HP Latex - The Key Differences of the 4th Generation

If you're considering a Latex / Resin Printer, then this is the place to start...

With lower running costs than Solvent, Latex has proved itself as something of an economical workhorse within the print industry over the last 10 years.

No odour, instant dry and again no need to ‘gas off’, prints from a Latex can be finished and laminated as soon as they are off the machine.

In today’s ecologically conscious times, latex ink’s water-based tech has acknowledged green credentials where the other systems do not.

The colour vibrancy of latex is again, not quite up there with with solvent, but unlike UV it does benefit from high flexibility, making it an ideal solution for vehicle graphics and wrapping. The machines do require more heat to cure the water-based inks, so heat sensitive materials are typically ruled out.

In the last few years, HP have also developed their own white ink to compete against UV, which also benefits from being opaque and a great added-value feature for producing eye-catching window graphics.

Read more about the Whys and Hows of White ink Printing

If stickers and decals are part of your business, there are no integrated print and cut latex machines either. Again, whether separate machines are best for your production or an all-in-one, this post looks at the options.

In 2021, HP introduced the first Generation 4 models to the market, designed to replace the well-established Gen3 300 Series.

How do the Gen4 Printers compare to Gen3 (300 Series)?

• Optional White ink functionality for Window Graphics
• Increased ink capacity from 775ml to 1,000ml (3,000ml on the L800)
• Spindle-less system for faster media loading (ideal for tight workspace)
• Up to 30% lower curing temperature (improved media versatility)
• All-new Printheads with 50% more nozzles for sharper text and accuracy
• Longer lasting Printheads (average of 6-litre lifespan versus 4-litres)
• Separate Overcoat ink – reduce ink usage when laminating
• Built-in Job Queue allowing you to send reprints from the Printer’s Front Panel
• Improved vibrancy and saturation (especially on red and black)
  
  

HP Latex 700 / 800 Series

All three models (630 / 700 / 800) use the same ink and printhead technology, so compatibility across medias will remain the same. That said, the L700 and L800 are designed for higher versatility, with an optional ink collector unit available for printing on porous materials / textiles and an in-built spectrophotometer to create unique profiles for materials not listed in the online library.

Find out more about the HP Latex 700 and 800 Printer Series


HP Latex 630

The HP Latex 630 Printer takes all the features of the 700, but is designed to fit a lower budget when production speed isn’t as crucial.

HP have removed the spectrophotometer that is equipped by the L700 / L800 to maintain highly accurate colour matching consistency. With this in mind, the L630 is better suited to a print department that doesn't rely on a high level of uniformity or anticipate prints from different printing periods to be scrutinised and overlapped. For everyday signage and wrapping companies, this should still be a model to seriously consider.

The L630 is also available with white ink, includes a basic RIP Software in the box and can also be bundled with a HP Vinyl Cutter for a complete Print and Cut package.

The L700 / L800 models don't include an in-box RIP package or a 'HP's own' Vinyl Cutter, so we would usually bundle other brands tried and tested alongside HP Latex. 

Find out more about the HP Latex 630 Printer Series

If we've missed anything out or you have any specific questions, get in touch in any of the usual ways or through social media.
At Granthams GT we know the right printer is the one that fits into your business and we like to think we’ve been around long enough to know how to help.

See our full range of Latex printers here