Cyrel® Digital Imager (CDI) Spark 4260 is a flexographic imager designed for all digital-flexo plates up to 42 × 60 in. It provides variable resolutions from 2,000 to 4,000 ppi and is capable of screen rulings up to 200 lpi, depending on imaging resolution, with halftone imaging from 1 to 99 percent. The 4260 is built to accept optional, inline-UV main exposure units. Depending on the imaging device installed, it can image a full-size 42 × 60-in. plate in as few as 12 minutes at 2,000 ppi.

ESKO, 800/743-7131, fax: 937/454-1522, www.esko.com

Co. offers digital flexo printing plates and imaging systems. The digital nyloflex® plates provide excellent print quality in solids, line and halftone for flexographic print applications, co. says. They are available in a wide range of formulae and thicknesses. Offered in wide- and narrow-web models, FlexoLaser imaging systems are compatible with all ablative masked photopolymer plates, whether solvent- or water-washed.

ANDERSON & VREELAND, INC., 866/282-7697, fax: 800/223-6869, www.AndersonVreeland.com

The SpectroPlate is a handheld measurement device that uses a precision optical lens system and a high-resolution CMOS color matrix sensor with high dynamic range to capture microscopic images of the printing plate. All relevant quality parameters for correctly manufactured plates are shown on the LCD display. The spectrally white illumination and dynamic color evaluation permit the reading of a variety of plate types.

TECHKON GMBH, 49/6174-9244-50, fax: 49/6174-9244-99, www.techkon.com

The Suprasetter thermal computer-to-plate system offers versatility in plate handling, format coverage and punching, co. says. The modular system adapts to form numerous configurations including a four- and eight-page basic model with a fully automated single- and multi-cassette loader. It is said to be the only CtP system equipped with side registration for web presses and center registration for sheetfed presses. Additional features include temperature compensation and an internal punching system.

HEIDELBERG USA, INC., 888/472-9655, fax: 770/794-6272, www.us.Heidelberg.com

The SDF model proof press is a servo-drive controlled, gearless machine with Human Machine Interface (HMI) touch-screen control. It is available for widths between 1,000 to 1,750 mm and for repeats up to 1,000 mm. A narrow-web version is also available. The proof press uses a high-tolerance stainless steel proofing drum and can be used with any type of water- or solvent-based inks.

JM HEAFORD LTD., 44/161-928-5679, fax: 44/161-927-7517, www.jmheaford.co.uk

Co. has two types of flexo imaging systems: the FlexPose! direct laser-ablation system and the FlexPose! mask-ablation system. The mask-ablation system offers a "digital negative" solution, co. says, and direct laser offers a "digital positive" solution. Direct laser can be used, without adaptation, to engrave flexo, letterpress and dry-offset plates, flexo sleeves and rotary screens.

LÜSCHER AG, 41/62-767-7677, fax: 41/62-767-7676, www.luescher.com

After evaluating competitive thermal plate-processing systems, converter and package printer Ling Industries (Warwick, Quebec, Canada) has selected MacDermid Printing Solutions' LAVA Thermal Plate Processor for its flexographic platemaking system (www.macdermid.com).

"We put these two systems through some pretty rigorous evaluations, and the performance of the LAVA system, coupled with the professional service and support of the MacDermid team, gave us exactly what we needed: a high productivity platemaking operation," says Daniel Hern, flexo operation manager at Ling.

LAVA technology uses heat to remove unexposed photopolymer, increasing platemaking productivity and eliminating solvents from the process. It can generate press-ready plates in less than an hour. Ling will use the LAVA system to make photopolymer plates for its headquarters location.

LING INDUSTRIES, INC., 819/358-3100, fax: 819/358-3187, www.rocktenn.com

MACDERMID PRINTING SOLUTIONS, 800/348-7201, fax: 404/696-8357, www.macdermid.com