Ellar Graphics add Value with HP R Series
Ellar Graphics add Value with HP R Series
By Arlette Farland
Auckland-based large format print company Ellar Graphics has added value and new applications to their lineup by installing an HP R1000 Plus flatbed printer.
Purchased through HP Channel Partner Computaleta in July, Managing Director Jeremy Gibson says that the R1000 Plus has given them the confidence to offer clients new, creative and sustainable ways to produce jobs.
"We immediately saw the benefit of being able to have that conversation with our customers and see their excitement in what we can now supply."
He says that Ellar Graphics can now support short-run packaging and point of sale work. They chose the printer because of its environmental credentials as the HP Latex inks are odourless, water-based, and ECOLOGO® Certified.
"Direct printing to rigid substrates that can be 100% recycled was the first must-have for our clients and us. It allows us to target sustainable large format print work with latex inks and pair that with recyclable products. But we are also producing work that we'd typically run on our Mimaki UV machine, but with lower running costs and faster production times.
He says in the short time they have had the R1000, they have produced wall graphic panels for events, a nationwide campaign for floors, windows and point of sale media and coloured concrete sample swatches for DIYers, as a few examples.
"The biggest thing we have noticed is the versatility it offers and what's possible with the latest HP Latex ink system."
Based in East Tamaki, Auckland, Ellar's facility is located over two floors and contains the latest state of the art printing equipment. From automated digital cutting systems to the latest in HP Latex printing technology, they can create a wide variety of work. In 2020 Ellar also committed to installing their first flatbed cutting system – a Summa F Series F1612, allowing them to automate their finishing.
"Implementing the HP R1000 Plus with the Summa cutting system has opened doors of opportunity for us. We are excited about the possibilities and potential this combination will have for the team at Ellar and our customers." Mr Gibson says
He says several key factors made their choice to partner with Computaleta easy.
"I believe they have the best hardware team in New Zealand, and they know HP inside and out. We like to keep things as local as possible, too, to keep downtime to a minimum, and Computaleta can achieve that.”
He says working alongside Arlette Farland, and Aaron Kemp with the purchase was seamless and very quick.
"We were fortunate to earmark a new unit relatively quickly, which arrived in record time. The planning and execution was perfect with zero impact on our production during the install, and we were impressed with Computaleta's workmanship and follow up support."
Aaron Kemp, Hardware Manager at Computaleta, says that print service providers worldwide are reinventing rigid printing with the HP Latex R Series Printer.
"It's the first hybrid printer to use water-based, environmentally friendly HP Latex inks. With six colours and a new industry-first white ink that doesn't yellow over time, the R Series produces prints with fantastic image quality and vivid colour, preserving the substrate's look and feel.
"Computaleta is excited to partner with Ellar Graphics and help them bring the HP Latex R1000 printer onboard to grow their business, Mr Kemp says.
