HP unveiled its large format printing strategy for print service providers (PSPs). HP’s recent acquisition of Scitex Vision, its OEM partnership with Seiko I Infotech and partnerships with key independent software and hardware vendors have resulted in new developments for PSPs. These developments include the launch of the first products resulting from the partnership with Seiko I Infotech. The new products will meet higher customer demand, increase printing capacity and improve print quality, particularly for durable graphics production printing.
The PSP market, which comprises repro-houses, digital print shops, sign makers, quick printers/copy shops, screen printers and commercial printers, is one of HP’s most important printing markets. It is estimated that in 2005, the worldwide PSP market was worth $4.9 billion and is projected to see a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8 per cent by 2008. HP has expanded its large format product portfolio with high-performing and cost-effective solutions that make it easier for PSPs who want to switch from analogue to digital-based printing.
This expansion includes the launch of the HP Designjet 8000s and HP Designjet 9000s Printer series – two low-solvent, low-cost printing solutions that offer high productivity and excellent image quality. Both printer series are the first products resulting from the OEM partnership sealed between HP and Seiko I Infotech in September 2005. These new additions follow HP’s other recent entry into new PSP segments.
In November 2005, HP completed the acquisition of all of the assets of Scitex Vision, thus catapulting HP into the lead position in super-wide format printing, wide format digital press, flatbed large format printing and industrial packaging printing. These categories include applications such as billboards, banners, vehicle graphics, building wraps, POP/POS, tradeshow signs and displays, window graphics, flags, as well as customised packaging.
The Seiko I Infotech partnership and acquisition of Scitex Vision reinforce HP’s position as a one-stop-shop partner for PSPs with a uniquely comprehensive product portfolio comprising large format printers to digital presses and industrial super-wide format printers.
HP’s complete large format product portfolio comprises solutions for PSPs that specialise in durable graphics production printing like the HP Designjet 8000s and HP Designjet 9000s Printer series as well as printing solutions for technical production printing. (Please refer to the press kit for more information on the HP Designjet 8000s and HP Designjet 9000s Printer series)
On the technical production printing side, HP introduced the HP Designjet 4500 Printer series in December 2005. The series is especially suited for repro-houses as well as architecture, engineering and construction companies (AEC), mechanical computer aided design (MCAD) and geographical information systems (GIS) professionals. It is a low-cost, high volume printing solution that makes unattended colour production a viable and cost-effective choice. (Please refer to the press kit for more information on the HP Designjet 4500 Printer series).