by Stefano Belviolandi

Technology meets creativity. Over the last year the printing sector has had to come to terms with a strong change as never before. However, we can look ahead, focusing on the versatility of cutting edge technologies that can meet the new emerging needs. This is confirmed by Liyu, a company with headquarters and showrooms just outside Milan, a brand of digital printers that saw many of its clients react to the period changing their production. Liyu managed to guide such realities through this “change of skin” offering versatile and productive technologies with the added value of qualified advice offered by a team of Italian engineers. Then it approached the manufacturers of plexiglass, through their cutting-edge machines or the free-standing dispensers of sanitizer gel whose image was the result of the combination between the technology and the cutting and printing machines by Liyu Italia. We interviewed Paolo Canuti, the company business manager.

Which machines made the difference?

«Flatbed machines that print on flat surfaces left their mark. They are machines meeting the customisation of objects, addressing both promotional markets and such industrial sectors as the printing, for examples, of switch plates. The versatility of industrial flatbeds with bulb technology allows to print on such special materials as glass, wood and metal without using a primer, further automating in line processes. At our seat in Peschiera Borromeo, just outside Milan, the clients, supported by our engineers, can carry out some printing tests on different materials like for example marble, eco-leather, parquet, ceramic, glass and mirror».

The year 2020 led to inevitable changes that impacted on companies. What new opportunities did you see?

«Some sectors are damaged by the lockdown, while some industries have experienced an exponential growth. Just think to online trade, the delivery with scooter customisation, bags and food containers. Well, just these latter concerned us closely as many clients turned to us showing an interest for our systems dedicated to packaging printing».

How has the relationship with your clients changed between the first and the second wave?

«The companies, Liyu included, are looking ahead. The pandemic, the imposed lockdown, the remote working made us rediscover the importance of the house as a place to live and customise. Our machines allow the digital printing also on materials and objects meant for interior decorations like, for example, small doors, tables, chairs and wallpapers».

Based on your observatory, is there a market that hasn’t emerged yet, despite having some potential?

«The world of interior design has a high potential when it comes to the use of digital printing. In the current situation, many habits have changed, but the population does not stop to live and consume; as a consequence, those companies that will have the capacity and strength to change their production will also be the ones with a product ready to offer when the emerging needs will be gradually outlined».

What are the novelties for Liyu Italia in 2021?

«We will use new roll to roll machines designed to print up to 5 m of width and new 3.5 m hybrid printers, suitable for both rigid materials and coil supports».