FASTSIGNS HP Latex R530

FASTSIGNS Sheffield and Chesterfield invests in HP Latex R530 to expand sustainable print offering

Diversified print and sign company FASTSIGNS Sheffield and Chesterfield has invested in a new HP Latex R530 printer, with the aim of expanding its services and taking on more work from environmentally minded clients.

Based just outside Sheffield city centre, FASTSIGNS Sheffield and Chesterfield is part of the FASTSIGNS UK franchise network, working with customers in the local area on a range of projects. The company specialises in custom printing and graphics and recently took on the new HP hybrid printer, to strengthen this part of its business.

The HP Latex R530 was unveiled to the market in March 2025 as the only compact, all-in-one rigid and flexible printer within the HP Latex range. Running at a top speed of 24sq m/hr in indoor mode, the machine can print on media up to 5cm thick and 1.6m wide, while users can print in colour and white at a resolution as high as 1200 x 600dpi.

On top of this, as is the case with all machines within the HP Latex range, the printer runs water-based HP Latex Inks. These water-based inks are widely regarded as having a lower environmental and workplace impact than many solvent, eco-solvent and UV inks, due in part to their low volatile organic compound (VOC) content. In addition, the machine itself is manufactured using 25% recycled plastic, further increasing its environmental credentials.

It was these eco-minded qualities that proved a major investment point for FASTSIGNS Sheffield and Chesterfield, which purchased the machine from approved HP partner Perfect Colours and took delivery of the new device in January 2026. While the printer has only been up and running at the company’s facility for a matter of weeks, staff have already felt the benefits of the new machine.

“Our other printer is solvent-based, so having a new latex machine will allow us to produce more recyclable products,” said Martin Slater, Director of FASTSIGNS Sheffield and Chesterfield. “This is something we haven’t explored previously, but we are investigating ways of marketing this to environmentally concerned purchasers.”

As to the type of work that will be running on the machine, Martin said this will include roll media, substrate and direct-to-substrate applications. To support the printer moving forward, the company has also purchased a new Summa flatbed cutter and upgraded its Print Factory RIP software.

“We needed to increase our capacity to cope with demand,” Martin said. “The ability to print direct-to-substrate means we cut out some processes, speeding up our delivery.”