Gallus Group, a subsidiary of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG), is set to revolutionize the narrow-web printing industry with its latest research breakthrough: Gallus MatteJet technology. Unveiled at Labelexpo Americas 2024, this groundbreaking innovation marks a significant advancement in inkjet printing, enabling a premium matte finish that was previously unattainable with digital inkjet.
Demonstrating HEIDELBERG’s role as a comprehensive solution provider for all contemporary printing processes—encompassing everything from toner to inkjet, offset printing to flexo, all managed through a unified Prinect workflow—MatteJet was developed internally at Gallus’ innovation hub, the Gallus Experience Center in St. Gallen. At Labelexpo Americas 2024, Gallus will showcase this groundbreaking technology alongside HEIDELBERG, detailing how it addresses a significant challenge that has historically hindered the expansion of digital inkjet technology.
The glossy finish characteristic of digital inkjet technology has posed a significant obstacle to its broader acceptance in labels and packaging, particularly in premium markets, where brands typically demand an elegant matte finish. Until now, achieving this effect was only possible through traditional printing methods or by incorporating post-processing equipment to apply matte varnishes, which introduced additional time, complexity, and costs.
In a significant milestone for the industry, Gallus MatteJet technology offers fast, cost-effective, and high-quality matte finishing capabilities that are seamlessly integrated into the digital inkjet process. For the first time, converters can achieve a premium matte finish at the push of a button, without the need to change inks or apply overprint varnish, thus eliminating the reliance on external finishing processes or separate conventional machines. By overcoming a major barrier that has historically limited the growth of inkjet printing, Gallus’ innovative approach opens up substantial opportunities for converters to tap into a lucrative market segment that was previously dominated by offset printing. Furthermore, MatteJet will empower more converters and brands than ever to leverage the advantages of digital printing, including more profitable short runs, personalization, and on-demand printing—marking a significant advancement in the digital transformation of the industry.
Dario Urbinati, CEO of Gallus Group, emphasizes the significance of Gallus MatteJet technology, stating, “The development of Gallus MatteJet technology marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of inkjet printing, opening up a world of new opportunities and ultimately, completely transforming the very foundation of what’s possible with inkjet technology. By unlocking matte finishing for digital inkjet, we’ll be able to make an entirely new market segment accessible to converters without the sizeable investment into separate offset solutions—boosting profitability and exemplifying our commitment to building a new era of flexibility that will enable our industry to thrive long-term.” This innovation not only enhances the capabilities of digital inkjet but also positions converters to capitalize on new business opportunities in the market.
Developed as part of the company’s ongoing R&D efforts at the Gallus Experience Center – established last year to drive innovation through collaboration for long-term industry-wide success – the new finishing process leverages advanced, cutting-edge technology never-before-seen in labels and packaging. “The new MatteJet technology is revolutionary not just in the opportunities it opens up, but also in what its development represents,” continues Urbinati. “We opened the Gallus Experience Center with a vision for a dynamic, collaborative industry hub that would drive significant, meaningful industry change. Gallus MatteJet exemplifies and is testament to the kinds of transformative developments that can be achieved when you combine this vision with real-world insights as to what the market needs today, and of course the essential resources and expertise of our parent company, HEIDELBERG. MatteJet truly embodies our long-term mission and brings the smart, connected print future within touching distance.”
The new MatteJet technology, designed to integrate with Gallus’ Digital Printing Unit, signifies a further enhancement of Gallus’ System to Compose concept, which offers exceptional compatibility across its premier product lines. Through the System to Compose, converters have the flexibility to add, modify, and remove units from their Gallus One as their business requirements change. This concept has now been expanded to include workflow and service options in addition to equipment, following its highly positive reception at drupa 2024. At Labelexpo, Gallus will showcase how the System to Compose concept is essential for enabling converters to pivot, adapt, and thrive in the long term, with MatteJet serving as an additional component of this strategy.
The newest version of the Gallus One is making its global tradeshow debut at Labelexpo, featuring an expanded 430mm web width that opens up a wider range of application possibilities than ever before. Attendees at the stand will have the opportunity to witness the enhanced capabilities offered by its recently broadened color gamut, which includes the integration of Orange and Violet Saphira inks developed collaboratively with HEIDELBERG. This advancement aids converters in achieving distinctive shelf presence for brand differentiation.
HEIDELBERG will also present various elements of its label offerings in collaboration with Gallus, having recently expanded into new business areas to reinforce its status as a leader in providing end-to-end solutions. Together, they will showcase several innovations in the label sector, including the latest advancements in their Screeny® screen printing solutions and Prinect workflow software. Prinect, which serves as the foundation of Gallus' System to Compose, plays a crucial role in digitizing production and bringing to fruition the smart, connected printshop of the future—demonstrated live at the Labelexpo booth (3523).
As a subsidiary, Gallus is a vital component of the company's growth strategy within the packaging and label market and will continue to be instrumental in HEIDELBERG's future.
