FASTSIGNS Sheffield and Chesterfield invests in an HP Latex R530 hybrid printer to expand its signage offering and increase production capacity.
FASTSIGNS Sheffield and Chesterfield has announced a strategic investment in an HP Latex R530 hybrid printer, aimed at capturing a larger share of the environmentally conscious print market. The new machine, which was installed in January 2026, allows the business to produce high-quality graphics on both rigid and flexible substrates using water-based ink technology.
Based near Sheffield city centre, the company is an independently owned part of the FASTSIGNS UK franchise network. The decision to invest in the HP Latex R530 followed a requirement to increase production capacity and transition away from a purely solvent-based workflow.
The HP Latex R530 was introduced to the market in early 2025 as a compact, all-in-one solution for the rigid and flexible segment. It handles media up to 1.6m wide and 5cm thick, reaching speeds of 24sq m/hr in indoor mode. A key technical advantage for the Sheffield team is the printer’s ability to produce high-opacity white ink alongside vibrant colours at a resolution of 1200 x 600dpi.
Sustainability was a primary driver for the purchase. The machine utilises water-based HP Latex Inks, which are UL ECOLOGO certified and produce significantly lower volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions compared to traditional solvent or UV-curable inks. Additionally, the R530 hardware is constructed using 25% recycled plastic, aligning with the company’s goal to attract “green-minded” clients.
Martin Slater, Director of FASTSIGNS Sheffield and Chesterfield, said, “Our other printer is solvent-based, so having a new latex machine will allow us to produce more recyclable products. This is something we haven’t explored previously, but we are investigating ways of marketing this to environmentally concerned purchasers.”
The investment, made through HP partner Perfect Colours, has already improved production efficiency. By printing direct-to-substrate, the team has eliminated several manual mounting and laminating steps. To support the increased throughput, the business has also upgraded its workflow with a new Summa flatbed cutter and the latest Print Factory RIP software.
Slater added, “We needed to increase our capacity to cope with demand. The ability to print direct-to-substrate means we cut out some processes, speeding up our delivery.”
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