‘Gallus Innovation Days’ and the Gallus DCS 340 digital inline label printing system premiere a hit with more than 700 label printers from all around the world…

‘Gallus Innovation Days 2014’ an overwhelming success

More than 700 visitors came from all over the world to attend ‘Gallus Innovation Days 2014’, which was held for the first time at the Gallus Ferd. Rüesch AG headquarters in St. Gallen, Switzerland, from 23 until 25 September.

The world premiere of the new generation Gallus DCS 340 digital machines attracted more than 700 visitors from Switzerland and abroad to St. Gallen.

The main focus of the three-day event was the world premiere of a new generation digital printing press for labels. Other innovations in 2014 included additions to the Gallus machinery and service portfolio, the printing accessories programme, and the Gallus Screeny screen printing programme.

The new Gallus DCS 340 digital inline label printing system (DCS = digital converting system) was unveiled under the ‘No more compromise’ banner to a global audience. With its native resolution of 1200dpi, print speed of 50 m/min and maximum register accuracy, the new digital press generation from Gallus sets hitherto unknown label-printing standards in terms of productivity, flexibility and quality. This digital press is the result of a co-project involving Heidelberg and its expert partner in inkjet technology, Fujifilm, in response to the ever greater demand for short runs and customised or versioned labels. These trends have inspired a growing willingness to invest in digital print technology that enables Gallus to tap into new growth potential in this particular segment.

The demonstrations of a Gallus DCS 340 prototype enabled the many visitors to see for themselves the unique printing quality and fast job changes that can be achieved without any paper waste whatsoever. ‘We are not going to stop at the current printing speed of 50 m/min,’ revealed Stefan Heiniger, COO Label Business, ‘but want to improve even further upon what is already a very decent rate by the time the Gallus DCS 340 goes to market a year from now. Our aim is to create the most attractive digital printing system on the market.’

Scores of customers appreciate the informal atmosphere at ‘Gallus Innovation Days’ as it offers them the opportunity to chat with Gallus experts about the new developments in label printing.

As well as the new digital printing press, the event's many visitors were also impressed by the other Gallus innovations on show. David Baumann, product manager at Gallus, demonstrated the practical benefits of the Gallus RCS 330 in combination with a QuadTech colour control system. This system automatically adapts the ink zones to the pre-defined target colours on the fly throughout the run, which prevents potential operating errors and unnecessary paper waste.

Another highlight was the direct matrix removal of a highly complex die line on the Gallus ECS 340 at top speed and entirely tear-free. This is made possible by the new, innovative, high-performance matrix removal device that can be retrofitted to the Gallus ECS 340 as part of the ‘Plus’ update package to further increase the existing machine's productivity and economy.

Alongside various live demonstrations, the Gallus screen printing department also showcased its new generation of Gallus Screeny Advanced Line (A-Line) screen printing plates, which are exceptionally robust to ensure maximum plate re-use. In addition, visitors were treated to the live debut of the unique ‘Metallic Doming’ combination printing process (metal relief effect on transparent self-adhesive materials or tube laminate) on the Gallus RCS 330.

Other new additions to the Gallus printing accessories program include the Polymount twinlock-coated printing cylinder that was demonstrated on the Gallus ECS 340 by Gallus Customer Service representatives, who also answered plenty of questions from the audience.

Mark Hanley, president of IT Strategies, talks about the impact digital printing is going to have on the label printing business.

To round off the three-day event, Gallus partners demonstrated the prowess of their newest products and services. And at the Gallus expert forum, top specialists revealed the latest trends and technical developments in narrow-web label printing. Mark Hanley, president of IT Strategies, explained the importance and impact of digital printing in the label business, while Jason Oliver, digital printing manager at Heidelberg, predicted a fundamental change in the printing industry over the next few years as digital printing takes hold in print shop pressrooms.

Christof Naier, VP sales & marketing at Gallus, remarked, ‘We are very happy with the way the event went, and the high number of visitors is evidence of the keen interest in our new digital inline label printing system as well as the need for it. The commitment that Gallus is investing in new digital printing technologies signifies another important step towards the full portfolio our customers require. This makes Gallus a truly all-round supplier offering tried-and-tested conventional products alongside brand new digital printing methods - all under one roof.’

The Gallus Group is a member of the Heidelberg Group and employs around 560 people, of whom 260 are based in Switzerland. The group headquarters is in St. Gallen, Switzerland. www.gallus-group.com

© Graphic Repro On-line, 17 October 2014.