Ryerson’s School of Graphic Communications Management receives a new flexo plate imager from Esko

The gift in kind donation of an Esko CDI Spark 2530 flexo plate imager, replacing the one they have had for a few years, will help Ryerson students continue to learn and practice flexographic platemaking processes, which are widely used in the packaging industry. It will be used in conjunction with a complete Esko packaging workflow that is also in place at the university.

The Ryerson School of Graphic Communications Management offers Canada’s only degree-granting program for the printing industries. The school’s four-year degree offers opportunities in all areas of digital imaging and print production leading to a management career in this rapidly growing field. Throughout the program, students network with potential employers and gain practical experience in the industry through formal internships or part-time work.

‘Esko always tries to offer solutions to top tier graphic, design and packaging schools so that their students are working with the latest technology and ready resources for the industries we serve,’ said Larry Moore, Esko vice president, North American partner programs. ‘Ryerson, in my opinion, is an extremely important and valuable resource for packaging companies across Canada. I have met many Ryerson graduates and they have always been key players.’

The CDI Spark 2530 flexo plate imager is used by companies that particularly produce tags and labels and folding cartons. It images digital flexo plates up to 25” x 30” (635 x 762mm) and comes with an incorporated plate loading table and an EasyClamp II drum for easier and faster plate loading.

‘This major donation will allow our 600-plus GCM students to learn platemaking on the most up-to-date equipment. The process creating packaging requires challenging, evolving technology and the tools our students use are on the cutting edge,’ says Natalia Lumby, associate professor at the School of Graphic Communications Management at Ryerson University. ‘Students are introduced to platemaking in their first year. By the third year, they produce flexo plates on the CDI on their own.’

The Esko CDI also allows Ryerson to participate in competitions—most specifically the Phoenix Challenge, where Ryerson has received awards both in 2013 and 2015.