The new machine was launched in Los Angeles on Wednesday (16 March) and according to HP, couples the highest productivity with the highest quality in its class.

The manufacturer is pitching the T400 at customers in the book printing, transactional and direct mail environments. HP also intends to explore its use in the commercial print space too, where it claims it would have "a great deal of potential".

According to Scott Schiller, marketing director of HP inkjet high-speed production solutions, the T400 will be targeted at "high-volume" customers in the print sector.

"While the machine's stature resembles an offset press, that is where the similarity ends. The T400 couples productivity and quality with personalisation that really focuses on our message of mass customisation," he added.

The machine prints at a native resolution of 1,200dpi on substrates ranging from 40-200gsm with the ability to upgrade to 350gsm if required.

The HP T400 colour inkjet web press is available to order now with deliveries starting in the second half of 2011.