WIDE-FORMAT PRINT KIT PART 1. In today’s fast-evolving print landscape, wide-format printing is seemingly experiencing a renaissance, driven by technological innovations and shifting customer demands. From faster print speeds and automated workflows to expanded substrate compatibility and environmentally conscious inks, recent innovations are redefining what's possible in signage, interior décor, and beyond. As manufacturers race to deliver smarter, more versatile solutions, sign-makers are finding new opportunities to differentiate, diversify, and drive profitability. This feature explores a small selection of the latest breakthroughs in wide-format printers, analysing what the presses mean for the future of the sector and what further innovations may be on the horizon. The Key Fundamentals You only need to glance at the wide-format sector to find a new release, a technological breakthrough, or an expansion by a major player into a new part of the market. For John O’Brien, commercial director of Liyu England, while the world of wide-format is ever expanding, the core considerations for printers remain the same. “The fundamentals haven’t changed,” O’Brien asserts, adding: “Speed, build quality, print quality, reliability, support, and cost still sit at the top of the list.” However, O’Brien posits that buyers in 2025 are increasingly looking at how well a machine can integrate into their existing setup and how it can futureproof their business, especially in the wake of rising costs of overheads such as energy bills and stock. “Uptime is critical, so build quality and robust UK-based support should be non-negotiable,” O’Brien says. “Buyers should also evaluate the total cost of ownership, not just the upfront investment, 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 Jonathan Pert explores a selection of the latest breakthroughs in wide-format printing, analysing what they can provide to printers and sign-makers LARGE-FORMAT,LARGER MARKET 53 www.signlink.co.uk June / July 2025 - Issue 259
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