Esko CDI Crystal 5080 XPS
Under its ‘Packaging Simplified’ banner, Esko will be introducing its next generation of platemaking equipment at drupa, with two new products developed for streamlining flexo plate production.
The Esko XPS Crystal 5080 is a new standalone UV LED exposure unit that performs main and back exposure simultaneously. This can be connected with a new imager, the CDI Crystal 5080, which uses LAMS ablation laser and high resolution optics. The CDI has a glass plate table, which is used to transfer plates onto the imaging drum and to transport it after imaging to the XPS device.
Together the two create the Esko CDI Crystal 5080 XPS fully integrated and automated workflow, which the company says reduces the time needed to produce a press-ready plate by almost 70%. The new exposure unit can also work as a complement to already installed CDIs.
The platemaking process is also being integrated into Automation Engine via the new Device Manager module to further automate the workflow. This gives the pre-press department full control of job prioritising and enables just-in-time production of plates.
‘Using Automation Engine means that files are pre-checked for errors and entered into the plate production schedule with minimal operator intervention, resulting in maximum production uptime. Rush jobs can be slotted in as necessary, additional separations can be added onto plates and plate waste is minimised,’ said vice president hardware, Thomas Klein.
‘Esko tries very hard to simplify life for its customers,’ commented Jan de Roeck, director solutions management. The company has worked closely with its customers and non-customers to get insights into the market. It has also set up an industry advisory board and works with brand owners to understand their needs.
