As well as showing its new digital label production line in action for the first time, the group also unveiled a number of new features on its conventional products.

An RCS 300 label production line was shown producing metallic doming inline, a brand new option for creating a raised, metallic effect.

After the printing units a heat-activated glue is applied in the shape required using a screen printing module. The glue is then activated using UV, and a special metallic foil is applied to create the tactile finish.

Product manager David Baumann said the amount of ‘raise’ could be varied. “It depends on the screen used, but can be more than 1.5mm,” he explained.

The effect can be applied to transparent materials and tube laminate, which Gallus believes is unique, as well as standard self-adhesive paper label stocks.

A number of new features have been added to the Gallus ECS 340 to increase productivity, including a patented direct matrix removal device that allows for higher running speeds even with complicated die-cut shapes.

The device maintains a constant tension in the matrix so it doesn’t break.

A number of enhancements to the RCS 430 narrow web system were also shown, including a reduced web length between print stations that has the potential to save 50,000 linear metres of materials per annum and a new closed loop colour system.

Gallus said the new features would result in a productivity boost of more than 10%.

The firm is also working on a high-speed screen printing project called Tempo 120, and showed screen print samples produced at 60, 90 and 120m per minute.

Screen print specialist Werner Krummenacher said the firm was in the middle of the project: “How can we help our customers overcome the problem of screen printing slowing down their production? Can we screen print at 120m per minute?” he said.

The Innovation Days event took place from 23-25 September at Gallus' HQ in St Gallen, Switzerland.