Michal Ring introduces the new Smartfire inkjet press
Member of the Heidelberg group, Gallus is introducing a new entry-level press during its Innovation Days, which are held at the company headquarters in St Gallen in Switzerland on 26-28 June. The Smartfire is an inline system, which is powered by Memjet technology combined with finishing for end to end label production.
The new 240mm wide inkjet press offers four-colour label printing at a speed of 9m/min in a resolution of 1600 x 1600dpi (or 1600 x 800dpi at 18m/min). It prints with water-based inks and is driven by a digital front end that uses Caldera software. Gallus describes it as a ‘starter model’ aimed at the value end of the market for ‘ultra-short’ runs below 300 metres. Michael Ring, head of digital solutions, explained, ‘With the Gallus Smartfire, we are [also] focusing on new target groups who are looking for a smart entry into digital label printing.’
Added to the print engine, the finishing part of the system incorporates lamination, knife slitting, semi-rotary die-cutting, matrix removal and rewinding.
Highlighting the ease of use, Mr Ring said, ‘The name says it all, the Smartfire is absolutely easy to operate via a self-explanatory touch panel.’ Ink containers and printheads can be changed by the operator for minimised downtime. He concluded, ‘We are addressing a void in the market by offering fully finished high quality labels while still keeping the investment costs at a low level.’
