The HP Latex FS50 and FS60 3.2-meter (126-in.) industrial roll-to-roll inkjet printers for mid- to high-volume graphics production are built to last. Instead of having to be replaced and scrapped as the internal printing technology ages, the HP Latex FS printers can be enhanced periodically with new hardware and software technologies that HP develops.
Print-service providers (PSPs) can choose the HP FS Latex printer configuration that best fits current production needs, then easily upgrade in the future. For example, a print-service provider that specializes in superwide projects such as backlit signage, mesh event banners, or stage backdrops, could start with an FS50 printer that handles single rolls of media up to 126 in. wide. If the PSP diversifies into vehicle wraps or wallpaper, they could add the Jumbo Dual-Roll kit and simultaneously print two large rolls of 63-in.-wide materials.
F is for Flexible
Like 54-in. and 64-in. roll-to-roll HP Latex printers designed for smaller businesses, the HP Latex FS printers are extremely versatile in terms of the range of applications they can print.
The HP Latex FS printers can print high-quality images on a wide variety of materials, including graphic films, coated and uncoated papers (including traditional offset papers), synthetic papers, canvas, and textiles.
With these materials, PSPs can offer a range of popular products, including vehicle wraps, window graphics, indoor and outdoor signs and banners, interior wallcoverings, posters, decorative art, and backlit soft signage.
HP offers a selection of environmentally friendly latex-ink-printable materials, including a removable adhesive fabric and a satin canvas made with recycled plastic bottles.
The HP FS Latex series was announced in November 2024 with four configurations. All four printers in the series use six colors of ink (CMYK, light cyan, and light magenta) and print at speeds of up to 958 sq. ft./hr. and resolutions of 1200 dpi.
Each of the four printers can handle a single roll of media up to 126-in. wide and weighing up to 353 lbs.
The primary differences between the HP Latex S50 and HP Latex S60 models are the size of the ink cartridges, warranties, and material-handling capabilities.
HP Latex FS50 and HP Latex FS50 W use 5-liter cartridges and come with a 1-year warranty, with an option to extend. The FS50 W model includes 3-liter cartridges of white ink. for printing on colored, clear, or metallic materials. These printers can be upgraded with one or more of the following features:
- 10-liter ink cartridges,
- a jumbo dual-roll kit for faster throughput of the 63-in.-wide media rolls, including the thin, flexible self-adhesive vinyls used for vehicle wraps
- an ink collector kit to keep the printer clean while printing on porous textiles and unlined mesh banner materials.
- in-line slitters that cut materials from the 126-in. wide rolls to the desired widths of the graphic.
HP Latex FS60 and HP Latex FS60 W come with 10-liter color ink cartridges and a 2-year extended warranty. These models include the the jumbo dual roll kit, ink collector kit, and inline slitters. The FS60 W includes 3-liter cartridges of white ink.
S is for Scalable
The scalable platform of the HP Latex FS50 and FS60 allows for easy integration of future enhancements while offering a longer lifespan and reduced environmental impact
On the outside, the HP Latex FS printers look like the the 3.2-meter HP Latex 2700 printer they are replacing.
“But the insides are quite different,” said Oscar Vidal, Global Director, Product and Strategy, Large Format Print. The printers are equipped with “hooks” to accommodate the future software and hardware upgrades.
“Adaptability is the key to supporting PSPs’ growth and profitability,” explains Vidal. “Our new solutions enable PSPs to seamlessly adapt their workflows and equipment to the ever-changing landscape of their businesses. By investing in innovations in hardware and software, PSPs can stay ahead of the curve in this technology-driven industry.”
Learn more about the new HP Latex Series printers at: https://www.hp.com/us-en/printers/large-format/latex-fs50-fs60-printer-series.html
The Evolution of HP Latex Inks
HP introduced its innovative water-based latex inks at drupa 2008 as an odorless, environmentally friendly alternative to the solvent and UV-curable inks that were used to produce outdoor-durable graphics.
Over the past 16 years, HP has refined the ink formulations to comply with changes in regulatory requirements and environmental safety and health standards. The ink are nickel-free, non-flammable, and non-combustible and don’t require hazard warning labels or any special ventilation in the work zone.
When the inks are jetted onto a smooth graphic film, additives in the carrier fluid soften the surface so the pigments used as colorants will adhere. When the printed inks are heat-dried the water evaporates most of the water from the ink and leaves a continuous polymer layer. During the curing phase, latex particles in the ink form a durable layer to protect the colorants.
The Gen4 Latex inks used in the user-replaceable printheads of the Latex FS printers include the six colors for high-quality photo reproduction (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, Light Magenta, and Light Cyan). A Latex Optimizer applied to the print surface interacts with the inks to rapidly immobilize the pigments.
An HP Overcoat can be applied during printing to improve the scratch-resistance and durability of prints that won’t be finished with specialized laminating films or protective clearcoats for application-specific requirements.
Unlaminated outdoor banners printed with HP Latex inks can last up to 3 years. Laminated prints can last up to 5 years outdoors.
Service and Support
To maximize uptime and increase production efficiency, HP offers subscriptions to Professional Print Service Plans. These plans include features such as: remote and on-site service, maintenance kits, remote production monitoring and analytics, color profiles for HP-Latex-certified substrates, access to training content, and support for online e-commerce portals.
The new HP PrintOS Live Production solution in the Professional Print Service Plan will enable PSPs to control HP printers remotely. Built on robust data and real time communication capabilities, the Live Production feature can improve automation and remote monitoring of unattended printing. This is valuable in companies facing labor shortages.
When Ast Signs, a leading UK branding specialist tested the new Live Production feature they were impressed by its ability to move and structure the print queue remotely. Previously this was only possible by canceling and manually reorganizing prints.
Learn more about HP Professional Print Services Plans here: https://www.hp.com/us-en/printers/large-format/professional-print-service-plans.html
Learn more about HP Latex Ink Technology here: https://www.hp.com/us-en/printers/large-format/latex-printing-technology.html