HP Inc. has launched its newest high-speed, post-print digital corrugated press, the HP PageWide C550 Press. This advanced single-pass platform is designed to help converters optimize manufacturing costs and improve operational efficiency for the production of corrugated packaging.

Based on the field-proven technology of the C500 press, the C550 offers enhanced productivity and value to the industrial packaging industry. It uses HP's Thermal Inkjet technology and true water-based inks to deliver consistent offset print quality at fast production speeds, while also supporting packaging converters' circular economy goals.

With a speed of 90 linear meters per minute (295 linear feet per minute), the C550 press is capable of producing high-quality flexo and litho boxes at a constant speed, without slowing. It will also help converters to optimize inventories, reduce obsolescence and accelerate turnaround times through digital printing technology.

By enabling improved economics, greater production versatility and more sustainable packaging solutions, the C550 press presents a significant opportunity for business growth for converters facing increasing supply-chain pressure. It allows them to say "yes" to jobs that require flexibility, which can only be achieved with digital production.

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

Available for installation later this year, the new press runs at a constant speed of 90 lm/min (295 lft/min), delivering outstanding print quality. The press supports increased plant capacity and helps reduce manufacturing costs for corrugated packaging production.

Corrugated packaging specialist, Saica Group, has ordered the C550 for their operations in Viana, Spain. The company is committed to digital transformation and using innovative technologies to respond to the growing demand for shorter and customized runs. The press is set to be installed later this year and will support increased plant capacity for corrugated packaging production.

HP has recently collaborated with HYBRID Software on prepress workflow for packaging to easily transition artwork from litho and flexo formats. HYBRID PackZ provides a unique blend of automated actions and dedicated prepress tools. The professional PDF editor makes designs ready for any print process, by enriching them with priming and finishing separation, handling ink sets and object-based screening, as well as applying trapping and generating dynamic marks and panels. HYBRID PackZ will enable C550 converters to prepare files efficiently, and reduce errors, making prepress easier and more productive.