HP unveils the latest upgrades to its popular suite of custom wall décor solutions, building on the success of its Latex digital printing technology. Set to launch today at Heimtextil 2014, the biggest international trade fair for home and contract textiles, the expanded offering includes updated finishing and media options, as well as exclusive new content, design and mobility features for HP WallArt.
The expansion creates a scalable solution enabling printers ranging from small businesses to large wall-covering manufacturers to fully access the growing trend in customisation for unique or short-run wallpapers, wall-coverings, murals and canvas prints.
Jeff de Kleijn, HP Asia Pacific and Japan, graphic solutions business, sign and display, director and general manager, said, “The wall decoration market is on the verge of a major change enabled by the speed, quality and versatility of HP Latex digital printing technology. Working with industry-leading vendors, HP provides innovative tools and solutions across the entire workflow to help wall-covering manufacturers and printing companies differentiate their offering, reach new customer segments, push creative boundaries and ultimately bring in new revenue.”
Backed up by a modular range of media, finishing options and certifications, HP WallArt is the design centrepiece of the expanded suite. HP WallArt is an easy-to-use, cloud-based web service that helps simplify the design, visualization and production of customized wallcoverings. Launched at Heimtextil 2013, the tool has already been picked up by more than 1,100 customers in 66 countries. HP WallArt will remain free for new and existing HP Latex Printing Technology customers.
New features for HP WallArt include:
- A new alliance with global stock photography company Fotolia, giving users easy access to a wide variety of high quality, professional images, designs and artwork.
- Integration with customers’ online storefronts for a customized and branded web-to-print solution that streamlines quotations, billing and managed information systems.
- A free HP WallArt application for iPad, available through Apple’s App Store, which provides real-time, interactive design and accurate previews of the finished wall layout.
- Easier production of canvas prints, including a multi-panel canvas option and automatically generated installation instructions.
Additional new components for the HP digital printing solution for wall décor include:
- HP PVC-free Durable Suede Wall Paper, a sustainable wallcovering substrate for high-traffic commercial areas that meets American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) F793-Type II certification when printed using HP Latex Inks. Expected to be available from BMG in spring 2014, this new media option is compatible with common adhesives and has been engineered with ColorPRO Technology to deliver excellent color.
- Certifications to help meet international wallcovering industry standards. HP Latex inks have been tested and certified by authorized third party labs and are compatible with industry standards, such as the EN233 standard for washability and colorfastness, the Euro class standard, Class B for flame retardancy and the CE Mark. These tests have been performed on a range of substrates from leading media vendors.
- Automatic winding systems from Fotoba International, which can reduce labor costs and improve efficiency by providing ready-to-pack wallcovering rolls directly from the cutting device. Two models are now available: the REW104 for media up to 104 cm (40.9 in) and the REW160 for media up to 160 cm (62.9 in).