Palo Alto, Calif. – New York City-based Duggal Visual Solutions Inc. (DVS) has added a latex ink HP Scitex LX800 Printer and an HP Indigo press 5500 to its operations, offering customers a range of new applications such as wall paper, vehicle graphics, fashion "look books," art catalogs, cosmetic swatches and photo portfolios.

A leading supplier of printing, computer imaging, wide-format graphics and display services, DVS continuously seeks to expand its arsenal of imaging technologies to satisfy emerging client needs. For more than 45 years, Baldev Duggal, chairman of DVS, has been a pioneer in the use of new technologies within the imaging business. As a result, DVS has become renowned for quality as well as for solutions that help retailers, museums and artists effectively market their brands.

"The HP Latex Ink printer and Indigo press are enabling us to do things that no one else is doing from a versatility, quality and environmental standpoint," said Duggal. "Some of our printing is for the fashion and cosmetics industries, which deal with beauty, and when you can make them rave over the quality of your work, you know you're doing things right. It makes a powerful statement about HP technology, about the people we have here, and about Duggal Visual Solutions."

Transitioning a solvent workflow to UV and Latex technologies

In 2005, DVS began transitioning its large-format portfolio from solvent to UV inks to mitigate the negative effects of solvent technology on the environment and workplace. With a focus on sustainability, DVS initially became a beta site for the HP Designjet L25500 Printer. After the successful implementation, the company decided to add an HP Scitex LX800 Printer to its portfolio for increased throughput, cost-effective production and high quality output that meets customers' growing needs for quick turnaround print jobs on a wide variety of applications.

The 126-inch HP Scitex LX800 Printer sets a new image-quality standard for the industrial large-format market. It is the largest, most productive HP Latex Ink device to date, operating at speeds up to 947 sq.ft./hr. for outdoor billboards and up to 484 sq.ft./hr. for indoor applications. The printer also features roll-to-free fall, roll-to-collector and dual-roll capabilities.

The HP Latex Inks used with the HP Scitex LX800 Printer offer a wide color gamut and scratch, smudge and water resistance comparable to low-solvent ink technology,(1,2) while reducing the impact of printing on the environment. The inks allow customers like Duggal to attract environmentally conscious customers with odorless(3) prints-a clear advantage over prints produced with low-solvent inks. Water-based HP Latex Inks have no hazard warning labels, no hazardous air pollutants,(4) and are non-flammable and non-combustible.(5)

Picture-perfect quality and sustainability with HP Indigo

DVS' work for clients in the art, fashion and cosmetics markets led the company to seek out a technology that could address several niche applications.
Duggal selected the HP Indigo 5500 digital press based on its consistent high-quality results, high-end four- to seven-color printing, PANTONE color matching, and custom mixing for spot colors. Additionally, HP Indigo's environmental profile factored into the purchasing decision.

"When I heard about the Indigo, how they had reduced the effluent, and the amount of packaging for supplies, I was reminded again that HP is a company I want to do business with," said Duggal. "There is also an array of partially recycled and FSC-certified materials allowing us eco-material options we simply did not have with photographic printing."

Designed for the production of marketing collateral, direct mail, photo merchandise products, books and manuals, the HP Indigo press 5500 supports an extended range of media – including recycled, FSC-certified and SFI-certified papers – and prints in resolutions up to 1,219 dots per inch. In addition, the HP Indigo press 5500 incorporates HP DreamColor Technologies, a certified system of technologies and sciences that makes it easy to produce accurate, predictable and consistent color across a series of digital printing devices.

Flexible financing positions Duggal for future success

DVS' decision was also influenced by its relationship with HP. A long-time customer, DVS has relied on HP whenever a situation arises to help them address it.

When making its purchases, Duggal Visual Solutions received flexible, vendor-direct financing from HP Financial Services, the company's leasing and life cycle asset management services subsidiary. HP Financial Services provided Duggal with quick approval, as well as payment terms that matched its revenue projections.

In a business climate more challenging than ever, DVS still believes that quality and customer service can never be too good. DVS' expanded digital portfolio creates a new way of imaging that will open yet more doors to its business, and ultimately the industry.

More information about HP Scitex large-format printers and HP Indigo digital presses is available at www.hp.com/go/gsb, www.youtube.com/hpgraphicarts and through the HP Graphic Arts Twitter feed.

PANTONE and other Pantone, Inc. trademarks are the property of Pantone, Inc.

(1)    Based on HP Imaging and Color Lab color gamut measurement for HP Latex Inks and HP 780 and 790 low-solvent inks on uncoated vinyl. Gamut calculations based on measurements of 943 data points of absolute colorimetric rendering using a D50 illuminant at 2 degree observer.
(2)    HP image permanence and scratch, smudge, and water resistance estimates by HP Image Permanence Lab. Display permanence tested according to SAE J2527 using HP Latex and low-solvent inks on a range of media, including HP media; in a vertical display orientation in simulated nominal outdoor display conditions for select high and low climates, including exposure to direct sunlight and water; performance may vary as environmental conditions change. Scratch, smudge, and water resistance tested using HP Latex and low-solvent inks on a wide range of HP media; water resistance is comparable when printed on water-resistant substrates. Laminated display permanence using Neschen Solvoprint Performance Clear 80 laminate. Results may vary based on specific media performance and scratch testing methodology. F or more information, see www.hp.com/go/supplies/printpermanence.
(3)    Printers using HP Latex Inks use internal heaters to dry and cure the latex polymer film. Some substrates may have inherent odor.
(4)    HP Latex Inks were tested for Hazardous Air Pollutants per U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Method 311 (testing conducted in 2008) and none were detected. HAPs are air pollutants which are not covered by ambient air quality standards but which, as defined in the Clean Air Act, may present a threat of adverse human health effects or adverse environmental effects.
(5)    HP water-based Latex Inks are not classified as flammable or combustible liquids under the USDOT or international transportation regulations. These materials have been tested per the Pensky-Martins Closed Cup method and the flash point is greater than 110°C.