HP Latex Printers - a quick guide!

27 February 2018

You should always choose a HP Latex Printer over and above a HP DesignJet printer IF your prints are going to be displayed outdoors for any period of time. This is due to the fact that both the ink and media will last up to 5 years when laminated or 3 years unlaminated. This is in contrast to HP DesignJet printers and other large format printers which use either standard pigment ink or dye ink, which are meant for very short term outdoor use with lamination.

If you want to do some 'cool stuff' with your printing - such as print wallpaper or decals, vehicle wraps or textile printing then this is another reason to opt for a HP Latex Printer. This printer doesn't just print on paper or canvas, it can do a lot more. While you can just purchase the printer standalone, we also suggest you consider purchasing the "Print and Cut Solution" which includes the Printer and a separate Cutter. The cutter will cut around shapes making it ideal for labels or T shirts etc... This enables you to create a wider array of products with your printer.

How does a Latex Printer compare with an Eco-Solvent Printer?

Professional printing companies will usually prefer to use Latex Printers versus the older eco-solvent printers for outdoor work because Latex Printers offer a sustainable approach that's better for both the operators and the environment (HP Video - comparison of Latex Printers versus Eco-solvent printers) - notably the Latex Printers also meet all of the health and safety regulations for supplying locations like hospitals and care homes, allowing print service providers to appeal to a wider target market. 
 

What can Latex Printers do that other large format printers such as HP DesignJets can't do?

HP Latex printers simply offer a higher degree of versatility with a wider array of substrates and you can laminate your prints immediately without waiting for your prints to dry. In short, a Latex printer offers limitless printing applications including: Vehicle wrapping/vehicle graphics, billboards, banners, displays, exhibition graphics, floor graphics, wall decals, window graphics, stickers, labels, customizable clothing and textiles, posters, back lit graphics for light boxes, canvas prints, maps, point of sale and point of purchase posters...and much more. These printers do everything the HP DesignJet printers can do...and then much more besides. 

What type of ink do the HP Latex Printers use?

HP Latex Inks use a type of polymer to encapsulate the pigment, which is suspended in water as a carrier liquid to enable it to be jetted through the printheads. Heat is used to evaporate the water, and also to activate the polymers to bind the pigments to the media. 

How easy are Latex Printers to use?

 
Latex Printers are as easy to use as other HP Large Format DesignJet printers - but importantly they also come bundled with free software solutions called HP Signage Suite2 and HP WallArt Suite3 to help bring your ideas to life - with no design skills needed - which ensures that you can hit the ground running when designing your Signage, T-Shirts and Wallpaper etc.