HP introduces GEM and Pack Ready for Labels

In-line with the HP Indigo WS6800, GEM is a fully digital one-pass printing press for embellishing with foil, screen, tactile, varnish and other special effects, using one workflow, one operator, and one design file without the need for tooling. The HP Indigo GEM utilizes GEM Coat and GEM Clear, sold by HP Indigo. Developed with JetFX, HP Indigo GEM is available to pre-order at Labelexpo Europe 2017. Shipping is expected to begin in the spring of 2018.

The HP Indigo WS6800 together with the HP Indigo GEM will be powered by the new HP Production Pro for Indigo labels and packaging. With five times faster processing, HP Production Pro is said to deliver higher productivity, scalability and simplicity for any job, including handling large volumes of variable data printing.

HP Production Pro enables converters for the first time to scale their business, and centrally manage fleets of HP Indigo label presses, while connecting the press to automation tools including HP PrintOS, MIS systems and the Esko Automation Engine QuickStart for Labels. Further, HP and Esko have incorporated the Esko Color Engine into HP Production Pro and are extending the cooperation to resell the new Esko Automation Engine QuickStart for Labels, an entry-level tool that optimizes printing and allows converters to ramp up pre-press productivity in a simple and cost-effective manner.

In another software development, HP PrintOS now features: PrintOS Jobs, for production monitoring and job tracking; PrintOS Site Flow, for production of high-volume of short runs and personalized labeling; PrintOS Box, a file exchange which simplifies print file receipt and content validation; and PrintOS Service Center, a single point of access to all service tools.

Pack Ready for Labels supports the production of high performance, high-resistance labels for household and chemical products. It includes an upgraded in-line priming unit as an option on the HP Indigo WS6800 digital press and supplies including varnish and primer that will be sold by Michelman. The new in-line priming unit also delivers enhanced press utilization and better serviceability, it is claimed.

In addition, the new HP Indigo ElectroInk Silver is now in beta customer testing. The new ink formula is capable of generating a wide gamut of metallic colors, combining metallic effects with digital capabilities in one printing process. The new ink is set to expand the application capabilities enabled by HP Indigo’s technology, and open a new field of package design opportunities for converters and brands to stand out on the shelf.

These advances, and others, are presented on the HP stand at Labelexpo Europe 2017, including the HP Indigo WS6800 Digital Press integrated with the HP Indigo GEM, an HP Indigo 20000 with HP Indigo Pack Ready Lamination for flexible packaging production and an HP Indigo 8000. In a store-environment experience, HP Specialty Printing Systems (SPS) OEM partners will demonstrate solutions based on the new SI-1300 desktop labeling print engine and other technology.