Gallus Group, a subsidiary of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG), has announced a significant advancement in inkjet printing with the introduction of Gallus MatteJet technology at Labelexpo Americas 2024. This new technology offers a fast and cost-effective in-line matte finishing process for digital inkjet printing, a feature previously unavailable in the market.
Gallus MatteJet is set to address a longstanding issue in the digital inkjet sector: the glossy finish typically associated with inkjet printing, which has limited its use in premium segments such as wine and spirits labels that demand a sophisticated matte finish. Traditionally, achieving this finish required post-processing or additional equipment, adding cost and complexity to the production process.
The new MatteJet technology integrates matte finishing directly into the digital inkjet process, enabling converters to achieve a high-quality matte finish without changing inks or using external finishing machines. This innovation is expected to expand the digital inkjet market by providing converters with access to new, profitable segments. “The development of Gallus MatteJet technology marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of inkjet printing,” said Dario Urbinati, CEO of Gallus Group. “We are unlocking matte finishing for digital inkjet, making an entirely new market segment accessible to converters.”
The MatteJet technology was developed at the Gallus Experience Center in St. Gallen, a hub for research and development aimed at driving industry-wide innovation. The technology is designed to work with Gallus’ Digital Printing Unit, offering compatibility with the company’s System to Compose concept, which allows converters to adapt their equipment as their business needs evolve.
HEIDELBERG and Gallus will showcase additional innovations at Labelexpo, including the Gallus One in a new 430mm web width and an expanded color gamut with Orange and Violet Saphira inks. These innovations are part of HEIDELBERG’s broader strategy to deliver end-to-end solutions for the label and packaging market.