A Dutch firm claims to have made a massive step forward after developing a direct digital engraving system for flexo plates.


Lead Lasers, the developer of the system, has formed a strategic alliance with Artwork Systems. Under the deal, Artwork will help market the new engraver, which will be driven by Artworks workflow products.


Until today CTP in flexo has had limitations. This is a massive step forward with no limitations, said Lead Lasers managing director Arthur van der Weijden.


The engraver uses a CO2 laser to expose plates or sleeves. Direct engraving means there is no more post-imaging exposure, washing out or chemistry needed, said van der Weijden.


Cutting out those stages reduces the lead times of flexo platemaking by several hours as well as improving consistency.


The firms claim that the combination of direct engraving with Artworks RIP calibration, screening and PlateCell Patterning software will produce results to rival litho.


We had a lot of attention from the big repro houses at Flexo 2001, said Artwork associate director of sales Jan Ruysschaert.


A Dutch flexo repro house will beta-test one of two machines being manufactured capable of producing plates up to 2.2x2m.


It will cost around 400,000, and have a productivity of around 0.5m2 per hour, although Lead is working on increasing the productivity.


Story by Barney Cox