HP unveils latest post-print digital corrugated press designed to lower costs and increases efficiency

USA – HP has introduced its HP PageWide C550 post-print digital corrugated press, its latest high-speed, post-print digital corrugated press.

Based on the C500 press, the new single-pass platform is designed to optimize operational efficiency and lower the manufacturing costs of corrugated Flexo and Litho boxes.

The C550 is designed to increase productivity while delivering consistent offset print quality by using HP‘s Thermal Inkjet technology and true water-based inks.

It enables improved economics, increased plant capacity, greater versatility in the production process, and the implementation of ‘more sustainable’ packaging solutions, as well as growth opportunities within the increasing supply chain pressure faced by converters.

The C550 runs at a speed of 90 linear meters or 295 linear feet per minute, which allows it to produce high-quality Flexo and Litho packaging without slowing down, according to HP.

It is expected that converters can utilize its rapid digital print to optimise inventories, reduce obsolescence, and accelerate turnaround times.

HP post-print corrugated solutions general manager David Tomer said: “HP is continuing its investment in the packaging market to create new opportunities for packaging converters and brands to benefit from the analogue to digital transformation.

“We are very excited to deliver the C550 press to the corrugated industry. It is built on the field-proven success of the C500 press and allows converters to economically produce Flexo and Litho boxes at high speeds without slowing down the press.

“We are constantly working on innovative solutions that not only improve post-print stability and productivity for converters, but also meet the quality and flexibility demands of brands for packaging.”

HP states that it aims to usher in a digital transformation and respond to increasing demand for shorter and customized runs with innovative technologies.

The company has already received an order from corrugated packaging specialist Saica Group to install the press at its operations in Viana, Spain.

The press will be installed later this year and is expected to increase the facility’s production of corrugated packaging.

HP recently worked with HYBRID Software on a prepress workflow for packaging to easily transition artwork from litho and flexo formats.

HYBRID PackZ provides a unique blend of automated actions and dedicated prepress tools. The professional PDF editor makes designs ready for any print process, by enriching them with priming and finishing separation, handling ink sets and object-based screening, as well as applying trapping and generating dynamic marks and panels.

HYBRID PackZ will enable C550 converters to prepare files efficiently, and reduce errors, making prepress easier and more productive.

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