HP launches wide-swath printhead

Manufactured by HP Specialty Printing Systems using HP Thermal Inkjet Technology, the new HP 22mm printhead can be integrated into OEM printing systems and configured to specific applications.

It prints at up to 150m/min in 1200 x 600 dpi, and has a 775ml ink supply cartridge that can be connected to as many as four printheads at once. The printhead can be replaced in minutes without specific operator training, allowing continuous production.

Horizontal and vertical firing position provides flexibility for a range of applications, while HP also stated that its new wide-swathe printhead technology achieves the highest level of barcode reading scores, readable from smartphones to a handheld scanner, required in product distribution and logistics.

The new printhead supports a wide range of stitch-free product coding and marking applications for secondary packaging, including pharmaceutical labels and cartons, secondary box label replacement, as well as variable data printing.

Annette Friskopp, general manager of HP Specialty Printing Systems, said: ‘Product identification is used increasingly in manufacturing and supply chains to help brand owners protect products. Smart barcodes and more data-rich codes require high print quality.

‘HP is bringing advanced technology to protect products with the new HP 22mm printhead and inks. This new, wider printhead offers better image resolution at higher speeds.’

The new HP 22mm printhead will be commercially available in the second half of 2018.

Additionally, the company’s HP2580 ink for food and pharma packaging has received the European Printing Ink Association’s Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for Printing Inks for Food Contact Materials (2017).