Gallus ECS 340 – the next milestones

In the last article about the Gallus ECS 340, we provided a detailed assessment of the machine system with its technical granite base. This article looks at the next step into the future. The existing specification of the Gallus ECS 340 primarily satisfies the main requirements in commodity label printing. In the future, specific additional functions will make the Gallus ECS 340 a benchmark for further applications.

A sound foundation

When developing the Gallus ECS 340, we concentrated on the essential requirements – maximising customer benefits while minimising resource use. In order to achieve this, it was necessary to focus on a precise area of application at the outset. Any new configuration levels had to offer a clear added benefit for customers and be in line with the Gallus ECS 340's “Reduce to the Max” philosophy.

The Gallus ECS 340 has so far consciously focused on the commodity label market segment to deliver sound, tried-and-tested basic functions. The successful market launch and the continuing high demand for the Gallus ECS 340 demonstrate that this is what our customers want. Well over 70 Gallus ECS 340 presses have been sold so far. The sector demands customised solutions with highly reliable functions for specific purposes and the revolutionary Gallus ECS 340 satisfies these requirements to the full.

Gradual development

Now, following two successful years on the market, it is time for the first new configuration level on the Gallus ECS 340. This centres on further boosting productivity and broadening the range of possible applications. Even so, it is important not to lose sight of the original objective. The focus must remain on increasing the benefit to customers. In the future, too, the Gallus ECS 340 will concentrate on specific areas of application.

With a view to boosting productivity, the Gallus ECS 340's first new configuration level includes a number of functions intended to further enhance process reliability and efficiency.

- Register control

Printing under control – The extremely short web path of just 1.1 metres between printing units gives the Gallus ECS 340 a very stable print register. Based on either a web / web or web / cylinder comparison, the new Gallus register control function delivers still greater process reliability, even at high speeds.

- Aluminium printing cylinder sleeve

Solid as a rock – This also applies to the original Gallus aluminium printing cylinder sleeve. A much longer service life and far truer running than is achieved with synthetic printing cylinders make the original Gallus aluminium printing cylinder sleeve a worthwhile investment.

- Diecutting depth adjustment

High precision – The Gallus diecutting depth adjustment function makes setting up the rotary die-cutter child's play. It is precisely adapted to the relevant substrate and die plate in next to no time, to within a thousandth of a millimetre.

- Machine software

Quite ingenious – The machine software often takes a back seat and is seen as a means to an end, but an innovative control concept for a servo printing press is just as important as a flexographic printing unit with a short web path. Setup times, waste values and production stability are influenced to a great extent by the machine software. That's why Gallus has a number of software developers continuously working with its process engineers on the ongoing optimisation of the machine and operator software. An update is planned for autumn 2011 that will result in further significant productivity improvements.

Greater attention was paid to regional requirements when developing the additional functions.

- Hot-air drying

Hot stuff! – Water-based flexographic printing is particularly popular on the U.S. market and is also enjoying something of a renaissance in Europe. Ever stricter packaging regulations also cover the issue of chemical migration. Water-based inks and coatings can be an alternative to migrating UV inks. Thanks to the latest technology, the hot-air drying system on the Gallus ECS 340 is extremely compact and therefore does not result in a longer web path.

- Crosscutting unit with sheet delivery

As requested – Sheeted stock is used in many market segments and accounts for part of virtually all label printers' total production. The new Gallus crosscutting unit with sheet delivery has therefore been designed so that it can be incorporated or removed in a matter of minutes.

Given all these developments, label printers will benefit from a significant number of additional functions for the Gallus ECS 340 following Labelexpo 2011.

What's next?

This first new configuration level will result in another huge boost in productivity for the Gallus ECS 340. Greater consideration is also being given to underlying conditions in specific regions and market segments. Given that both the technical possibilities and the underlying conditions in the various markets are changing all the time, the further development of the Gallus ECS 340 is also an ongoing process. Our developers are already working on the next innovations for the Gallus ECS 340, including a screen printing unit.

Visit us at Stand 5B50 at this year's Labelexpo in Brussels and see the additional functions of the Gallus ECS 340 for yourself.