Expanded Digital Imagers Range Launch At Ipex 2006

Esko will showcase at its Ipex 2006 stand - C50 and C53 in Hall 9 - two models of its Cyrel Digital Imagers (CDIs), including the recently introduced CDI Spark 2120.

Esko will showcase at its Ipex 2006 stand - C50 and C53 in Hall 9 - two models of its Cyrel Digital Imagers (CDIs), including the recently introduced CDI Spark 2120.

The CDI Spark 2120 is a small footprint, entry-level CDI that is said to be suitable for digital high-quality flexo plates for tags and labels.

Also on display will be the CDI Spark 4835, a middle-format imager designed for the flexo applications.

The two models represent Esko's expanded line of six imagers, including two new models, providing a choice for companies that want to follow the industry trend to digital flexo platemaking, added the company.

Digital flexo adoption doubles almost year over year, which has been fuelled by esko, believes the company, since the CDI was launched at Drupa 1995.

Up to now, Esko has claimed to lead the digital flexo market with over 73 per cent of all installed digital flexo devices worldwide being its own CDIs.

The company added that market research has demonstrated that over 90 per cent of all digital flexo plates worldwide are being imaged on Esko CDI equipment.

Rene Delbar, Esko-Graphics' senior vice president of marketing, commented: "Brand owners and converters are asking for digital flexo, and they are requesting their suppliers to use specific plates and imagers.

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

With the broadest product line and most experience in the industry, Esko is in a unique position of strength to help trade shops and converters move to digital." 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.

The CDI Spark, devices image plates only.

Most of the CDI models are built ready to accept in-line UV main exposure, allowing digital flexo plates to be exposed at the same time they are imaged.

All CDI models are driven by Esko's Grapholas front-end software, which allows for last minute changes, imposition and flexo-dedicated features, such as plate usage optimisation, seamless imaging and cut marks.

All CDI imagers accept data from Esko's Scope packaging pre-production software, ensuring output preparation for optimum results on the press, added the company.

The two imagers to be demonstrated at Ipex include the new CDI Spark 2120, which is aimed at smaller narrow web and label trade shops and converters that want to be competitive with high quality plates up to 21" x 20" (533mm x 508mm).

The CDI Spark 2120 comes with the Flexrip 2120 built-in and is optionally bundled with Esko Scope software.

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

Like all members of the CDI family, the CDI Spark 4835 features a long-life, low maintenance fiber laser and an optical system offering flexibility and reliability, said Esko.

The CDI Spark 4835 is delivered with a built-in plate loading and unloading table and with Easyclamp II to load and securely hold down plates up to 6.35mm thick on the drum.

A Secuflex Option is available for very high resolution imaging as is needed for security printing and other special applications.

An additional four model models complement those that will be demonstrated at Ipex.

Amongst those is the CDI Spark 2530, which has a new plate loading table and the new Easyclamp II drum for easier and faster plate loading, added Esko.

The CDI Spark 2530, accepting plates as large as 25" x 30" (635mm x 762mm) is designed for high throughput companies that serve tag and label markets.

The Flexrip 2530 and Letterpress are available options on the CDI Spark 2530.

The CDI Compact 4835 for middle-size web formats including flexible packaging and folding cartons.

it images digital flexo plates as well as sleeves.

Plate sizes range from 42" x 30" (1,067mm x 762mm) to 47.2" x 35.4" (1,200mm x 900mm).

The model is available with Esko's cantilever sleeve option, which is said provide the fastest and smoothest sleeve handling to maximise productivity and allows one person to change a sleeve as large as 51" (1,300mm) without additional tools.

The CDI Compact 4835 can use Esko's new Dynacell screens, offering flexibility in angles and screen rulings, thus creating seamless images at a defined resolution.

The new CDI Spark 4260 fits to a thermal processor, or runs in front of any solvent processing equipment, added Esko.

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

The latest version of the Easyclamp automated clamping mechanism makes hands-free plate loading as easy as possible.

Esko said that the CDI Advance 5080 is preferred 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 Advance also comes delivered with Easyclamp III for hands-free plate loading.

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