First Gallus digital label forum in Heidelberg

The Gallus Innovation Days in September 2014 marked the global unveiling of the Gallus DCS 340, a digital printing press developed in collaboration with Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) and Fujifilm, its partner for inkjet technology. Back then, visitors were given the first ever glimpse of a prototype, but with the digital printing system now approaching the series production stage, more than 50 label printers from all around the world were offered an exclusive opportunity to experience it in its development environment at the research and development centre of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen. Christof Naier, Vice President Sales & Marketing at Gallus and Hans Butterfass, head of digital printing development at Heidelberg, welcomed the guests to Heidelberg. The Gallus customers watched a live demonstration of the Gallus DCS 340 and were given a unique tour of the research and development centre, the hub of all Heidelberg innovations. During their visit, they enjoyed an exclusive insight into the development labs for digital inkjet printing, which are normally off-limits to visitors. The tour focused in particular on print head technology and the associated behaviour of ink droplets during spraying and on the substrate. With its native resolution of 1200 dpi, print speed of 50 m/min and maximum register accuracy, the Gallus DCS 340 sets hitherto unknown label-printing standards in terms of quality, productivity and flexibility.

Another highlight awaited the Gallus customers at the Wiesloch-Walldorf production site of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen, where the inkjet printing module of the Gallus DCS 340 is manufactured. After being greeted by Stephan Plenz, a member of the Heidelberg Management Board, the visitors were given an insight into electronics production and the packaging demo centre. After the tour, Jason Oliver, Senior Vice President Digital Print at Heidelberg, explained how the purchasing patterns of consumers are already changing as a result of global digital networking. He also addressed the new challenges that these changes will bring about for the packaging industry and the associated opportunities for label and packaging printing – as long as companies are able to create new markets. He then joined Stephan Plenz and Christof Naier to field questions from the customers.