HP Announces New Workflow Solutions
- Published: July 23, 2013
TEL AVIV, Israel | HP reports new end-to-end workflow solutions and product enhancements that span the HP Indigo portfolio for labels, folding cartons, and flexible packaging to help converters improve efficiency and accommodate high-value applications. HP’s momentum across the labels and packaging industry continues, with more than 50 companies around the world now producing folding carton and flexible packaging on HP Indigo digital presses. In addition, more than 100 customers have agreed to purchase the HP Indigo 20000 and 30000 digital presses, including ten of the largest flexible packaging converters in the world and several multinational folding carton converters. First installations of the presses are planned for the end of 2013.
“Brands of all sizes are increasingly demanding packaging with higher shelf-appeal and are producing more and more packaging using HP Indigo digital printing capabilities, generating demand for our customers,” says Alon Bar-Shany, VP and general manager, Indigo Div., HP. “Our latest product improvements and workflow solutions help print service providers and converters accommodate production of more jobs with greater efficiency and higher uptime, while supporting a wider range of applications without compromising quality.”
The new HP SmartStream labels and packaging print server, version 4.0, powered by Esko, is said to be a solution for simplified color management and automated job preparation. This new color engine transforms existing processes by automating common, time-consuming procedures. For added flexibility in file preparation, the solution also includes new imposition and variable-data tools, including dynamic marks.
This new solution will be available in September at Labelexpo Europe in Brussels as an upgrade for all HP Indigo WS6000 and WS4000 Series digital presses, permitting existing customers the ability to protect their investment in HP Indigo equipment.
HP is working together with AB Graphic Intl. on new end-to-end solutions for label converting on a wide web. AB Graphics’ Digicon 3000, designed specifically to support the HP Indigo 20000 digital press specifications, will be integrated in-line with the press, allowing one pass for optimized production of labels and flexible packaging. Its modular design will enable users to produce labels and a variety of flexible packaging laminates. The solution will be showcased at Labelexpo Europe.
Label producers RAKO-GROUP and Innovative Label Solutions will install the HP Indigo 20000 digital press by the end of the year. Both companies are already using HP Indigo presses to produce labels and flexible packaging.
TRESU Group, a supplier of coating solutions, will provide an in-line coater for the HP Indigo 30000. The Tresu iCoat 30000 will allow for both UV and aqueous post-print selective coating. Designed to match the 30000 capabilities, this in-line coater will offer an optimized process for the digital production environment.
