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Posted on by Jennifer Corn Posted in Technology & Products
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Four-Part Series: HP Latex 700 W & 800 W. Why Does the “W” Matter?

Previously in this series, Timothy Mitchell discussed how the 800 series differs from the 700 and how the ink and printheads differ compared to previous generations of HP Latex printers. Now, he takes a closer look at the new white ink in the Latex 700 W and 800 W printers.

White ink technology differs from CMYK because it is made from crushed titanium rather than color pigments. If not properly maintained, the white ink can clog. The new HP printers have a system that keeps the white ink continuously circulating. “White ink cannot sit idle so what we have is constant circulation,” says Mitchell. “The whole process [microcirculation] is designed to get white on demand and have no waste or very little waste. The white printheads stay in their rotational chamber until you’re ready to print again.”

It’s not just the microcirculation that makes the HP white ink so popular; it’s also the versatility and vibrance of the output. According to Mitchell, there’s nothing as simple or bright on the market right now. “The white ink is incredibly easy to use; the brilliance is so outrageous. They are flexible and elastic,” he says.

There are several options for printing with white ink. In the video above, Mitchell details over- and under-flood coats, spot color, and 3- and 5-layer printing. He also discusses how to lay down different amounts of white ink depending on what type of graphics you are printing. One of his favorite products for W series printers is HP Matte Polymeric Overlaminate. “HP has the Matte Polymeric Overlaminate as well as the Gloss. You can use them as a laminate, or you can print on them,” says Mitchell. “They both work beautifully and are an absolute ‘go to’ for me on this printer.”

Now that you’ve learned about the white ink in the HP Latex 700 W and 800 W printers, you can take a closer look at them in The LexJet Experience. If you have questions, contact a LexJet printer specialist at 800-453-9538.

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What They’re Saying: HP Optimal Gloss Air GRP – ‘It Really Shines’
Posted on by Jennifer Corn Posted in Technology & Products
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What They’re Saying: HP Optimal Gloss Air GRP – ‘It Really Shines’

Husband and wife team Rick and Connie Rhind Robey are the owners of SpeedPro Imaging in Silver Spring, Md. Recently, the SpeedPro headquarters in Denver asked for volunteers to test one of the new HP Adhesive Vinyl products from LexJet. The Robeys responded and brought in a roll of HP Optimal Gloss Air GRP and HP Gloss Polymeric Overlaminate.

The first project they created with the Optimal and Gloss laminate was a wall mural. “Wall graphics can be tricky with the new paints,” Rick says. “We did a test with the Optimal and it was a go. It went up well and stayed up well. It was a great start.”

“We’ve been using another product, but it’s kind of pricey. The Optimal has the same characteristics and maybe even a little better holding power,” says Rick. “I’ve been using it [Optimal] based on what the 40C can do: vehicle decals, flat surface, even subtle rivets. One customer was so thrilled, he’s sending us another job.”

While the Optimal is perfect for walls, vehicle decals, and other outdoor signage, there was an opportunity to use it in an unorthodox manner in Rick’s hometown of Kensington, Md. Some of the stores in the downtown area planned a storefront-style appearance on the back of the buildings.

Local artists were commissioned to create art that would decorate these “storefronts” and Rick and his team printed the artwork on Optimal, laminated it with Polymeric Gloss and installed it to hide storage space from street view. 

“I loved the high-quality look of the images. Each section was designed by a different artist. It’s important that the final piece looks great and the artist loves it. It really shines in the high-end market place,” Connie says.

The artwork has generated a lot of interest on “Antique Row” in the quaint downtown area. “The pieces have garnered a lot of attention, it speaks to the work of the artist, the work of the printer and the material,” she says. “With this job, there’s no marketing message to hide behind. It’s showcasing art. And this product really shines.”

Connie, who is also the Marketing Director, says that they are delighted to have a product like this for customers. “It’s fun to find a product that we like so much. We are excited to use it moving forward.” Rick agrees, “the graphics go on and stay on. That’s important. We’ve gained a lot of confidence in the product and will recommend it to other SpeedPro locations.”

If you are interested in trying any of the products from the HP Adhesive Vinyl portfolio, give us a call at 800-453-9538 or visit LexJet.com.

For Wall Graphics, HP Adhesive Vinyl Saves Money & Improves Results
Posted on by Jennifer Corn Posted in Case Studies & Profiles
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For Wall Graphics, HP Adhesive Vinyl Saves Money & Improves Results

Tyler Birch of Atchley Graphics in Columbus, Ohio, was browsing the LexJet website looking for an alternative to his current vinyl and laminate solution that would still be compatible with his Latex 360 and 570 printers. That’s when he found the HP Prime Gloss Air GP.

“I called Dave [Grotkiewicz], my LexJet sales representative who is very knowledgeable and helpful, especially with new products. We discussed the product and he sent me a roll to try,” Birch says.

With a mission to provide quality and value to his customers, Birch is selective about the products he uses. “It’s about peace of mind and long-term value,” he says. “You don’t want someone coming back in two years because their graphic failed or they had a bad experience. It comes down to the materials that you use, and the people who are printing, laminating and installing.”

Birch looked at what he was paying for his current materials and realized he could save as much as $100 when buying a roll of each vinyl and laminate. Because it’s not just about saving money, he needed to see how well the product would image. “The print quality is great, profiles are set, and I don’t have head strikes or color issues as compared to my other products.”

Birch wears multiple hats at Atchley — “As a press operator, I knew the product was doing its job, just like Dave told me it would,” he says.

He also finishes projects, which includes laminating graphics or working with print & cut. “The Prime laminated great with the HP Polymeric Overlaminates and the print and cut capabilities are also excellent,” he says. “The adhesive is a little different. It’s a bit harder, which means you won’t see gray adhesive poking out of the edges of a cut application.”

Not only has the new HP Adhesive Vinyl line helped Birch improve his output, but it also helps ensure his customers are benefiting from the increase in image quality and the decrease in cost. “HP Prime Air really helps us provide value to our customers and at a price point that makes us competitive, which is great since we are a small shop,” he says.

With many more projects lined up, Birch is excited to try other products as well, including HP Optimal Gloss Air GRP – a high-performance product that offers a gray repositionable adhesive – and the new Prime Matte Air GR, which offers a gray removable adhesive.

To learn more about the HP Adhesive Vinyl products, visit LexJet.com or call one of our sales specialists at 800-453-9538 to find out which solution is right for your next project.