HP has updated its DesignJet line of roll-fed aqueous inkjet printers with the introduction of two new models, the Z6 Pro and the Z9+ Pro, and added three new printers to its PageWide XL series, aimed at poster production, with two MFP models and one that can print from rolls, sheets and boards at up to 700sqm/hr.

The DesignJets are both 1.6m printers, offering six or nine (10 including an optional gloss enhancer) colours. The six-colour Z6 Pro is aimed primarily at technical repro markets, while the nine-colour Z9+ Pro is intended for professional photo printing options in fine art, display and gallery work. HP says it has improved image quality on both compared to the models they replace, and the Z9+ Pro offers chromatic red, blue and green inks in addition to CMY, two ‘photo’ blacks and grey for a wider gamut (described as 26% larger than in the outgoing Z6180 model) and high quality mono photo reproduction. This is backed by a built-in spectrophotometer for automated calibration and media profiling; the Z6 Pro includes a densitometer.

Productivity of the new DesignJet models is said to be 18% better on photo papers and 46% better on canvas than the previous models, though HP did not quote speeds in square metres per hour, saying only that it is the ‘fastest in its category’. A spindle-less loading system simplifies and speeds media changes, while 1l ink containers that are fully recyclable reduce stoppages for ink top-ups. The printheads, a new implementation of HP’s HDNA (high definition nozzle array) design are user-replaceable. Both machines can be monitored via HP’s PrintOS and the Z6 Pro is designed for a high level of security in enterprise installations.

The new PageWide XL models, the 5200 MFP, 8200 MFP and Pro 10000 printer, are in addition to existing offerings and expand the applications for HP’s PageWide technology in this segment, from mapping and GIS/CAD or architectural applications to posters and PoS/PoP items, which can be produced at up to 700sqm/hr on the 10000 model, which can also be fitted with 5l hot-swappable ink boxes to support long production runs.

All three new PageWide printers are CMYK-only and print to widths of 1m by whatever roll length; rolls are loaded two per drawer, with two drawers in the 5200/8200 models and three on the 10000, all using a spindle-less system similar to the DesignJets’. The top of the range unit can also be fitted with an optional feeding table that allows cut-sheet media, including boards up to 10mm thick to be printed. Paper-based inkjet-treated media is required and productivity on cut-sheet materials up to 2mm thick is 500sqm/hr and 1000 sqm/hr on thicker materials. Double-sided printing is possible on cut-sheet media by reloading the sheets. As with the Design Jets, the new HDNA printheads are user-replaceable.

The PageWide XL models can also be monitored from anywhere with an internet connection via PrintOS and the printers can be driven by HP’s SmartStream software in conjunction with Onyx or Caldera Rips. The PageWide XL printers are available from 15 September and the DesignJets from 1 October 2021.