HP has expanded its digital press portfolio with new HP Indigo presses to offer customers increased productivity, simplified color management and new capabilities for high-value applications.

Building on the success of the flagship WS6000 Digital Press series, HP has introduced the new roll-fed HP Indigo WS6800 Digital Press that offers label and packaging converters faster turnaround times through automated color management, a wider frame and new ink capabilities for expanded applications.

“Our customers are always seeking ways to improve productivity and diversify applications so they can deliver more value to brands and end customers,” says Alon Bar-Shany, vice president and general manager, Indigo Digital Press Division, HP. “The latest releases of our industry-leading portfolio demonstrate our commitment to providing customers state-of-the-art digital printing technology to meet these needs,  while also offering an upgrade path that helps protect their capital investments.”

The new press will be on display for the first time at Dscoop Asia in Bali and will also be showcased at Labelexpo Americas in September in Chicago.

The HP Indigo WS6800 Digital Press, is the third generation of the best-selling HP Indigo WS6000 Digital Press series. The new press is designed to help customers reach new levels of productivity and reduce time spent preparing color profiles and Pantone color matching by up to 75 percent with a new in-line spectrophotometer. Using closed-loop control, the spectrophotometer eliminates the need for manual color calibrations and adjustments. An expanded frame width, increased from 317 mm to 320 mm, allows for higher press output and reduced costs. In addition, label converters can produce up to 131 linear feet per minute in color using Enhanced Productivity Mode (EPM).

Providing improved efficiency in the converting of shrink sleeves, high-slip HP Indigo ElectroInk White reduces production steps with single pass sleeve production. HP Indigo ElectroInk Silver gives labels a metallic look similar to UV flexo silver inks and can be used as a spot or base color on a range of label applications, including paint, automotive, household chemicals, nutraceuticals and soft drinks.

The HP Indigo WS6800 supports the HP SmartStream Labels and Packaging Workflow Suite 4.1, powered by Esko. This workflow suite provides consistent repeat job control and advanced decision-making tools to help select suitable jobs for EPM. A new, high-definition 223 lines per inch (lpi) screen provides increased color gamut space.

In addtion to the WS6800, HP is also introducing the HP Indigo 7800. Offering direct printing on synthetic substrates with One Shot Color technology, the HP Indigo 7800 enables PSPs to print high-value applications, such as plastic cards, overlays, lenticular applications, point-of-sale and premium postcards. The press supports HP Indigo ElectroInk Digital Matte for spot coating effects on glossy substrates in addition to other special inks, including HP Indigo ElectroInk Invisible Red and Light Black. The press also features unique special effects, including raised print, textured effects and digital water marks.

The HP Indigo 7800, like the WS6800, provides automated on-press color management aided by an in-line spectrophotometer. Eliminating the need for manual color manipulations, the in-line spectrophotometer and color management tools help to ensure the best possible match to hard-copy proofs, color uniformity within a page, and color consistency between presses and sites to meet strict brand guidelines. The spectrophotometer also streamlines the process for color standards certifications, such as GRACoL and FOGRA.

Initial shipments of the HP Indigo 7800 and WS6800 Digital Presses are beginning this month. HP Indigo 7800 and WS6800 features are expected to be available as optional field upgrades in early 2015.