Driven by brands demanding shorter lead timesGallus launches DCS340 hybrid printerIt’s immediately obvious that, whereas digital printing was limited to just one or two halls at the last Labelexpo, for this show there are digital devices liberally sprinkled throughout the exhibition. In part this is because there are a number of new digital label presses being launched, but mainly it’s due to the wider adoption of hybrid solutions. Most vendors that I spoke to said this was driven by brands demanding shorter lead times, coupled with just-in-time manufacturing.Klaus Bachstein, CEO of Gallus, with the new DCS340 hybrid press. Photo PSAThus Gallus launched its DCS340, a hybrid printer that uses a narrow web flexo chassis for in-line varnishing and diecutting. Klaus Bachstein, CEO of Gallus, claimed that despite the Heidelberg takeover “Gallus is still Gallus.” However, this is unquestionably a Heidelberg device, driven by a label version of Heidelberg’s Prinect workflow. The imaging comes from Fujifilm Samba heads, delivering a native resolution of 1,200 dpi, with Heidelberg supplying the UV inks.
Domino has also developed an integration module of its N610i inkjet press that can be added to existing machines. It was demonstrated at the show with an AB Graphics Digicon 3, which includes flexo, varnishing and diecutting. It’s a 7-color device capable of up to 75 mpm. Philip Easton, Domino’s UK managing director, says, “It’s completely modular so you can add flexo stations with embossing, laminating or whatever.” Easton adds that Brother, which recently acquired the company, has taken a hands-off approach.
From Durst we have an entry-level industrial printer, the Tau 330E. It’s based around the existing Tau 330, but modified to reduce the cost of purchase and of servicing. There’s a choice of 200 mm and 330 mm widths, and with an optional white as well as the standard CMYK inks. There’s a highly pigmented inkset, that should cut ink consumption by up to 30%.
