Ghent (Belgium), September 2005 – Esko-Graphics, the world leader in digital imaging of flexo plates, announces the introduction of the Cyrel Digital Imager (CDI) Spark 4260, a flexo imager designed for all digital flexo plates up to 42” x 60” (1067 x 1524 mm). The imager is a high-quality, cost-effective, productive solution for trade shops and converters. “The CDI Spark 4260 was specifically built as a cost-effective imager for shops that use plates for flexible packaging and corrugated applications,” comments Jan Buchweitz, Esko-Graphics Product Manager of flexo imagers. “It perfectly fits to a thermal processor like the DuPont Cyrel Fast 4260 or runs in front of any solvent processing equipment.” The CDI Spark 4260 provides variable resolutions from 2000 to 4000 ppi on a job to job basis, and is capable of screen rulings up to 200 lpi, depending on imaging resolution, with halftone imaging from 1-99% — suitable for any high-quality artwork. The CDI Spark 4260 uses the same external drum imaging design as all CDI imagers, and is built to accept optional In-line UV main exposure units. Depending upon the imaging device installed—from Esko-Graphics Optics 15 to Optics 80 systems—it can image a full size 42” x 60” (1067 x 1524 mm) plate as fast as 12 minutes at 2000 ppi. “The CDI Spark 4260 offers customers the opportunity to go into digital platemaking with a system that is very productive at an attractive price point,” states Jan Buchweitz. Driven by Esko-Graphics' Scope workflow, the CDI Spark 4260 integrates easily into highly demanding production environments where last minute changes and flexible sheet layouts are daily requirements. Through Esko-Graphics' vast experience in digital flexo workflows, a rich and unique set of flexo-dedicated features is within reach of the CDI Spark customer, including state of the art screening, color management and dot gain compensation tools. With Scope, the CDI Spark 4260 allows for last minute changes, imposes files, and executes unique flexo-dedicated features, such as plate usage optimization and cut marks. Together with the output .LEN-file for ablation, Scope provides a data file that allows operators to automatically cut merged plates on an Esko-Graphics Kongsberg table. The CDI Spark 4260 will debut at Esko-Graphics' booth at Print 05, and will be available for demonstrations at Esko-Graphics' Gent Demo Center from September 20, onwards. Deliveries of the Spark 4260 are expected in early 2006.