What does it do?
The HP PageWide T300 HD series comprise three new variations of the 762mm-wide full-colour inkjet web press that was first announced by HP at Drupa 2008. The models are the T370 HD, T380 HD and T390 HD, with Performance Mode top speeds of 183m/min, 244m/min and 305m/min respectively, although all run at the same 152/min in Quality Mode. The T370 HD and T380 HD can be upgraded to T390 HD standard.
The higher speeds and quality come from HP’s own High Definition Nozzle Architecture greyscale printheads, already available on the 1,067mm width T400 HD series and the 558mm T200 HD presses.
These “deliver smooth colour fills, gradients and skin tones while featuring incredible shadow detail,” says Heath Ponstein, product manager, HP PageWide Industrial.
When was it launched and what market is it aimed at?
The T300 HD series was announced at Graph Expo in September 2016, and will ship in the coming summer. Existing T300, T350 or T360 customers will be able to retrofit HDNA heads.
Target markets are primarily publishing, commercial printing and direct mail applications. HP backs this up by saying that the HD models can print “offset-class quality”.
How does it work?
The T300 HD models are large, twin-engined duplex four-colour inkjet presses. The base configuration is roll-to-roll, but there are Contiweb splicers and inline finishing options.
The ink is an aqueous pigment type and needs powerful driers after each print unit. In addition to inkjet treated media, HP Bonding Agent (applied only where ink will go) enables printing on offset uncoated media (40-350gsm) with good optical density. An optional priming unit can be used with matt and gloss coated offset papers.
HP’s PageWide series thermal heads have comparatively short lives so the mounts allow quick and easy clip out-in replacement. On the T390 HD there are 140 HDNA heads. They have 2,400 nozzles per inch, arranged in pairs with large and small nozzle diameters, giving two ink drop weights per pair. By varying the firing of adjacent nozzles in Quality Mode, up to seven density levels (greyscales) can be generated per colour. Only the high drop weights are used in Performance Mode, so resolution is a still respectable 1,200dpi.
HP’s SmartStream Elite Production Print Server digital front-end can process variable data in the vast quantities needed to drive the printheads and generate millions of drops per second. Software also includes the SmartStream Web Press Color Studio for colour management.
How fast/productive is it?
The fastest T390 HD can run in Performance Mode at up to 305m/min, equivalent to more than 367,000 A4 pages per hour. Ponstein says “this provides a conservative duty cycle of 148 million A4 pages per month without a splicer”.
The 762mm paper path enables up to B1 sized sheets, so the T390 HD can also produce more than 18,200 duplex B1 sheets per hour in Performance Mode and is available with an inline sheeter.
How does it differ from previous models?
The HD models have the HDNA printheads and new electronics to control them. The previous models had 1,200dpi heads with no greyscale capability.
What’s the USP?
There’s more than one, says Ponstein. “HDNA is a real game-changer. The higher level of productivity and the offset-class quality is just phenomenal. Our very first customer who took delivery of our very first press in 2009 can upgrade to this latest technology. This level of upgradability is unique to HP and differentiates us from every other manufacturer.”
How easy is it to use?
“All HP PageWide Web Presses are fairly easy to use,” says Ponstein. “Our presses all feature a set of large graphic user interfaces and straightforward interactions with the press. In fact, as a marketing product manager, even I have been certified to run our presses!”
What’s the training and support package?
All provided by HP Services.
What does it cost?
Ponstein says: “Pricing will likely be comparable to the earlier T300 non-HDNA series and will offer even higher TCO to our customers with increased productivity,” he says.
What’s the sales target?
No figures, but Ponstein says that some 25% of existing T200 and T400 series owners have already upgraded to HDNA. “We expect similar strong adoption of HDNA on the T300 series install base,” he says.
SPECIFICATIONS
Performance mode speed 183m/min (T370 HD), 244m/minute (T380 HD), 305m/minute (T390HD)
Quality mode speed 152m/minute
Handling Tight web continuous roll-fed
Paper width 203 to 762mm
Stock weight range 40-350gsm
Media types Standard uncoated offset media, inkjet-optimised coated media, ColorPRO media series, and offset coated media (with HP Priming Agent)
Print technology HDNA thermal inkjet
Ink type Water-based HP pigment inks and Bonding Agent
Ink colours CMYK
Max print width up to 739mm
Footprint 3.2x19m
Price From around £3m
Contact HP 01344 363368 www.hp.com
ALTERNATIVES
Canon Océ JetStream 5500
The fastest of the 761mm JetStream Wide family, this one is rated at 254m/min. Other models are the 3300 (150m/min) and 4300 (200m/min)
Speed 254m/minute
Max paper width 761mm
Print technology Océ DigiDrop piezo electric inkjet
Max resolution “perceived” 1,200dpi
Ink colours CMYK (black-only model available) plus optional spot or MICR
Price from about £3.5m
Contact Canon 020 8588 8000 www.canon.co.uk
Kodak Prosper 6000C Press
Second generation full-colour Prosper press with Stream inkjet tech, launched in 2014. It’s a bit narrower than the 760mm rivals. Improved ink density/drying over older 5000XL models. Quality looks good.
Speed 300m/min (on newsprint and uncoated matt paper), 200m/min (on coated gloss or silk paper)
Max paper width 621mm
Print technology Kodak Stream continuous inkjet
Resolution “Equivalent to 200lpi screening”
Ink colours CMYK
Price around £3m
Contact Kodak 0845 602 5991 www.kodak.com
Xerox Impika Evolution 250 TED 44
The Evolution is modular and available in a range of configurations up to four-colour duplex at 254m/min. The 250 TED 44 configuration is the closest to the HP in price, speed and greyscale capability, though significantly narrower.
Speed 250m/minute
Max paper width 510mm
Print technology piezo electric inkjet
Max resolution 600x1,200dpi (2-bit 600x600dpi)
Ink colours CMYK
Price from £3m depending on spec
Contact Xerox UK 0330 123 3245 www.xerox.com
