GOING PLATINUM WITH LIYU UK

Maybe you’ve heard the name Liyu UK, or indeed talk of the Platinum range, perhaps when talking to industry colleagues who have installed a Platinum solution, or passed a machine in action at a trade show, or even seen the team’s fun and engaging social media presence. If not, it was only a matter of time before you become better acquainted with what they offer. Liyu UK is the central component of the Ultimatum Group, an organisation built on the passion of expert Inca Digital, Oce Arizona and Durst engineers who truly believed in delivering outstanding service at a better value for customers. After much exploration and analysis, they decided that leading European manufacturer Liyu was the right technology to centre the business around.

Managing Director of Liyu UK Eddie Tucker explains: “We knew we could shake things up and do things differently, while ensuring that customers are still getting reliable, world-class print technology. We took the plunge and formed Liyu UK, it was absolutely the right decision. We’re transparent and real with our customers, supporting them from the beginning of their journey and making sure we’re available for whatever they need from that point forward. We’re delighted to be at the forefront of what we call ‘The Printer Revolution’!”

It’s been a busy few years for Liyu UK as they establish themselves as one of the major players in wide-format print in the UK market, but there is no denying that things are ramping up even further. A busy few days as part of the wider Liyu stand at FESPA Istanbul in December inspired a wider run of events as the standalone UK shows planned for the Autumn/Summer season. Hot on the heels of an outstanding Print Show in Birmingham in

September last year, Liyu has an impressive calendar line up for the NEC Print Show again Liyu UK plans exclusive Open House events, where visitors can see the printers and cutters live as well as connect with businesses who are already successful converts to the Platinum range. Tucker adds: “There’s a real buzz building around the Platinum range, so it’s the perfect time to invite people to see the equipment at work as well as enjoying a fantastic day out. We offer a fun, unique approach to business and so we will definitely make sure our visitors are wowed by our hospitality as well as our technology!”

Sleek And Speedy Solutions

The Liyu Platinum flatbed pairs sleek aesthetics with highproductivity, and is available in two sizes; the KC2512 and the KC3020 XL pro. The Platinum KC builds on existing Platinum architecture to add even more efficiency and functionality through additional upgraded features including the maskless bed, reducing the need to use masking tape, the reverse vacuum for easily removing heavy or awkward materials from the flatbed, and electronic vacuum zoning. The beltless drive and LED UV liquid cooling ensures the Platinum KC is speedy upto a whopping 350 Ssm/ hr, sustainable, and affordable to run, and the choice of Konica Minolta or Ricoh Gen6 printheads means highquality prints are par for the course.

Owners of Gocre8 in Liverpool opted for the KC2512. Having explored the ‘usual suspects’ in terms of leading flatbed solutions, they found that the Platinum KC ticked all the boxes for their requirements: “After doing extensive research for our next flatbed printer we decided on the Platinum KC2512 with Varnish, what a superb choice and so affordable to run.

We do a lot of fine artwork as well as high production boards, this ticks all the boxes for us. The Maskless vacuum is so powerful which is ideal for awkward cardboard.”

Elsewhere in Liverpool, the larger version of the Platinum KC flatbed is also making a big impression. Peter Wilson, Managing Director of LWV Printworks, Liverpool, says: “We’ve taken delivery of the massive KC3020 Flatbed and its phenomenal in quality and speed, I didn’t know this type of flatbed was available at such a good price, we would highly recommend one.”

If a roll-to-roll solution is what’s needed, the Liyu Platinum range doesn’t disappoint. The Platinum PCT roll-to-roll printer is available with either UV LED or eco-solvent ink sets for environmentally responsible production. Once again putting operators at the heart of the design, the core Platinum technology has been upgraded with a range of user-friendly functionalities including an automatic media measuring system, LCD control panel, LED lighted printing area, and automatic pinch roller control.

The Platinum superfast QR3 XL Pro & QR5 are roll-toroll UV LED printers that incorporate the familiar polished Platinum design with state-of-the-art technology. For businesses looking to explore new markets and revenue streams, the application possibilities of the Platinum QR combined with its production capabilities make it an attractive contender. The QR’s versatility handles materials such as leather (or vegan leather) and canvas, as well as being suitable for backlit applications, signage, adhesive vinyl and window stickers, and even packaging and prototypes.

On the hybrid front, the Platinum Q2 brings the ‘wow’ factor. It’s hybrid status means it’s a highly versatile machine, capable of printing on to a huge range of flat medias Including Foamex, Di-bond, glass, wood, and many more up to 50mm in height. Described as the ideal ‘all-rounder’, the Platinum Q2 boasts a heavy duty roll and take-up unit, Automatic head cleaning, Quadro vacuum ring motors for extra flatness for those awkward medias, and liquid cooled LED UV units. For an even more impactful solution, see the Platinum Q3 – this wider version accommodates larger media such as 3 metre boards.

Growth in the textile market continues, following a drop in demand during COVID, exhibitions and other events are back with a bang, making textile printing an attractive prospect for print service providers. Liyu’s Platinum FH Textile printer delivers a wealth of opportunities in the sector, offering a 3200mm print width and print speeds of up to 210 m2/h with 2880 dpi resolution and 3.5-13 picolitre droplet size, it’s possible to print with photographic quality on many types of fabrics such as bed covers, curtains, wall coverings, seat covers, flags, table clothes, and T-shirts.

On the finishing side, the Platinum Q Cut is a range of high-precision, flexible and automated cutters equipped with an intelligent conveyor, automatic camera registration, a double beam cutting system, and speeds of up to 1.5m/s. The range consists of the Q Cut 3521, Q Cut 2516, BQ Cut 2516, Q Cut Offset, and DF Plotter. Platinum printer operators will find a match made in heaven with the razor-sharp accuracy of the Platinum Q Cut range.

It’s important to highlight the fact that sustainability is a driving force underpinning Liyu’s Platinum technology. As businesses across all sectors are aiming to work with print and signage partners that help them meet their sustainability targets, the Platinum UV printing inks are GREENGUARD GOLD certified, a prestigious certification that is awarded to products meeting some of the most exacting chemical emissions standards.

Tucker concludes: “It’s great to be expanding our presence in the market and showing PSPs what our equipment can do. We definitely encourage anyone with an interest in cutting-edge wide-format technology, particularly those that are looking for better value and more focus on their needs than they might be getting with their traditional manufacturer partners, just get in touch –we’re waiting to host you at our showroom!”

With more exciting news, Liyu UK will be adding some long term familiar faces from the industry to its sales and technical team but these will be announced officially shortly.