BEDFORD, MA -- May 7, 2002 -- Creo Inc. announces faster imaging on the ThermoFlex flexographic computer-to-plate device, now the industry leader in productivity. The ThermoFlex 5280V, the largest member of Creo's family of flexographic CTP devices, achieves a maximum imaging speed of over 5.5 square meters per hour. "The V model is the flagship of our product line and it continues to lead the flexo CTP market, not only in terms of productivity but also imaging quality and consistency," says Bob Dalton, product manager, Flexography. The ThermoFlex 5280V device provides a 38% increase in imaging speed over the F model. When combined with the existing efficient load and unload sequence, the ThermoFlex exceeds all of the competition in productivity. "Faster imaging better meets the needs of flexographic converters and trade shops who are keen to increase productivity with faster job turnaround," says Bob. Creo is also releasing a new model of the successful ThermoFlex product line. The ThermoFlex(tm) 4048 device is designed to image plates up to 90 x 120 cm making it a perfect solution for customers using this standard plate size. The ThermoFlex 4048 device builds on the strengths of the existing ThermoFlex products, which provide unmatched plate quality and consistency to flexo customers around the world. The ThermoFlex system has been successful in the flexographic printing market as well as the offset market where it is being successfully used to improve the efficiency and quality of coating plates. The ThermoFlex product family uses Creo thermal imaging technology to image digital photopolymer plates. The imaging quality is superior compared to plates imaged in the conventional film process. Mastergraphics, Inc. of Stow, OH, uses Creo technology and prepared the digital plates that were part of the "Best of Show" award from the Tag & Label Manufacturers Institute. "Valley Forge Tape & Label printed the Stamp Out Hunger promotional label for Campbell's Soup using polymer plates imaged on our Creo ThermoFlex device," says Dan Heller, president, Mastergraphics. "Campbell's now specifies that digital plates are to be used on all of their promotional labels. Creo has been a true partner in our entry into digital flexo, providing not only technical support but also assisting with marketing and developing relationships with other suppliers." Creo is a world leader in solutions for the graphic arts industry. Core product lines include image capture systems; inkjet proofers; thermal imaging devices for films, plates and proofs; professional color and copydot scanning systems; and workflow management software. Creo is also an Original Equipment Manufacture supplier of on-press imaging technology, components for digital presses, and color servers for high-speed, print-on-demand digital printers. For more information, visit www.creo.com.