Waldo installed the platesetter, which has replaced a Creo Thermoflex system, as part of a £400,000 kit upgrade that included an AV Flexologic Flatmount 3000 MK Win.

Phil Walmsley, joint managing director of the Lincolnshire-based company, said the investment was integral to Waldo's growth strategy, particularly in the corrugated market.

"We can see the opportunities," he said. "The HD Flexo system will improve the quality of our plates and increase volume. Plus it will help us move into new markets and develop new business opportunities, while at the same time provide an even better service to our existing customers."

EskoArtwork said that its HD Flexo technology, which has a resolution of up to 4,000dpi, enables flexo printers to produce the full tonal range of offset and offers sharp detail in text and line art, both of which are important to packaging and brand designers.

"We already work closely with design teams, advising them on the best way to make sure their creativity translates accurately onto the plate and into print," said Walmsley.

"This latest investment will help them achieve consistency even with the most intricate designs because there is simply nothing we cannot achieve with HD Flexo."

Waldo produces flexo plates for a number of small- to medium-sized printers and is aiming to expand its portfolio for the flexible packaging and corrugated market following the installation.

According to EskoArtwork, in addition to allowing the production of sharper images, the increased resolution enabled by its HD Flexo technology means that ink does not collect on the plate so much.

The Belgium-based manufacturer said that this eliminates the need to stop for cleaning, resulting in longer runs off the same plate and a significant cost saving.