ROLL-TO-ROLL PRINTERS | DAVID OSGAR 39 www.signlink.co.uk Issue 265 - June | July 2026 The press offers vibrant colour prints at 117sq m/h for outdoor prints and 91sq m/h for indoors, with a max speed up to 162sq m/h. The addition of a 6L white ink cartridge has been added to allow PSPs to grow into higher-margin applications while providing confidence in unattended overnight printing. The HP Latex FS70 W also features a number of enhancements designed to aid unattended printing, alongside a range of optimised print modes. Key features include a ‘jumbo’ dual-roll kit, a highcapacity ink kit supporting cartridges up to 10L, and an optimised cleaning system engineered to provide confidence in unattended long runs. Commenting on the ability for customers to provide more end-to-end solutions thanks to the diversity of roll-to-roll media, Van Greunen says: “HP roll-to-roll printers are designed to integrate seamlessly with RIP software, finishing solutions, and automated production workflows. Through continued investment in HP PrintOS, HP enables smarter workflow management, production monitoring, and data-driven insights that can integrate with existing CRM and business systems. “Compatibility with cutting, laminating, and mounting solutions supports efficient, end-to-end in-house production, helping PSPs improve turnaround times, maintain consistent quality, and gain greater operational control.” Turning Heads When it comes to roll-to-roll devices, as well as wide-format printers in general, many alternatives have come onto the market in recent years, with China bringing a lot of solutions to the market. China Print Supplies (CPS) is a specialist important of printing equipment from Chinese manufacturers, offering the entire import and logistics process through to installation, support, and maintenance. Scott Clutton, managing director of CPS, says: “We hold spare parts in the UK and provide a 12-to-24-month gold warranty on everything we sell, so our customers get the competitive pricing of Chinese hardware with the security of a local partner.” When it comes to roll-to-roll presses specifically, Clutton says the company has built a portfolio that covers everything from entrylevel 1.8m UV machines right up to 3.2m production printers. When asked about what printers and sign-makers should be looking at in 2026, Clutton comments: “We’ve got three machines that are really turning heads right now. The Hapond UP3321D is our 3.2m simultaneous three-in-one double-sided printer, which lets you print both sides of a banner, flag, or backlit in a single pass, or run two completely independent jobs at the same time. “The SinoColor UR3200 is a 3.2m UV roll-to-roll that covers everything from production-speed work at over 100sq m/hr right through to photographic quality output, with up to eight colour configurations including white, varnish, and fluorescent options.” Clutton also highlights the Thunderjet AQ1800UV which is a high-speed 1.8m UV roll-to-roll device which “punches well above its weight” according to Clutton, due to its build quality and print performance. When it comes to the changes in the market over the past few years, Clutton believes that roll-to-roll technology has been fairly settled for a while, with the two biggest developments being simultaneous double-sided printing (achievable on the Hapond UP3321D) and the expanded colour gamuts on UV printers (with six and eight colour configurations including fluorescent, white, and varnish options). Commenting on how CPS is responding to customers’ needs and requests, Clutton re-emphasises the firm’s dedication to support and reliability, but also points out the increased desires for hybrid and multifunction machines from businesses with smaller budgets or floorspace. As printers and sign-makers continue to diversify, hardware upgrades are crucial for businesses staying relevant. When asked about how roll-to-roll printers can be used with other solutions, the standout for Clutton is the integration between print and cut. “When you combine a roll-to-roll printer with a cutting plotter and the right preflight and layout software – which links When you combine a roll-to-roll printer with a cutting plotter and the right preflight and layout software – which links everything together – you’ve got a genuine end-to-end workflow from file to finished product The HP Latex FS70 W runs at 162sqm/h 162sq m/h
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