At the 2018 FESPA Global Print Expo in Berlin, HP Inc. unveiled the HP Latex R2000 Printer. It’s the first model in HP’s new R series of Latex printers that can print on a variety on rigid substrates.
The R2000 is a 98-inch hybrid flatbed/roll-to-roll printer that can accommodate flexible and rigid materials. With continuous loading, the HP Latex R2000 can produce high-quality images at speeds of up to 947 sq. ft./hr.
Coupled with the new HP Latex White Ink, the HP Latex R2000 Printer gives print-service-providers the ability to create a wide variety of sign and display applications with a single ink set.
For example, users of the HP Latex R2000 can print exhibition and event graphics, indoor and outdoor signage, interior décor, window graphics, and vehicle wraps. Because the same inkset is used for both flexible and rigid graphics, it’s easier to maintain color consistency in logo colors for brand campaigns.
Media Versatility
The HP Latex R2000 can handle rigid substrates up to 98 inches wide and 2 inches thick. It can handle rolls of flexible media up to 9.8 inches in diameter and weighing up to 220 pounds.
Types of rigid materials the HP R2000 can print include: paper and plastic foamboard; plastic corrugated; acrylic; polystyrene; compressed cardboard; corrugated board; honeycomb board; aluminum composite panels; wood; glass; and ceramics. Flexible material it can print include PVC banner, self-adhesive vinyl, coated paper, polypropylene, polycarbonate, non-porous textiles, and canvas.
Breakthrough Ink Technology
Joan Peréz Pericot, General Manager, HP Large Format Graphics Business, considers the development of the HP Latex R2000 a major milestone in the evolution of printing.
“HP developed this breakthrough technology based on continued requests from print-service providers for an HP Latex printer that can print on both rigid and flexible materials using our water-based inks,” said Pericot. “This introduction is another step forward in how HP creates the best experiences for our customers, continually reinventing the possibilities of print.”
The redesigned HP Latex inks achieve a vibrant color gamut on rigid materials. The inks don’t smell and the preserve the gloss, look, and feel of substrates such as wood and brushed aluminum. The inks also cure at lower temperatures, allowing for wide versatility in media.
The high-opacity white ink remains glossy on transparent and color media and resists yellowing time over time.
The HP Latex R2000 holds 9 cartridges of 6 colors of ink (cyan, magenta, yellow, black, light cyan, and light magenta), plus white ink, HP Latex Optimizer, and HP Latex Overcoat.
Automatic maintenance includes automatic recirculation and nozzle checks and makes using white inks like using any other color ink. In between jobs that require white inks, the HP Thermal Inkjet printheads can be stored in an offline rotating chamber. This reduces the amount of ink waste.
The new HP Latex Overcoat provides a labor-saving, low-cost way to improve the durability and scratch-resistance of short-term unlaminated outdoor graphics.
A high-accuracy belt system facilitates loading of rigid materials. Different shapes and sizes of materials are held in place with 14 automatic independent vacuum chambers.
For maximum uptime, proactive and preventive maintenance can be performed with HP Smart Services.
The HP Latex R2000 printer will be commercially available beginning in June. Release dates will vary in different parts of the world. For more information visit: HP.com/go/latexR2000