Imagine targets billboard printing with HP Scitex LX800

Managing director Darcy Schack (pictured, right, with the press) said Imagine was looking to expand its wide-format capabilities with the 3.2m-wide printer, the largest in HP's Latex Ink range.

"First and foremost, this printer has a sound environmental proposition, which is extremely important to our company's philosophy and to our clients," Schack said.

"The printer's 3.2m-wide capacity means we can produce outdoor billboards and other signage on a green platform, which is fantastic."

Schack said the environmental credentials of the press were a "strong selling point". He said that a number of clients had requested "an environmentally responsible print solution" for their wide-format printing.

"You look at the other heavy solvent machines in the market and you really can't work in the same room with them because of the odour. The HP Scitex Latex machine is the only printer in this size range that has green credentials. We knew we could move this machine in and start printing straight away and that's exactly what we've done," added Schack.

The company, based in the South Island town of Mosgiel, specialises in aerial and commercial photography and prints. The company purchased the press through NZ distributor Jenrite.

"It's printing already and is the most perfect machine we have ever used. We love it," Schack said. "We can produce billboards, fast, and with a quality that meets the expectations of our clients. With photography you can't compromise on the quality of the print and the authenticity of colours."

Imagine also operates a number of HP Designjet Z3200 large-format printers.

"The Z3200 series printers use aqueous inks so the shift to the Scitex machine with Latex inks isn't that much of a diversion for us," Schack said.

The LX800 outputs up to 1,200dpi at up to 88sqm per hour for outdoor billboards and 45sqm per hour for indoor applications. The press was officialy released at Ipex last week, along with a raft of other expansions to HP's wide format range.