As the throughput speeds, color consistency, and automation capabilities of industrial wide-format inkjet printers has advanced, manufacturers have been adding more digital printing systems to their production floors. For example, as the wallpaper industry continues its shift toward digital production, the wallpaper manufacturer Wallquest is leveraging HP Latex technology to reduce minimum order quantities, lower inventory requirements, and deliver faster turnaround times without compromising quality.
In their production facility in Wayne, Pennsylvania, Wallquest recently added four new 3.2-meter HP Latex FS70 W printers to their existing fleet of six HP Latex 3600 printers and two HP Latex printers. The additional printers increase WallQuest’s production capacity and strengthens the company’s ability to meet rising demand for short-run, high-quality and sustainable wallcovering.
“This investment has given us much greater control over how we produce and deliver wallpaper,”” said John Collins, Owner, Wallquest Inc. “HP Latex technology allows us to offer shorter runs, manage inventory more efficiently, and still deliver the premium quality our customers expect. With the HP Latex FS70 W printers, we’ve seen a 30 percent increase in performance, both in speed and overall print quality, which has been a huge advantage for our production team.”
“Wallquest’s investment in the HP Latex FS70 W printers reflects how forward-thinking print providers are using technology to transform their business models,” said Daniel Martinez, SVP and Division President, HP Large Format Print. “By combining high-performance white ink printing, workflow automation, and sustainable production, Wallquest is well positioned to meet the evolving demands of the wallpaper and interior décor markets while continuing to grow.”
White Ink Opens Creative Possibilities
Built for mid-to-high-volume print service providers, the HP Latex FS70 W is HP’s most productive 3.2 meter Latex printer to date. It delivers high-throughput production and supports a wide range of rigid and flexible media.
The white inks on the HP Latex FS70 W increase the range of creative effects and higher-margin applications that Wallquest can digitally produce. For example, by applying a white base layer, Wallquest can print vivid, consistent colors on a wider range of substrates including metallics, black media, Mylar, metal leaf, and natural materials.
Digitally printing wallpaper with white inks can support more intricate designs, richer visual effects, and the longer repeats that buyers of decorative materials now expect.
HP PrintOS Production Hub for Fleet Management
In addition to expanding its capabilities, Wallquest is using HP software solutions to support greater efficiency across its digital operations. Wallquest leverages HP PrintOS Production Hub and has recently implemented HP Site Flow to help manage production recording, prepress, and overall workflow automation. These tools enable more streamlined processes and improved coordination across Wallquest’s digital production environment. Production managers can establish automated fleet-wide workflows with color consistent output.
Sustainability
Sustainability is a key consideration in Wallquest’s production strategy. While many print technologies rely on UV, UV gel, solvent, or eco solvent inks, Wallquest has committed to a fully water-based production model. The company relies exclusively on HP Latex technology for its water-based inks, ensuring its wallcoverings are produced using an environmentally friendly process that aligns with its long-standing business values.
To learn more about Wallquest, visit: https://www.wallquest.com/
To learn more about HP Large Format Latex printers, visit: https://www.hp.com/us-en/printers/large-format/latex-printers.html