Gallus Proves Hybrid Print Shop Concept at Labelexpo Americas 2012
Over three days at Labelexpo Americas in Chicago, Gallus joined forces with Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) to demonstrate efficient integration of multiple rinting
technologies in a hybrid print shop environment to improve the success of its label printing customers. According to the live demonstrations, the ideal shop consists of high erformance flexographic presses for short, medium and long runs, plus digital equipment for very short runs and variable imaging projects, and converting systems positioned either in-line or offline depending on the type of job being run. Each job is controlled by a management information system (MIS) that defines its path, then reports its performance at the end of the run.
Gallus Print Shop Concept – cost and time savings up to 20 percent
Gallus's print shop model is based on the fact that each technology is optimized for different requirements, speeds and capabilities. The job allocation according the machines' trengths maximizes efficiency while obtaining the highest possible print quality. All various technologies are integrated into production operations in cooperation with Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (Heidelberg) via the Prinect and CERM workflow solutions. This workflow software calculates on which machine and in which sequence jobs can be produced in the most efficient way. Jobs can now be bundled and produced more efficiently, capacity utilization improved, and administration and planning levels reduced - all of which maximises job throughput, cuts costs and accelerates the entire process. Label printers benefit from savings up to 20 percent in both costs and time - while still enjoying the same high quality.
To view a graphical representation of the Gallus Print Shop Concept, visit www.gallususa.com.
Featured equipment:
Gallus ECS 340: Introduced in 2009, the Gallus ECS 340 is an exceptionally innovative flexographic machine designed for optimum production of commodity labels. In addition to having the industry's shortest web path, many new advancements were unveiled at Labelexpo in Chicago to enhance – besides productivity – the machine's flexibility and performance. Already today – after less than three years after its market introduction – the Gallus ECS 340 is the world’s best-selling short-web label printing press and highly qualified for printing short to long runs with little refinement.
Heidelberg Linoprint L: The inkjet system of Heidelberg, the Linoprint L is a drop-on-demand system for the cost-effective and sophisticated printing of very short to medium label and film runs and applications with variable content. Demonstrations included imprinting variable content on labels e.g. types, date stamping, serial numbers, etc., produced on the Gallus ECS 340 as well as short-run labels printed entirely on the Heidelberg Linoprint L.
Gallus ECS C: The Gallus ECS C is a high performance digital converting system, which efficiently processes label runs produced by either conventional or digital technologies. Demonstrations at the booth converted labels previously printed on the Heidelberg Linoprint L digital press.
Heidelberg CERM: CERM is Heidelberg's business management and automation software that delivers customized solutions for all workflows along the entire value creation chain of a label print shop. Throughout all the demonstrations, CERM initiated every job and recorded its metrics at the end of the run.
Messaging of efficient hybrid production: Very favorable reception
The Gallus exhibit was extremely well attended throughout the show dates, with a steady stream of visitors during and between each of the demonstrations. In fact, far more than 2000 interested attendees took the opportunity to witness a demo or discuss their needs with the Gallus, CERM and Heidelberg staff. The important theme of saving money by the optimized use of a hybrid production environment really hit the mark with the audience, who increasingly need to integrate newer technologies into existing shops to create an increasingly profitable business model.
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 usiness 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