Two new developments from HP extend the scope of inkjet digital printing upwards and downwards.

One is a mono version of the company’s inkjet web press, initially developed for multiple Chinese user Hucais Group to print black and white books in large and small quantities.

First offering has a 660 mm web width designed for book formats, and is rated to print at up to 244 metres per minute. It has a duty cycle of 123 million A4 sized equivalent images a month. It will be available in other markets later this year.

A new priming solution enables HP inkjet web users to print on commercially-available coated stocks, which typically repel ink creating issues such as coalescence and drying problems.

A first matt solution uses an HP-developed priming agent with Epic Products’ PrimeCoat system.

Regional graphics solutions business vice president and general manager Gido van Praag says customers wanted want to print on a wide variety of media: “The new priming solution reinforces our strategy of offering expanded media options and bringing to market new technology that helps them do more with their presses,” he says.

HP also announced additions to its solutions partner programme, and said it would take its inkjet technology into the growing packaging market. Magnum Digital Solutions, Eltex-Elektrostratik and Kolbus have new equipment for inkjet press users including a sheeter/stacker and electrostatic moisturiser.