When we talk about the types of inkjet inks, we usually discuss the three most common types: water-based, solvent-based, and UV-cured inkjet inks. There are more approaches, and Latex ink systems, popularized by HP, is particularly noteworthy.

Maria Torres, product hardware and supplies team manager – Large Format Production, HP, says that HP Latex printers and inks have been around for nearly two decades, and offer unique advantages.

“HP introduced its Latex printers at drupa 2008, but we started collaborations years before that,” says Torres. “We wanted to improve durability and water resistance, as well as create a coating to improve light fastness. Our Latex inks have a polymer in the ink that helps provide outdoor resistance for our water-based ink.”

Torres notes that HP is on its fourth generation of HP Latex inks, making performance gains with each generation.

“I think the biggest advancement was made from generation 2 to 3, where we improved the ink’s uniformity and added an anti-scratch resistance to it,” Torres observes. “That was a turning point for the technology, and we began to see significantly increased interest and adoption.

“In 2018, we launched our fourth generation of HP Latex printers and ink, with a white Latex ink which stays white over time and offers a lot of benefits in terms of maintenance,” adds Torres. “We also improved the temperature of curing to print on more materials like polypropylene. With our HP Latex R1000 and HP Latex R2000 printers, our customers could print on both rigid and flexible materials. We separated the anti-scratch agent into a dedicated fluid, called Overcoat, enabling optimal lamination by controlling the amount of anti-scratch protection applied.”

Key Advantages of Latex Inkjet Printing

The growth in the use of HP Latex inkjet printing is due to its unique properties. For example, Torres points to the thin, flexible ink layer that is printed on the substrate.

“One of the key advantages is that we have a very thin and flexible ink film on the media, which allows us to address a lot of applications, like thermoforming and canvas, where you have to be able to bend it without any cracking,” Torres says. “Also, thanks to the thin layer, we are compatible with laminating.

“We also have improved productivity because we don’t need to outgas,” Torres notes. “This is a competitive advantage. I remember a case of a customer who had todo floor printing during COVID. The third benefit is these are water-based inks, and they have the advantage of earning UL EcoLabel certification among others, and that is important for print service providers who use these printers for hospitals among other sensitive applications.”

Torres notes that the white ink has a lot of benefits.

“The whiteness we get is remarkable, and our customers are very impressed,” Torres says. “Also, you can store the white ink without any waste, which is part of our smart printing systems; our printers have automatic maintenance and are easy to use for new operators and reacts very fast to stop a print run if needed.”

Key Markets for Latex Printing

Latex printing is finding its best home in the signage and decorative segments.

“For signage, we have both indoor and outdoor applications, and we can print in so many different materials – a campaign for a store can be on coated or uncoated paper, rigid substrates, or floor graphics,” Torres observes. “You can achieve color consistency and the same look and feel. We also are doing well with vehicle wrapping because of the flexibility. One market that has grown is decoration, like wallcoverings, canvas, and window blinds.”

Latex inks differ from water-, solvent-, and energy curable inks in that they feature a polymer that gives resistance to the ink.

“Solvent inks go more into the media; we put some water, and the heat melts the polymer while drying the water,” says Torres. “The pigments and polymer are melted, which provides resistance. UV prints the ink on media and cures it in the light; we don’t have any photointiators in our inks.”

Torres notes that HP is always working on improving and always listening to its customers, which has led to some notable enhancements.

“We launched Pixel Control technology, which works with computer software to decide how much of the ink is used,” Torres says. “We introduced it to our HP Latex R530, HP Latex 630, HP Latex 730, and HP Latex 830 printers. The feedback has been very good from our customers on the image quality.

“We have also introduced the HP Latex R530 hybrid printer, which is designed for smaller print shops, more for entry-level printers,” Torres concludes. “On the higher side, we have the FS (flexible and scalable) printers – they are a big investment, and we are offering a platform that grows with our customers. Our customers are reporting they are getting a lot of traction. We also launched 10-liter supplies for colors and 6 liters for white inks. We are still listening to our customers and continue to work on areas of standing image quality, streamlining workflows and sustainability.”