The machine incorporates the Optics 80 fibre laser with multibeam optics, which allows the CDI 4260 Auto to output up to five plates an hour.

The Cyrel can  image a plate up to 1067x1524mm in 12 minutes, which EskoArtwork claims will help boost productivity for flexible packaging trade shops and high volume converters.

The added automation tools considerably reduce previously required handling steps and significantly remove potential sources of error.

EskoArtwork CDI product manager Jan Buchweitz said the CDI Spark 4260 Auto "solidifies the CDI platesetter family's position as the fastest plate imagers currently available, by further reducing operator tasks and manual intervention".

He added: "The Esko CDI 4260 Auto moves our outstanding technology to the next level of flexo platemaking, defining the new standard in digital flexo."

EskoArtwork will be demonstrating the digital imager at this year's Drupa in a configuration of automated plate loading, imaging, and unloading. This will run in combination with the integrated Inline UV Main Exposure and Back Exposure unit.

This year's Drupa takes place from 29 May to 11 June in Düsseldorf, Germany.