New Digital Flexo Imagers Embody New Concepts

Esko-Graphics has broadened its family of Cyrel Digital Imager (CDI) flexo imagers.

Esko-Graphics has broadened its family of Cyrel Digital Imager (CDI) flexo imagers.

The new line of six imagers, including two new models, provides a clear choice to companies that want to follow the trend to digital flexo platemaking, believes the company.

2005 marks Esko-Graphics' celebration of the 10th year anniversary of the introduction of the CDI, which was launched during Drupa 1995.

Since then, the CDI has been installed on 73 per cent of the digital flexo devices worldwide, said Esko-Graphics.

Market research has demonstrated that in the same 10-year period 90 per cent of all digital flexo plates are imaged on Esko-Graphics' CDI equipment, added the company.

Esko-Graphics has continually upgraded the CDI with features to provide higher quality imaging and easier, more productive operation.

Earlier this year, the company introduced the in-line UV main exposure unit, a claimed new concept in digital flexo platesetting that allows digital flexo plates to be exposed at the same time they are imaged, rather than requiring separate exposure on a light frame, said the company.

The new CDI product line consists of six models, separated in to two families - CDI Advance and CDI Compact, capable of imaging plates as well as sleeves and the CDI Spark devices that image plates only.

Product name designations refer to the maximum plate size.

Most of the CDI models are built ready to accept in-line UV main exposure.

CDI Advance 5080 is the preferred device for shops that require the fastest throughput of large format flexo plates.

Users of Advance platesetters can exchange drums for 50 x 80 or 42 x 60 plates (1,270mm x 2,032mm or 1,067mm x 1,524mm), as well as for sleeves.

The CDI Compact 4835, designed for middle-size web formats, is available with Esko-Graphics' Cantilever Sleeve option - a system that allows one person to change a sleeve without additional tools.

The maximum sleeve length, or print width, is 51" (1,300mm).

The CDI Compact 4835 allows the fastest and smoothest sleeve handling to maximize productivity, added Esko-Graphics.

The new CDI Spark 4260 is said to be a cost-effective plate imager, which fits the demands of tradeshops and converters.

It fits to a thermal processor like the DuPont Cyrel Fast 4260 or runs in front of any solvent processing equipment.

It images plates as large as 42" x 60" (1,067mm x 1,524mm).

CDI Spark 4835 images digital photopolymer plates in sizes up to 48" x 35" (1,200mm x 900mm) the most popular flexo plate format.

CDI Spark 2530 has a new plate loading table similar to the one delivered on the CDI Spark 4835 and the new Easyclamp II drum for easier and faster plate loading.

The CDI Spark 2530, accepting plates as large as 25" x 30" (635mm x 762mm), is designed specifically for companies that serve tag and label markets with a need for high throughput, added Esko-Graphics.

The new CDI Spark 2120, a small footprint, entry-level priced CDI is directed at smaller narrow web and label trade shops and converters who want to be competitive with plates up to up to 21" x 20" (533mm x 508mm).

Deliveries are expected in the field by early 2006.

All CDI models are driven by Esko-Graphics' Grapholas front-end software, a Scope workflow module.

It allows for last minute changes, imposes files and executes unique flexo-dedicated features, such as plate usage optimisation, imaging and cut marks.

Together with the output LEN-file for ablation, Grapholas provides a data file that allows operators to automatically cut merged plates on an Esko-Graphics Kongsberg table.

Grapholas accepts 1-bit TIFF or LEN-files from any RIP, whether it is the Esko-Graphics Flexrip or any third party RIP.

CDI platesetters complement Esko-Graphics' Scope workflow for the packaging industry.

A Scope workflow is ready to scale up towards a fully automated workflow with JDF driven step and repeat and integration in operational business systems like MIS or DAM, added the company.

Rene Delbar, Esko-Graphics' senior vice president of marketing, said: "The world of flexo platesetting is rapidly changing.

The cost of film, storage and chemistry, as well as additional labour, is making digital flexo platesetting very competitive versus analogue methods.

Customers, brand owners and converters are asking for digital, requesting their supplier to use specific plates and imagers.

They can see the better print quality, increased productivity and consistent results from plate run to plate run.

Esko-Graphics is in a unique position of strength, with extensive experience offering the broadest range of hardware and software solutions for digital platemaking.".

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