The Esko-Graphics CDi system is the third to be installed at the repro company.

MCG Graphics sales and marketing director Steve Buxton said the installation was a reflection of the company's confidence in developments in flexographic printing.

He hoped the extra capacity provided by the CDi would enable the firm to offer its clients shorter lead times.

"CTP offers flexo printers the kind of quality, consistency and printing stability that until recently had only been available through gravure or litho printing," he said.

The CDi Powerbeam operates at a speed of 4m2 an hour, and uses a combination of external drum, YAG laser and multiple beam optics. It can image a 1,067x1,524mm plate in just over 20 minutes, according to Esko-Graphics. It also features variable imaging resolution of between 1,800dpi and 2,800dpi.

The acquisition of the CDi follows MCGs 500,000 investment in front-end repro capacity.

MCG Graphics is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Omnipack group.

Story by Andy Scott