longer exclusive to the big legacy brands. “More manufacturers, including those who were once considered challengers, now offer genuinely high-performance machines. This has shaken up the market in a good way, as customers are getting more value and choice. Digital workflows and hybrid solutions have also made wide-format much more agile, allowing PSPs to diversify faster and handle shorter lead times more efficiently.” O’Brien’s point about the expansion of the wide-format market is borne out in the seemingly ever-increasing number of kit releases in the sector. Alongside Liyu, there have been new solutions from companies including Mutoh, swissQprint, Mimaki, Fujifilm, HP, Epson, Durst, and InkTec in just the last six months. But what innovations in wide-format are on the horizon? For O’Brien, sustainability is top of mind: “Expect to see more eco-friendly inks, energy-efficient curing systems, and recyclable substrates,” he predicts. “Remote management is also improving fast; more machines now offer diagnostics and updates online. Robotics will play a growing role in media handling and finishing, and artificial intelligence (AI) could soon assist with file prep and predictive maintenance. It’s an exciting time for PSPs willing to adapt.” but also energy use, maintenance cycles, and ink efficiency.” Liyu has recently launched several new models under the Liyu X Line range, including upgraded flatbeds and hybrid machines designed for high-volume environments. The new X Line solutions are designed to deliver higher speed and quality in comparison to previous models, with improved user interfaces and better remote monitoring options. The latest releases come after the February launch of the X Line Hybrid, a 2.1m hybrid printer which offers 2400dpi resolution, 5pl drop size, and compatibility with a number of inks and a wide range of substrates. Alongside its latest wide-format print solutions, a new digital cutting machine was also released as part of the X Line. The cutter comes with an automatic camera positioning system for complex patterns as well as a ready-built chassis which Liyu says makes it robust, reliable, and modular. “Investing in the right finishing gear is just as important as the printer itself,” O’Brien comments. “We offer an X Line cutter that complements our printers with precision, speed, and automation.” O’Brien contends that the wide-format market is expanding to include a larger range of manufacturers and choices. “We’ve seen a shift in expectations”, he says. “Speed and build quality are no 64 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk July / August 2025 - Issue 355 WIDE-FORMAT PRINTERS The sheer breadth of solutions that are now available is huge and cover many more applications than ever before ▲The X Line Hybrid offers print speeds of up to 65sq m/h
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