Peerless Plastics & Coatings has taken a significant leap in its print production capabilities with the installation of the Fujifilm Acuity Prime L flatbed UV printer, sourced through Soyang Hardware. The investment marks a strategic move to boost efficiency, expand capacity, and cater to a broader customer base.
Known for its industry-leading work in applying hard protective coatings to plastic substrates, Peerless enhances the durability and longevity of plastic components with resistance to abrasion and chemicals. With complementary services such as injection moulding, screen printing, CNC routing, spray painting, and digital printing, the company has long been a versatile supplier in the plastic solutions space.
But in 2024, the Peerless team sought something more: a digital print solution that could rival traditional screen printing – and they found their answer in the Acuity Prime L.
“We were looking for a machine that could genuinely replicate screen printing, particularly in terms of quality and ink compatibility with our coatings,” said Liam Cameron, Head of Print at Peerless. “After six months of intensive testing, the Acuity Prime L not only met but exceeded our expectations.”
With a bed size of 3,200mm x 2,000mm, six vacuum zones, and speeds reaching 204 sq m/hr, the Acuity Prime L impressed the team not just with performance but with versatility. Critical to the decision was the printer’s primer ink, which proved to be a game-changer for adhesion on Peerless' specialised substrates.
“The primer ink dramatically improved how well the ink bonded to our materials,” Cameron explained. “That gave us the confidence to move forward.”
The results have been immediate. Peerless reports a significant increase in production speed and capacity, allowing the business to take on more diverse and technically demanding projects. New capabilities include the production of obscuration borders for display units, internal glazing screens, and materials for the transport sector.
“We’ve essentially opened up our print room to a whole new level of output,” Cameron added. “The increased efficiency has not only enhanced our current workflow but created the space to pursue entirely new business.”
Soyang Hardware’s role was instrumental in the successful integration. Nigel Briggs, Business Development Manager at Soyang, worked closely with Peerless throughout the evaluation process.
“Nigel was with us every step of the way,” said Cameron. “He made sure we had all the sample tests we needed tailored specifically for our unique coating applications.”
Peerless also had the opportunity to visit Fujifilm’s ink factory in Broadstairs, an experience Cameron described as “invaluable” for understanding the printer’s R&D backbone and ink formulation process.
As the Acuity Prime L continues to prove its worth, Peerless Plastics & Coatings is optimistic about the future.
“This machine is not just an upgrade it’s a door to new opportunities,” Cameron concluded.
About Peerless Plastics & Coatings:
A specialist in plastic surface treatments, Peerless provides high-performance protective coatings, along with a suite of value-added manufacturing services, to customers across various industries.
About Soyang Hardware:
Soyang Hardware is a trusted UK distributor of leading-edge print technology and materials, offering a range of solutions to the wide-format, textile, and industrial print sectors.