HP Expands Large Format Solutions

Celebrating 30 years of HP DesignJet innovation, the new HP DesignJet Z6 Pro and Z9+ Pro deliver best-ever professional photo quality (compared to previous HP DesignJet Z-series models), all while keeping data secure.

With the two new HP DesignJet Z Pro devices, HP is offering print service providers (PSPs) and Geographic Information System (GIS) analysts the latest solutions to produce professional photo-quality prints and high precision colourful GIS-generated maps.

‘As our customers continue to grapple with uncertain business conditions following a uniquely challenging past couple of years, we know that expanding their print application reach, an ability to move fast and outstanding colour and graphics performance define their large format printing needs,’ said Daniel Martinez, General Manager, Large Format Business, HP.

Thanks to the chromatic RGB HP Vivid Photo Inks, HP DesignJet Z Pro users can now achieve 93% Pantone coverage – 26% more gamut compared to the previous generation – and produce prints with the image quality of a 12-ink printer with just nine inks. This was measured with Konica Minolta FD-9, with HP Premium Instant-dry Gloss Photo Paper in Best print mode, and with Extra Passes selector enabled, using gamut construction method = alpha shape with value = 1000, without colour management.)

Additional features include the High-Definition Nozzle Architecture (HDNA) printheads. The one litre Eco-Carton delivers an 80% reduction in plastic, while the Inner materials including the ink bag are 55% recyclable. Dual drop technology reduces visible grain and eliminates the need for light coloured inks. They promise prints with clear details and dazzling-contrasts.

The HP DesignJet Z9+ Pro is the perfect choice for PSPs looking for a professional photo quality printer. Users can customise ICC profiles for their print jobs and achieve desired colour accuracy and consistency. Embedded in the HP DesignJet Z9+ Pro 162.56cm (64”) printer is an i1 spectrophotometer from X-Rite. Close collaboration between HP and X-Rite ensures a reliable solution that has been thoroughly tested to meet customer demands for ease, quality, and dependability. PSPs also have the option to include the HP Gloss Enhancer Upgrade Kit to produce superior gloss uniformity.

Additionally, the HP PrintOS mobile app lets PSPs take more control of their print operations – from monitoring performance and reacting to issues, to sharing media pre-sets remotely. This requires an HP PrintOS account, internet connection and a connected Internet-capable device.

For the first time, the new HP DesignJet Z Pro printer series also incorporates the HP PrintOS Service Centre application. This smart cloud-based solution enables users to gain a single, real-time view of all ongoing service cases, with updates that are accessible anytime and anywhere.

For GIS analysts looking to produce very precise maps, print sharp contour lines and text with close attention to keeping data secure, the HP DesignJet Z6 Pro is the ideal printer. The Adobe PDF Print Engine (Adobe PostScript®/PDF upgrade kit is sold separately. The Adobe PDF Print Engine (APPE) is Adobe’s high speed, high fidelity print platform. Version 5.5 extends APPE’s leading edge for print reproduction with performance efficiencies and breakthrough rendering features. APPE 5.5 enables printers to increase workflow efficiency and capitalise on the profit potential of innovations in inkjet print technology.

The DesignJet Z6 Pro is the world’s most secure large-format printer, promising the best data protection through encrypted communications and Access Control List (based on comparison of published security specifications commissioned by HP and performed by Sogeti in January 2021.

Both the DesignJet Z6 Pro and Z9+ Pro also enhance efficiency with the fastest media handling, spindle-less and automatic roll feed. The DesignJet Z6 Pro prints twice as fast on plain paper at the same quality (faster compared to the HP DesignJet Z6810 152,4cm (60”) production printer. Using plain paper and Fast mode, the HP DesignJet Z6 Pro 162.56cm printer can achieve speeds of 99sqm/hr at the same quality as the HP DesignJet Z6810 152,4cm production Printer using plain paper and Normal mode at speed of 51sqm/hr while the HP DesignJet Z9+ Pro allows users to print up to 18% faster, with better quality, on satin photo media – and 46% faster on canvas. This is based on internal HP testing, January 2021 compared to the HP DesignJet Z6810 152,4cm production printer.

Using HP Premium Instant-dry Satin Photo Paper in Best mode, the DesignJet Z9+ Pro printer can achieve speeds of 14.1sqm/hr compared to the DesignJet Z6810 152,4cm production printer that can achieve speeds of 12sqm/hr. Using HP Artist Matte Canvas paper, in Normal mode, the DesignJet Z9+ Pro can achieve speeds of 19sqm/hr compared to the DesignJet Z6810 production printer that can achieve speeds of 9sqm/hr.