OUTPUT

Of the two new HP Designjet latex printers to have been introduced recently, I'm opting for a closer look at the smaller of these two units because it's available now. The second, larger L28500 model (2.64m wide) will be ready to ship in the new year, but the Designjet L26500 is joining the European latex tour in this country which starts on November 15th.

Following on from the earlier Designjet L25500 printer, this new machine now incorporates some features that address options which became, perhaps, obvious omissions in the previous versions. One of the additions which is only small, but marks HP's acknowledgment that soft signage is a market for which this technology is well suited, is the extra inch of width now able to be handled by this unit. Odd though it might sound, the move to a maximum width of 1.55m (61") is significant as it means that people wanting to print to digital textiles can now do so, because this is a particularly common size.

In appearance terms, there are few obvious differences between the old and new Designjet L machines but some hard work has been going on beneath the bonnet in terms of enhancements. One of the most noticeable of these is a neat loading accessory which, combined with the edge holder, makes it easier to keep materials stable during the production process. There's also a double-sided option which works best with HP's matched media plus the latest version of the ink, designated HP 792, which has been Eco Mark certified by the Japan Environment Association.

The Designjet L26500 is a sturdy machine in a familiar chassis with a modest footprint, working with six colours, a maximum resolution of 1,200dpi and acceptable throughput speeds. It's surprisingly easy to load and to work with, and is happy printing to uncoated low-cost and eco-solvent compatible materials as well as HP's own growing list of products.

What's of particular relevance in this machine, and its forthcoming big brother, is its ability to work with materials suitable for soft sign production. This can be extended into interior décor and other applications where a lightweight graphics solution is going to be beneficial, such as exhibition stands and banners.

It's a versatile unit, too. Like its predecessors, the Designjet L26500 is also going to be suitable for vehicle graphics and wraps, plus other exterior jobs which compete with solvent-based technologies. One of the benefits of latex printing technologies has always been the ability to overlaminate prints immediately without fear of outgassing, thus speeding up the finishing process.

HP is also addressing training for its latex printing technologies, having just announced a 'university' as well as its Ecosolutions Trained Printing Company programme.

Target audience
Sign-makers and display producers who want a good, all-round machine which has the benefits of solvent-based technology without the smell, and who want to be able to participate more in the move to greener production methods. It's also well suited to architects and designers who want to print their concepts for commercial and domestic interiors on a variety of different materials.

Relevant applications
General signs and displays on flexible materials, vehicle graphics and wraps, exhibition graphics and banners. The L26500 can also work with digital textiles to produce soft signs, wall coverings and interior décor.

Price
£21,892

Pros and cons
HP has built on the initial concept of its latex printing technologies and the earlier machines in the series with improvements to material handling and ink properties. The ability to work with digital textiles for soft signs complements the printer's versatility for a wide range of indoor and outdoor jobs, including vehicle graphics. This makes it a good choice for users wanting to produce general six-colour jobs with an environmental emphasis. On the other side of the coin, PSPs won't find white or metallic options on this machine, and nor is there yet a matched cutter for people wanting to produce print-and-cut applications.

Verdict
The HP Designjet L26500 is a good, flexible all-rounder for general display production and for those wanting an inexpensive step into soft signs but who don't want to follow the dye sublimation route. The technology addresses plenty of environmental issues, helped by HP's recycling programme and its new training courses.

Ease of use: 4/5
Speed: 4/5
Quality: 4/5
Versatility: 5/5
Value for money: 5/5