Gent (Belgium), March 16, 2006 – Esko, the world leader in digital imaging of flexo plates, will showcase at their Ipex stand, C50/C53 in Hall 9, two popular models of its highly successful Cyrel Digital Imagers (CDIs), including the recently introduced CDI Spark 2120, a small footprint, entry-level CDI suitable for digital high-quality flexo plates for tags and labels, and the CDI Spark 4835, a middle-format imager designed for the highest quality flexo applications. These two models represent Esko’s expanded line of six imagers, including two new models, providing a clear choice for companies that want to follow the industry trend to digital flexo platemaking. Digital flexo adoption doubles almost year over year, and Esko has been fueling that trend since the CDI was launched at Drupa 1995. Up to now, the digital flexo market is lead by Esko with over 73% of all installed digital flexo devices worldwide being Esko CDIs. Market research has demonstrated that over 90% of all digital flexo plates worldwide are being imaged on Esko CDI equipment. René Delbar, Esko-Graphics Senior Vice President Marketing comments: “Brand owners and converters are asking for digital flexo, requesting their suppliers to use specific plates and imagers. They can see the better print quality, increased productivity and consistent results from plate run to plate run. With the broadest product line and most experience in the industry, Esko is in a unique position of strength to help trade shops and converters move to digital.” CDI product family covering all flexo plate production needs The new CDI product line consists of six models, separated into two families: CDI Advance and CDI Compact, capable of imaging plates as well as sleeves; and CDI Spark, devices that image plates only. Most of the CDI models are built ready to accept In-line UV Main Exposure, allowing digital flexo plates to be exposed at the same time they are imaged. All CDI models are driven by Esko’s outstanding Grapholas front-end software, which allows for last minute changes, imposition, and unique flexo-dedicated features, such as plate usage optimization, seamless imaging and cut marks. All CDI imagers accept data from Esko’s Scope packaging pre-production software, ensuring the most advanced output preparation for optimum results on the press. CDI product family overview The two imagers to be demonstrated at Ipex include: The new CDI Spark 2120, a small footprint, entry-level priced CDI directed to smaller narrow web/label trade shops and converters that want to be competitive with high quality plates up to 21”x20” (533 x 508 mm). The CDI Spark 2120 comes with the versatile FlexRip 2120 built-in, and is optionally bundled with Esko Scope software. The CDI Spark 4835 images digital photopolymer plates in sizes up to 48”x35” (1200 x 900 mm), the most popular flexo plate format. Like all members of the CDI family, the CDI Spark 4835 features a long-life, low maintenance fiber laser and an optical system offering a high level of flexibility and reliability. CDI Spark 4835 is delivered with a built-in plate loading/unloading table and with EasyClamp II to easily load and securely hold down plates up to 6.35 mm thick on the drum. A SecuFlex Option is available for very high resolution imaging as is needed for security printing and other special applications. An additional four model models complement those that will be demonstrated at Ipex: The CDI Spark 2530 boasts a new plate loading table and the new EasyClamp II drum for easier and faster plate loading. The CDI Spark 2530, accepting plates as large as 25 x 30 (635 x 762mm), is designed specifically for companies that serve tag and label markets with a need for high throughput. The FlexRip 2530 and Letterpress are available options on the CDI Spark 2530. The CDI Compact 4835, designed for middle-size web formats including flexible packaging and folding cartons, images digital flexo plates as well as sleeves. Plate sizes range from 42”x30” (1067 mm x 762 mm) to 47.2”x35.4” (1200 mm x 900 mm). This CDI is available with Esko’s Cantilever Sleeve Option, the fastest and smoothest sleeve handling to maximize productivity, allowing one person to easily change a sleeve as large as 51” (1300mm) without additional tools. The CDI Compact 4835 can utilize Esko’s new Dynacell screens, offering unlimited flexibility in angles and screen rulings - thus creating seamless images at a defined resolution, a unique advantage. The new CDI Spark 4260 is a cost effective plate imager that fits perfectly to a thermal processor or runs in front of any solvent processing equipment. It images plates as large as 42x60 (1067 x 1524 mm). The latest version of EasyClamp, an automated clamping mechanism, makes hands-free plate loading as easy as possible. CDI Advance 5080 is preferred for shops that require the fastest throughput of large format flexo plates. Users of Advance platesetters can exchange drums for 50”x80” or 42”x60” plates (1270 mm x 2032 mm or 1067 x 1524 mm), as well as for sleeves. The CDI Advance also comes delivered with EasyClamp III, making hands-free plate loading as easy as possible.