Features Digital Printing Printing
HP Introduces Indigo GEM and ElectroInk Silver

HP Inc. introduced a range of new technologies for digital printing and embellishment of labels during Labelexpo taking place in Brussels this week. This includes the new HP Indigo GEM, a one-pass digital embellishment system now available for pre-ordering.

Integrated with the HP Indigo WS6800 Digital Press, the GEM produces labels with foil, screen, tactile, varnish and other special effects, using one workflow, one operator, and one design file without the need for tooling. The HP Indigo GEM utilizes GEM Coat and GEM Clear, developed in conjunction with JetFX. Shipping of the GEM is expected to begin in the spring of 2018.

“Our LEP technology unveiled at drupa last year was a leap forward, and fully launched to customers. The innovation now continues, as we expand our capabilities and bring the industry’s most powerful digital label printing solutions that will help converters double their digital business over the next few years,” said Alon Bar-Shany, General Manager, HP Indigo, HP Inc.
 
At Labelexpo 2017, HP is demonstrating the HP Indigo WS6800 integrated GEM, as well as the HP Indigo 20000 press with Pack Ready Lamination for flexible packaging, and the HP Indigo 8000 press. Pack Ready for Labels is a new solution to produce high-resistance labels. It includes an upgraded Inline Priming Unit as an option on the HP Indigo WS6800.
 
HP Indigo also announced a new ElectroInk Silver, now in beta customer testing. The new ink formula is capable of generating a wide gamut of metallic colours, combining metallic effects with digital capabilities in one printing process.
 
The HP Indigo WS6800 with Indigo GEM will be powered by the new HP Production Pro with what the company describes as five times faster processing to handle large volumes of variable data printing. HP Production Pro enables converters to centrally manage fleets of HP Indigo label presses, while connecting the press to automation tools like HP PrintOS, MIS systems and the Esko Automation Engine QuickStart for Labels.
 
Also announced today, HP and Esko have incorporated the Esko Color Engine into HP Production Pro and are extending the cooperation to resell the new Esko Automation Engine QuickStart for Labels, an entry-level solution that allows converters to ramp up prepress productivity in a simple and cost-effective manner.