It seems like only yesterday… In 2008, HP launched its very first Latex wide-format printer and in the 16 years (!) since, the aqueous ink-based technology has taken the world by storm. With its ability to print on a wide variety of materials, it has become the go-to printer technology for many display graphics providers. I’ve spoken to many shop owners over the years whose Latexes (Latices?) are the workhorses of their businesses—and in some cases the only kind of printer they have. The Latex line has evolved steadily, adding a flatbed version for printing on rigid materials, and last year’s Latex 2700 added white ink, something for which users have been clamoring for ages.

And the evolution continues. Last month, HP launched its new series of Latex printers, the HP Latex FS50 and FS60 series. A line of “superwide” units (126-in./3.2m wide), the new units are available in eight-color (black, cyan, light cyan, light magenta, magenta, yellow, HP Latex Optimizer, HP Latex Overcoat) or nine-color options (the Latex FS50 W and FS60 W) that add white ink. The primary differences between the FS50 and FS60 are ink cartridge size and media support. The FS50 uses five-liter color (three-liter white) cartridges and a single roll up to 350 lbs., while the FS60 uses 10-liter color (three-liter white) cartridges and a single roll up to 660 lbs.

“With HP Latex technology you can print on virtually any substrate to create signage, vehicle wraps, décor, stickers, posters, and more,” said Oscar Vidal, Global Director, Product & Strategy, Large Format Print, for HP. “The HP Latex FS50 and FS60 are part of HP’s scalable large-format printing solutions, that have been designed specifically for mid- to high-volume print service providers. The new printer series manages more diverse print applications, offering scalable large format print solutions. This means that the HP Latex FS50 and FS60 series meet HP’s commitment to offer print solutions that are suitable for all business needs, especially PSPs looking to grow their capabilities within large-format print.”