HP is launching a range of large-format printers for print service providers, ahead of plans to split the company in two by the end of the year.
The range will seek to reduce operating costs for service providers by increasing workflow and enabling greater automation, with the associated HP Latex Mobile App allowing remote management of print jobs.
Xavier Garcia, VP and GM of the Large-Format Sign and Display Division at HP, said: "Print service providers and converters are challenged to do more applications and keep productivity high, while reducing costs and working with limited space.
"Backed by HP Latex and Scitex technologies, the new printers address demanding print service provider and converter needs for lowering operational costs, increasing workflow efficiencies and broadening application versatility to drive profitable growth."
Chief among the releases is the HP Latex 370 Printer, which prints across a range of materials including textiles, canvas and wallpaper, whilst enabling cartridge changing whilst the machine is still running.
The HP Scitex range meanwhile focuses on improving image quality on a range of more complex materials, including industrial and corrugated media.
"We’ve seen a significant improvement in media hold down with the Corrugated Grip," said Guy Frenkel, managing director at packaging manufacturer Carmel Frenkel.
"There’s no need to manually bend the media before stacking, and the machine runs non-stop, so my operators are free for other activities."
HP has also announced the launch of an HP Latex software developers kit, which it claims will allow better integration of third-party tools with its printers.
Later this year the company plans to spin-off the enterprise IT business from its printer and PC division.
