Sophie Matthews-Paul
HP Designjet L26500
Less than four years ago, HP caused something of a stir with the introduction of its first, low cost Designjet printers which incorporated latex ink technology. This brought the platform within reach of the countless users who liked the concept but didn’t have pockets sufficiently deep to invest in what has now become the HP Scitex LX machine.
The original L25500 became popular but, as is common with any new developments, there were a few gripes and grumbles amidst the overall positive comments about the capabilities of the printer. I had always viewed the machine as being a possible option for printing direct to textile but, in its earlier version, many of the materials available were slightly too wide. Likewise, the rollers and feed mechanism would need attention were this market sector to be addressed more seriously.
Thus, one of the additions in the HP Designjet L26500 is the extra inch of width now available on the unit which looks, to all intents and purposes, much the same as its predecessor. This increase to 1.55m is significant as it now brings into reach many materials which, hitherto, couldn’t be used straight off a standard roll on this engine.
Most of the refinements in the L26500 lie under the bonnet and aren’t immediately noticeable from the outside. What does constitute a major improvement is a loading accessory which, when combined with the edge holder, makes it a far simpler operation to keep materials stable during the printing process.
Another good enhancement is the introduction of a double-sided print option which is configured to work best with HP’s own portfolio of matched material. HP’s also improved the ink formulation, which is now called HP 792. This produces a far better, and necessary, higher optical density on the black, with a broader colour gamut, improved gloss and greater longevity in the durability of most output. These new inks are Eco Mark certified by the Japan Environment Association.
The HP Designjet L26500 is joined by its larger counterpart, the L28500, which has a 2.64m width. Both still incorporate HP’s thermal ink-jet print-heads with six colours, retaining the user changeability with their snap out/snap in configuration. Three pairs of HP 792 heads use the company’s double swath technology to print a 43mm swath, and the proprietary Optical Media Advance Sensor (OMAS) controls the material accurately across these longer print swaths.
The incumbent versatility, which has made HP’s latex printing technology popular amongst many sign-makers and display producers, has now been enhanced with the ability to print to many digital textiles. This makes it almost a one-stop shop for users wanting a machine which happily run out vehicle graphics and wraps, plus interior and exterior jobs that compete with solvent-based machines. One of its benefits is the ability for output to be laminated immediately without worries about outgassing.
This is a good, sturdy printer which has taken on-board some sensible improvements to make it genuine roll-fed all-rounder. Because of its environmental credentials and lack of odour, it’s also starting to appeal to architects and interior designers who want to print concepts and final jobs for a variety of commercial and residential environments.