Esko unveils expanded portfolio at Labelexpo Europe

Esko has expanded its portfolio and showcases a broad array of new flexo platemaking systems at Labelexpo Europe 2017:

Esko unveils expanded portfolio at Labelexpo Europe

·       WebCenter QuickStart for Labels and Automation Engine QuickStart for Labels – two new turnkey workflow systems to streamline the entire process from order to production and facilitate simpler label production.

·       Automated flexo platemaking integrated into the Automation Engine pre-press workflow; as Automation Engine customers look to expand capabilities, this option is available as an upgrade.

·       The introduction of the Esko XPS Crystal 4835 UV exposure unit and the Esko CDI Crystal 4835 imaging unit for narrow to mid-web flexo applications including flexible packaging.

Shorter print run lengths and shortened delivery times require flexo plates to be ready faster within a reliable delivery window. To support this, Esko has taken the approach of moving operational control further upstream to the pre-press department by integrating the platemaking process with the pre-press workflow.

Esko’s director of product marketing Geert de Proost said: ‘With our new flexo platemaking solutions, we ensure that flexo printing maintains its prominent position and is ready for the business challenges of label and flexo converters today.’

This is accomplished by the introduction of Automation Engine Quick Start for Labels, a turnkey workflow software for label converters that includes a subset of the full Automation Engine capabilities, enabling implementation of a proven automated workflow in just one week. In addition, the full Automation Engine now includes a platemaking module that enables control of the platemaking process from pre-press, further streamlining the label production process while reducing labor requirements and plate waste.

Turnkey workflow bundles

Automation Engine QuickStart for Labels is an out-of-the-box, pre-configured workflow bundle that addresses the majority of the essential pre-press tasks for labels, no matter what printing technology is used – digital (toner and inkjet), flexo, offset or gravure. It is claimed by Esko to be ideal for label converters that want to start pre-press automation without the need for an extensive implementation process or in house workflow specialists. It includes tasks such as preflighting, adding and checking barcodes and content, trapping, step-and-repeat, marks and control strips as well as automated reports.

Another new system, WebCenter QuickStart for Labels, controls the management of data within the system and fully digitizes and streamlines communication and collaboration from project briefing to the production floor. With full automation and visibility, it allows users to follow the audit trail of existing printed and digital assets, speeding the approval cycle with a built-in graphic viewer for both 2D and 3D assets. Work in progress, status and device queues are monitored and presented visually in an easy-to-understand browser-based dashboard.

Automation Engine now manages flexo platemaking

Automation Engine enables a fully-automated platemaking workflow, from RIPped files all the way to the exposed plate on the CDI Crystal XPS, without operator intervention. With Device Manager, anyone that needs to know what the status of a job is in the device queue can do this from the comfort of their desks, eliminating the need to check on progress at the device itself.

Jobs can quickly and easily be placed in queues, and queues can be modified as needed. This automation not only saves valuable operator time, minimizing the need for them to spend time on interactive and time-consuming tasks, but it virtually eliminates errors in the platemaking process and speeds time to press. Most importantly, this automated platemaking workflow enables converting operations to better meet growing customer demand for higher quality and shorter cycle times, increasing customer service levels.

Platemaking: cutting the number of manual handling steps

The new and award-winning Esko XPS Crystal technology is a digitally controlled UV LED exposure device that provides near simultaneous main and back exposure in a single operation. As part of a complete automated platemaking system linking to a CDI imaging unit, the new XPS Crystal 4835 ‘delivers a superior flexo plate for the narrow web market, capable of imaging at the highest quality levels’, says the company.

The plates are placed onto the glass surface, where accurate back and main exposures by patented LED UV light technology allow precise control with no further operator intervention. The consistent light source delivers image consistency and perfectly formed dots.

Pascal Thomas, director of Esko’s flexo business, said: ‘One of the primary factors influencing plate stability is fast UV exposure that holds the finest lines and text onto the plate. Full automation is achieved by linking the XPS to the CDI and thus reducing the process from five manual steps to just one.’

Earlier this year, Esko’s Crystal technology was recognized with the Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) Innovation Award for PrePress Graphics, the Printing Industries of America (PIA) InterTech Technology Award, and a Red Dot award for Product Design 2017 organized by Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen in Germany.

Thomas concluded, ‘Our Crystal technology is being welcomed around the world. First customer installs reflect excellent performance with exceptional print results. With the introduction of our new XPS Crystal 4835 UV LED exposure unit and CDI Crystal 4835 imaging unit together with our latest turnkey workflows dedicated to label production, we continue to address the needs of the packaging and label community. With our 30 years of packaging and label industry experience and development, we continue to lead the way.’