Towards the end of the 1990s, litho printers started replacing their old imagesetters and filmsetters with CTP systems. Flexo packaging printers looked to follow suit and it was with this market shift in mind that Esko Graphics launched its CDI range of platesetters for flexo imaging in 1998.
"We were entering a new market," recalls Paul Bates EskoArtwork's regional business manager for the UK and Ireland. "They had watched all the litho printers move to CTP systems, but flexo never had that opportunity until our CDI range, which was at a price point they could afford."
In 2000, the Belgian manufacturer, which has since merged with Artwork Systems to form EskoArtwork, developed the range further by introducing the CDI Spark family of products, which included the 2530. It targeted the smaller, narrower market, hence its appeal to label printers.
"When first launched, it was going out to small repro houses; today, all of them are converters," says Bates.
Limitations
While the CDI could produce sleeve plates, the CDI Spark could only image flat printing plates. "Printers producing packaging, like Walkers crisp packets, will want to do sleeves as they can run the presses quicker," says Bates.
There were several speeds starting at 0.75m per hour - although this was dropped by EskoArtwork this year -
going up to the Optics 15, running at 1.5m an hour, and Optics 25, running at 2.5m an hour. Unsurprisingly, the faster the machine, the more it cost.
Changes on the machine came in the form of optional extras. For example, in 2004, the option of a magnetic drum for steel-backed letterpress plates was introduced. The imaging laser could also be upgraded to enable faster production.
Next month, at LabelExpo, an option to add the company's HD Flexo software will also be made available. The system, which can be retrofitted to older models, allows printers to image at 4,000dpi compared to the standard quality of 2,540dpi, effectively allowing more than 200 lines per inch.
Quality upgrade
"People used to say that flexo printing was like potato printing, but we have been increasing the quality so that it's the same quality as litho and gravure," says Bates.
To date, 75 CDIs have been sold in the UK and Ireland; 10 of those were Spark 2530s. On the secondhand market, the machines are mostly being part-exchanged by printers who want, or need, to move up to larger formats, as well as the smaller label printers who struggle to justify a brand new unit.
At the time of writing, the manufacturer had one used 2530 for sale. "The owner has told us they want a new machine, but it is currently being used in-house in their factory at the moment," says Bates.
EskoArtwork offers two options for service contracts: Partner Care and Supreme. The former splits the cost of spare parts between the manufacturer and customer - Bates says this is more suitable for the small label printer. The Supreme contract offers quarterly maintenance fees, software updates and one preventative visit a year.
Used models come with a six-month warranty. A 2005 Optics 15 checks in at around £45,000, while a new 2530 will set you back £100,000.
Specifications
Imaging time
For 635x762mm plates:
Optics 15: 20 mins at 2,540dpi
Optics 25: 12 mins at 2,540 dpi
Resolution
Standard: 2,50dpi
High: 4,000dpi
Plates
Digital photopolymer; ablative film; polyester-base letterpress
Footprint
1,600x870mm
Weight
1,000kg
Letterpress option
Magnetic drum
Magnetic vacuum drum
Price
New: £100,000
2005 Optics 15: £45,000
What to look for
Condition of laser
RIP
