The firm is set to reveal the details of the machine, called the DesignJet 9000, at a press conference in Barcelona later this month.

It will expand the DesignJet range into the outdoor graphics market, filling a gap in the printing giant's range between its thermal ink-jet machines for indoor work and the grand-format UV and solvent-based production machines of recent acquisition Scitex Vision.

The DesignJet 9000 is based on Seiko I Infotech (SII) printing technology. The use of this technology comes as a result of the deal between the two companies, which was announced in September at Print 05. SII is a sister firm to HP rival Epson, which is also part of the Seiko group of companies.

Until now, the DesignJet name has only been used for the firm's own wide-format printers, which use its self-developed thermal ink-jet print heads.

The machine will be available in a range of configurations, including as a complete package with RIP or as a standalone machine so that customers can use their RIP of choice.

It will be sold via the HP dealer channel, although the firm has yet to finalise which of its UK dealers will sell the 9000.

Like SII's ColorPainter range, which is available in 64in and 100in widths, it uses low-solvent inks suitable for a wide range of uncoated media and is capable of withstanding outdoor use.

The 9000 is thought to be the 64in version.