At its recently concluded Gallus Innovation Days event, Gallus introduced its new entry-level digital label press. The Gallus Smartfire, poisitioned as a cost-effective digital solution and an ideal fit for a first-time digital adopter, complement’s the Gallus Labelfire hybrid digital press.

The Smartfire had its official unveiling at the company’s headquarters in St Gallen, Switzerland. Powered by Memjet inkjet printing technology, the press allows converters to get into the digital space at a pricepoint  of less than 150,000 euro.  The press reaches speeds up to 9 m/min (25.5 fpm) on a 240mm web width (9 inches).

Gallus says the first Smartfire order will be shipped in September.

Michael Ring, head of digital solutions at Gallus, says the Smartfire is easy to use and an ideal “starter model” for digital labels. He said, “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 1600×1600 dpi while still keeping the investment costs at a low level.”

Printing in CMYK with water-based ink, the Smartfire features an in-line finishing unit with lamination, an integrated cutting plotter, and semi-rotary diecutter.  The water-based ink the press uses translates to no VOCs being emitted during operation, thus removing the need for an exhaust system.

Noted during the event was the Smartfire’s ease of use, as well as its training and parts accessibilty. Training and the installation process takes place in just one week’s time, it was noted, and the complete all-in-one label converting solution features all parts field-replaceable by Heidelberg within 48 hours. Press is ideal for short runs as well as ultra-short runs, Gallus says.

Additional benefits include a compact footprint and low power requirements – only a standard outlet is needed.

In addition to the Smartfire debut, Gallus Innovation Days also featured a facility tour and demo of the Labelfire, the Labelmaster Advanced, the RCS 430, and the ECS 340 label presses. 

Several of Gallus’ partner companies were also on hand and available to discuss their offerings with Innovation Days attendees. Among the partners exhibiting were GEW, RotoMetrics, Avery Dennison, UPM Raflatac, Kurz, Siegwerk, Flint Group, Meech, Matho, Wink, JM Heaford, AVT, IST, Phoseon Technology and Martin Automatic.

Following the press demonstrations and busines activities, Innovation Days attendees were treated to a dinner and boat on Lake Constance, the body of water that shares a the Swiss border with Germany and Austria.