Gallus launches ‘ECS-type’ 17in press series

The Labelmaster 440 is a 17in (440mm) wide UV flexo press running at up to 200m/min. A range of modular options are under development, including rail mounted units.

The individual print modules, designed in conjunction with Heidelberg Speedmaster engineers, consist of two print stations, with a new locking system securing the print units accurately onto the base.

Speaking at the launch event, Stephan Plenz, member of the Heidelberg management board responsible for equipment, said: ’Gallus and Heidelberg have harnessed a great many synergies in developing the new platform technology for the label market. A modular design and a reduction in complexity benefit both sets of customers, sheetfed and label market, and make them more competitive.’

The Labelmaster will be available in three different variants: a base variant with just the print units; a ‘Plus’ version and an ‘Advanced’ version which will include a mix options such as automatic register adjustment and pre-setting.

Lightweight aluminium printing cylinders have been specially developed for this press series, robustly constructed with bearer rings to eliminate plate bounce at faster speeds.

The Labelmaster has a short web path of 1.1m from print unit to unit. A redesigned ink duct for the chambered doctor blade uses 250g of ink and demonstrates improvements in ink spitting and foaming.

Commented Gallus CEO Klaus Bachstein: ’We wanted to build a machine platform which can be configured and can grow with the customer. As we are a member of the Heidelberg family we wanted to use the experience and the technology and manufacturing know-how of Heidelberg. So this gives us a price-performance ratio with the Labelmaster you have not seen before from Gallus.’

For a full report see the next edition of Labels & Labeling.