The new single-pass platform is intended to aid converters to optimise manufacturing expenses and enhance operational efficiency for the production of corrugated packaging

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HP launches HP PageWide C550 Press. (Credit: HP Development Company, L.P.)

American technology firm Hewlett-Packard (HP) has launched its latest high-speed, post-print digital corrugated press known as the HP PageWide C550 Press.

The new advanced single-pass platform is intended to aid converters to optimise manufacturing expenses and enhance operational efficiency for the production of corrugated packaging.

HP said that the C550 offers increased productivity and value to the industrial packaging sector and is built on the C500 press.

The C550 press supports the circular economy objectives of packaging converters by utilising HP’s Thermal Inkjet technology. It also uses real water-based inks to produce consistent offset print quality.

According to the company, the C550 press has a speed of 90lm/min, which allows it to print high-quality Flexo and Litho boxes at a continuous rate without slowing down.

It will also aid converters to maximise stocks, lower obsolescence, and fasten turnaround times through the use of digital printing technology, HP claimed.

HP post-print corrugated solutions general manager David Tomer said: “HP is continuing its investment in the packaging market to create new opportunities for packaging converters and brands to benefit from the analogue to digital transformation.

“We are very excited to deliver the C550 press to the corrugated industry. It is built on the field-proven success of the C500 press and allows converters to economically produce Flexo and Litho boxes at high speeds without slowing down the press.

“We are constantly working on innovative solutions that not only improve post-print stability and productivity for converters, but also meet the quality and flexibility demands of brands for packaging.”

The C550 press is said to offer improved economics, higher production adaptability, and more environmentally friendly packaging solutions.

Available for installation later this year, the press increases plant capacity and reduces manufacturing costs for corrugated packaging production.

The American firm has already secured an order from corrugated packaging specialist Saica Group to install the C550 press at its operations in Viana, Spain.

Additionally, HP has partnered with HYBRID Software on prepress workflow for packaging to transition artwork from Litho and Flexo formats.