Gallus has unveiled a new low-cost digital label press using Memjet ink head technology. The Gallus Smartfire will complement the Heidelberg subsidiary's existing Labelfire press.
The Smartfire, launched at the Gallus Innovation Day held at the company's HQ in St Gallen, is an entry-level inkjet label press which allows converters to get into the digital space without needing to invest in the high-end Labelfire. According to Michael Ring, head of digital solutions at Gallus, the Smartfire is easy to use and an ideal 'starter model' for digital labels. "With the Gallus Smartfire, we are focusing on new target groups who are looking for a smart entry into digital label printing. The Memjet technology allows us to offer an inkjet printing press that produces labels with a quality of 1600x1600 dpi while still keeping the investment costs at a low level," he said.
The press prints in CMYK with food-safe water-based ink, and, like Gallus' other presses, also includes an in-line finishing unit with lamination, integrated cutting plotter, and semi-rotary die cutter. It has a compact footprint and a low power requirement, needing only a standard outlet, and its water-based ink means no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted during operation, removing the need for an exhaust system.
The Innovation Day event also featured existing Gallus kit. As well as the Labelfire, Gallus' conventional presses were on show: the high-powered Labelmaster Advanced, the benchmark RCS 430, and the popular ECS 340.