Gallus Print Shop at Labelexpo 2012 – an end-to-end solution for efficient hybrid production of labels

During Labelexpo Americas, which is taking place from 11 to 13 September 2012 in Chicago,  Gallus is joining forces with Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) to showcase the joboptimised  manufacture of labels in a hybrid production environment. Hybrid print production  describes the various ways that conventional and digital printing can be used together. The focal  point of the presentation at Labelexpo is the Gallus Print Shop concept, which is using a Gallus  ECS 340, Gallus ECS C and Heidelberg Linoprint L to show how digital and conventional printing  methods can complement each other when used to print labels. The Prinect and CERM workflow  solutions from Heidelberg are being used to integrate the different methods.

Heidelberg Linoprint L for digital label printing
To support the digital printing of labels, blister packs and films, Heidelberg is supplying the inkjet systems of CSAT, the digital print specialist it took over in the summer of last year, under the name Heidelberg Linoprint L. The Linoprint L (previously the iTS6oo) is a drop-on-demand system for the cost-effective and sophisticated printing of short to medium label and film runs and applications with variable content. During the fair, Gallus and Heidelberg are exhibiting an integrated, hybrid solution for digital label printing. Comprising the Heidelberg Linoprint L, the Gallus ECS C processing solution and Prinect and CERM workflow solutions, this solution can be used to execute short runs and print pioneering applications such as smart labels, security printing and trackable labels.

Gallus ECS C is setting new standards in the processing of digitally printed labels
Under the banner of “high performance digital converting”, the Gallus ECS C digital converting system combines the best aspects of conventional label printing with the possibilities offered by digital printing. Based on the revolutionary Gallus ECS 340, Gallus has created a digital converting solution with the innovative, format-free die-cutter at its heart. Minimal changeover times and  virtually waste-free job changes are made possible by front loading, a sleeve system, chambered  doctor blade, presetting and an extremely short web path. The robust design, based on technical  granite, and the Gallus register control function combine to ensure exceptionally smooth operation  and high processing quality even at very fast speeds.

Developed to handle the output of up to two highly productive, commercially available digital presses, the Gallus digital converting system can be used whenever there is a need for  uncompromising productivity at minimal cost per label – and particularly when complementing the Heidelberg Linoprint L. The modular structure also opens up an nexpectedly wide range of  applications. Almost any configuration is possible, from the compact version consisting of a diecutter and flexographic printing unit to a multicolour configuration with finishing processes.

The CERM workflow offers label printers fully integrated end-to-end solutions
Today, digital technologies are playing an ever greater role in the entire workflow, from order entry and prepress to actual printing and dispatch. In the past, the digital technologies used in label printing have primarily been deployed for production purposes. However, with ever shorter runs leading to a growing number of printing jobs, the amount of work involved in managing and planning these jobs prior to the start of printing will also grow. As a result, digital order processing will increasingly emerge as a bottleneck in the entire workflow. Administrative and logistical processes in the print shop also have to be adapted accordingly. CERM offers impressive business management and automation software that delivers customised solutions for all workflows along the entire value creation chain of a label print shop.

Gallus ECS 340 – save money without compromising on quality
The highly successful market launch of the Gallus ECS 340 will also enter its next stage at Labelexpo Americas 2012. In 2009, state-of-the-art technologies and construction materials new to the label industry, such as technical granite, led to the creation of an exceptionally innovative machine concept that boasts a spellbinding design and maximum productivity. The new era of costefficient commodity label manufacture that was heralded at the time has now become an integral part of everyday operations for many Gallus ECS 340 users. Numerous innovative further developments will be on show at Labelexpo Americas – impressive proof of the close, cooperative relationship Gallus enjoys with its customers. This in turn results in a wider range of applications for the Gallus ECS 340. The range of options for the Gallus ECS 340 is also being expanded by important elements such as automatic register control, hot-air drying and  sheet delivery.

The Gallus Print Shop concept at Stand 5803 will give visitors to Labelexpo Americas an insight into these impressive end-to-end solutions that cover all aspects of an order from its receipt right through to its fulfilment. Moreover, exhibits including various latest-generation presses will also offer live demonstrations of efficient hybrid production using a whole range of printing methods.

The Gallus Group
The Gallus Group is the world market leader in the development, production and sale of narrow-web, reel-fed presses designed for label manufacturers. Its folding carton business is being developed with a range of wide-web, reel-fed presses and die-cutters for the cost-effective in-line production of folding cartons and cardboard products. Its range of machines is complemented by consumables, local service and spare parts throughout the world. In 1999 Gallus entered into a cooperation agreement with Heidelberger
Druckmaschinen AG, the world market leader for print and media industry solutions. CERM, a Belgian supplier of management information systems for commercial and label printing and German company CSAT GmbH, a specialist for digital printing presses used in the packaging sector, were taken over in 2011 by Gallus partner Heidelberg. Gallus employs around 590 people, of whom 280 are based in Switzerland. The Group headquarters is in St.Gallen.  www.gallus-group.com

For further information, please contact:
Gallus Ferd. Rüesch AG, Corporate Communications
T +41 71 242 86 86
niklaus.amacker@gallus-group.com