Earlier this month, we took the opportunity to utilise both the HP Latex 365 Printer and latest HP Latex 700W Printer based in our Preston showroom, and put them to the test for an honest print comparison.

We set up a linear metre sample file (1.6 metres wide by 1.0 metre long) with some of the most vibrant colours to see how both Printers would handle it. 

Speed comparison

The new HP Latex 700 and 800 Series has been designed to print at higher speeds, without compromising on quality. 

Our own tests have managed to prove this, although the print time we took from the HP Latex 700 in our showroom seemed to equate to just over 15 square metres per hour (HP literature would suggest an average of 17 square metres per hour).

This result may be down to the length of the test print though and longer runs may produce a better average.

The running cost of the 700 / 800 Series also worked out lower than the HP Latex 365 Printer, thanks to the increased ink capacity cartridges. 

Print results 

Moving on to the results, you can see above that the 700 Series has achieved a higher density, especially across the black red and blue colours. This improved vibrancy has been accomplished even though the pass rate has been reduced. 

Arguably, you could reduce the pass rate even further and still achieve the same level of quality and punch of vibrancy. The next step down would be Production Fast (6 Pass).

6-Pass can be printed at 21 square metres per hour on the HP Latex 700 Series and 25 square metres per hour on the HP Latex 800 Series. 

Other notable differences

As seen in the print results, the extra nozzles on the new 700 and 800 Series helps in achieving higher saturation and better resolution, even at lower pass rates.

HP's high scratch resistance was previously achieved by an anti-scratch agent mixed in with all the colours. This is now supplied in it's own cartridge, so you can choose to remove it when laminating and reduce your ink usage.

The new generation can now cure the ink at at lower temperatures, meaning a wider range of materials can be used, self-adhesive gloss vinyls retain even more of their original finish, and the Printer uses less power.

Rolls up to 55kg can be loaded with less manual effort and reduced media waste as a result of the raisable curing module.

The larger touchscreen now also includes a built-in Hard Drive for storing previous jobs, making repeat runs possible at the click of a button without any interaction with the rip.

Finally, the optional addition of white ink for the likes of Window Graphics and Clear Labels expands the range of products you can offer even further. 

If you'd like to put these two machines to the test for yourself, get in touch with our Hardware team to arrange bespoke samples or a private demonstration at our Preston showroom.