OPG to match modern expectations with new HP Latex 3200

Scottish fleet branding solutions provider OPG has paid tribute to its investment in a new HP Latex 3200 wide-format printer, saying the technology is allowing it to satisfy customer demand for high quality printed work.

Purchased from Papergraphics, OPG took delivery of the 2.3m-wide machine in July of this year and has been running the new printer alongside its three existing HP Latex 570 systems as part of its fleet vehicle graphics production line.
 
The majority of vehicle graphics OPG produces are intended for semi-permanent use of up to eight years and, as such, must be fade-resistant, robust, durable and provide protection for the paintwork underneath. Alan Watson, general manager of OPG, said this is one of the primary reasons why the company initially opted for HP Latex 570 and HP Latex inks.
 
In terms of why OPG took on the HP Latex 3200, Watson said that the machine is designed to support higher volume printing and high-quality vehicle graphics at a fast speed – thus fitting in with the company’s ethos.
 
“The HP 3200 is the machine that we have been waiting for; it’s wonderful and we absolutely love it,” Watson said. “We like its productivity; not just how fast it prints - although it is very fast - but also the general increase in uptime we’ve experienced since its installation.
 
“Its design is focused on a production environment, with ease of operation and ease of loading, and all the information for the operator to hand including updates on the state and health of the machine.”
 
Watson also picked up on the environmental benefits of HP Latex, saying that a green-minded approach to work is becoming increasingly important as customer demand for sustainable print rises.
 
“The water-based formulation of HP Latex ink is positive both in terms of environmental credentials and health and safety, which more and more of our customers are demanding,” Watson said.
 
“Graphics printed with Greenguard Gold-certified HP Latex ink, on more sustainable media such as 3M Envision non-PVC print film, in-house by an ISO 14001 business, is a credible green option for our customers.
 
“There are additional environmental benefits in that there is minimal waste; just one linear metre each time we load the roll, which are savings that add up. Crucially, the colour consistency when tiling large-scale vehicle graphics is excellent - the 3200 is achieving corporate colours that CMYK would struggle with - and the quality is stunning.”
 
Watson added that the quality and colour consistency of print is more important than ever, with customers’ expectations much higher, due to the influx of modern technologies such as high-definition television and smartphones. He said that it is critical print companies of all size react to this by delivering high quality print.
 
“Technology has moved on incredibly and high-quality imaging is everywhere you look - high-definition televisions, cinema screens, smartphones,” Watson said. “People expect the same level of quality from printed graphics.”