WILMINGTON, Del. - DuPont Packaging Graphics today announced development of the Cyrel XD Hybrid Digital Plate System that allows flexographic platemakers to produce a hybrid digital dot using their existing digital workflows. The resulting hybrid digital dot has a flat top and broad supports similar to those produced in an analog workflow.

"The Cyrel XD system will allow digital platemakers to use their existing computer to plate (CTP) and plate making systems to produce the hybrid digital dot on an 'as-needed' basis. A low-cost modification to the UV main exposure unit will allow the flexographer to turn the Cyrel XD system 'on' when they wish to produce a hybrid digital dot or 'off' when they wish to produce a traditional digital dot," said Ray Bodwell, marketing manager for DuPont Packaging Graphics.

"The commercialization of digital Cyrel in the mid-90's introduced the digital dot and ushered in an era of improved consistency, productivity and quality in flexography," noted Bodwell. "However, we recently found an exception in the corrugated segment, where a more traditional flat-topped dot with a broad base helped to minimize the appearance of fluting. In 2008 we introduced DigiCorr as the solution. " While testing has shown that the conventional digital dot profile still produces the best image carrier for most flexo applications, in those cases when a customer needs the digital hybrid shape, Cyrel XD systems will allow them to do that.

"During these challenging economic times, DuPont Packaging Graphics intends to bring solutions to our customers that help them maintain their competitive advantage without having to recapitalize," said Bodwell. "Systems and upgrades need to be low cost and workflows need to remain flexible and open. The Cyrel XD system is low-cost and there are no proprietary films or consumables associated. In the end, a customer can just drop it in and go."

For more information on the Cyrel XD system, customers should contact their local DuPont technical sales representative.