SAN LUIS OBISPO -- Cal Poly’s Graphic Communication Department recently installed equipment that will advance the department’s course offerings in flexographic printing technologies, which help automate packaging workflow. The equipment is on loan from Esko-Graphics and includes a Scope packaging software suite, and a Cyrel Digital Imager Spark flexo imager. The software suite includes the BackStage server, FlexRip, and Plato plate layout software. Scope is the core of Esko’s solution to turn the entire packaging supply chain – from brand owner to retailer – into a straightforward collaborative process, according to Harvey Levenson, head of Cal Poly’s Graphic Communication Department. “Scope enables users to deliver consistent quality while reducing time-to-market and eliminating costs.” The system complements other flexographic equipment already in use by the packaging program at Cal Poly. The CDI Spark is a computer-to-plate system for imaging high-quality photopolymer flexographic plates that are used in various applications, including tags, labels and folding cartons. Combined with Esko’s Scope software suite, the system is capable of producing high-quality plates using sophisticated, efficient converting workflows. Already equipped with a DuPont Cyrel FAST thermal processor, the CDI Spark puts Cal Poly in a position to conduct advanced research on flexographic platemaking and printing. “This installation from Esko, a leader in packaging equipment and software, is critical in our ability to educate students in the latest flexo technology and workflow,” said Professor Malcolm Keif. Mark Vanover, Esko marketing director, said that the company is pleased to be able to help Cal Poly educate the next generation of prepress packaging experts. “The Graphic Communication Department provides students an excellent program in the production of print for packaging. With Scope, students should be able to understand how the entire packaging supply chain operates. With the CDI Spark, they will be able to work with the best performing flexo digital imager in the industry,” Vanover said.