RIP, which was specifically developed and optimized for Esko and HP Indigo technology.

The enhancement package also includes software and hardware improvements that help maximise productivity and increase press uptime. HP Indigo Print Care 2.0 is a comprehensive toolset that offers on-press diagnostic and remote support tools to help press operators maximise overall productivity and minimise press downtime. A scan-and-send capability enables easy sharing of images with remote support.

Other improvements include a new set of consumables, including a new charge roller that offers five times the lifespan of the current version and the industry's first dedicated high-slip white ink for production of shrink sleeves, and a new photo imaging plate and underlayer.

Finally, a new advanced harmonic topology screen (HTS 210) has been added, which improves color uniformity and consistency for complicated jobs.

The enhancement package will be available in September 2013. Its features will be displayed on HP's booth at Labelexpo Europe in Brussels, Belgium between September 24-27.

HP Indigo said the new capabilities improve press productivity and workflow efficiency, while opening new possibilities through an expanded range of high value applications. The enhancement package also helps to improve the return on investment of an HP Indigo Digital Press for new customers, and helps protect existing customers' investments, as the new features are backwards compatible with existing presses.

These new features build on HP's strategy of delivering continuous innovation to the market to help customers increase productivity, such as the Enhanced Productivity Mode (EPM) released last year.

‘Label converters are increasingly taking advantage of the productivity and quality afforded by the HP Indigo WS6600 digital press for medium-run label and packaging printing to meet the brand standards their customers demand,’ said Alon Bar-Shany, vice-president and general manager of HP Indigo.

‘HP is committed to bringing to market new product features and capabilities that allow customers to improve productivity as well as print more jobs.’

Flexible Technologies, a US-based label converter and beta tester for the HP SmartStream version 4.0, has experienced strong productivity improvements through the enhancement package and the workflow tool.

Maui Chai, president of Flexible Technologies, said: ‘This tool has enhanced the workflow in our shop, and provided us the ability to work with the color management interface in different ways, which saves us time. Jobs that used to require a very specific process for color matching can now be completed more efficiently.’

Another beta tester, Israel-based Shopen Ltd, had a similar positive experience, and its chief executive officer Moshe Shopen said: ‘The tool is already having a significant effect on our business, in terms of time savings - and all with a simple and intuitive user interface.’