In a bid to increase application diversity in its high-end flat-bed range, HP has announced a new white ink for its Scitex FB7500 and FB7600 wide-format machines, as well as operations monitoring software and automated loading options.

Available from May, the FB225 White Ink Kit is retro-fittable to the two Scitex engines and works with FB225 process colour inks. HP says that users will be able to expand into back-lits, under-printed self-adhesives, short-run corrugateds and window displays, and that the ink will help to reduce costs in labour and pre-press through improved efficiency.

Flexible media can be loaded onto new Scitex FB7600 printers using three-quarters automation rather than manual mode, according to HP

Also for the Scitex FB7500 and FB7600, HP reports it has co-developed an automatic media loader to improve turnaround on long runs. New FB7600 engines will incorporate a vacuum system which allows for the use of 'thin, flexible media down to 130g/sq m', it adds.

HP is also releasing SmartStream Production Analyser for Scitex machines, a cloud-based reporting system which it says provides automated workflow data analysis. Media consumption, real-time production information and benchmark comparisons can be accessed from 'most mobile devices', the manufacturer states, and is compatible with most HP Scitex TJ-, FB- and XP-series machines with Print Care. It will launch on June 15th.