HP launches new wallpaper application for Indigo 20000

HP has launched a new workflow application for its Indigo 20000 press that it said will enable wallpaper manufacturers to benefit from the decor opportunities available with digital printing.

The HP Indigo 20000 Digital Press Wallpaper Solution is an optional add-on that HP said will not be available as standard with new 20000s. However, it can be retro installed on any existing machine out in the field, of which there are more than 100, as an additional application.

HP Indigo Wallpaper Solution manager Or Adar said the application, which is commercially available immediately, offers gravure quality to wallpaper manufacturers, helping users with on-demand printing, faster time to market and reduced waste.

“This is a totally new application for the HP Indigo 20000. Historically, the press has only been used for labels and packaging applications. This move into wallpaper production marks our efforts to expand the HP business into interior decoration and diversifies the applications available on our presses,” said Adar.

“HP created this solution in response to two key trends that are currently driving the market – mass-customisation, and making designs less industrial, and more consumer friendly.

“It has always been our aim at HP to democratise technology for the masses, and this new solution is a key driving force in our plans to do.”

He added: “We have targeted this product specifically at wallpaper manufacturers for high-volume endless printing. With the HP Indigo 20000, wallpaper manufacturers can reduce waste, print faster, and turn every metre into a new design.”

HP debuted the new application at Heimtextil, the international trade fair for textile and garment manufacturing held last week in Frankfurt, Germany.

“Heimtextil was the perfect setting to showcase this solution as the event reaches the product target – wallpaper manufacturers. Additionally, we wanted to show up big at Heimtextil this year to demonstrate HP’s commitment to the interior decor market,” said Adar.

Using the new application, the Indigo 20000 is capable of producing 'endless' printing at 1,515sqm/hr, with a 740mm width.

Adar said wallpaper printing uses HP Indigo ElectroInks, including standard CMYK and White from the extended ink portfolio.

Wallpaper substrates for the press are available to customers through suppliers including Felix Schoeller and Van Merksteijn.