Award winning Crystal XPS delivers digitally controlled LED UV Exposure for high quality, highly consistent flexo plate making

Ghent, Belgium – Esko the global leader in integrated hardware and software solutions for packaging brand management, design and prepress has installed the first XPS Crystal 5080 exposure units at Reprographic Systems in Ireland. The company has also invested in two of the latest Kongsberg Digital Finishing Cutting Tables plus Esko WebCenter software. Esko’s new Crystal technology has recently won the prestigious 2017 Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) Innovation Award for PrePress Graphics. It also received an international Red Dot Award for Product Design 2017.

Paul Vaughan, Managing Director at Reprographic Systems says, “We are taking competitive advantage and winning new business. This important investment is a natural progression. We have been waiting to complete our digital solution with Esko’s new exposure technology. From front end to dispatch, Esko’s continuing commitment to innovation is exceptional and groundbreaking.”

The new Crystal XPS is a digitally controlled exposure unit providing near simultaneous exposures supporting all major photopolymer flexo manufacturers. As part of a complete automated platemaking system linking to a CDI imaging unit, the XPS Crystal 5080 offers a superior plate capable of printing at the highest quality levels on diverse substrates. One of the primary factors influencing plate stability is UV exposure, which is fast and holds the finest lines and text onto the plate. Full automation is achieved by linking the XPS to the new fully automated CDI Crystal and thus reducing the process from five manual steps to just one.

Vaughan explains, “The positioning of our three sites offer us the widest customer base. Thanks to these Esko solutions, we are now ideally positioned to service both economies in Ireland and the UK. In 2015 we jointly acquired Promopack Digital Studios in Heanor Derbyshire to extend and expand our reach. We know our future is secure with this investment. With the innovative Crystal technology from Esko we will increase our plate making production levels and improve our export capabilities. We have used Esko equipment since the early 90s. It is tried and tested and always delivers. For labels, folding cartons, and flexible and corrugated packaging we use Esko’s broad array of flexo tools and solutions. Our long term supplier relationship with Esko gives us every confidence in a tough market.”

James Mason, Esko UK/EIRE Sales Manager states, “Over the years we have established a strong relationship with Reprographic Systems and this latest round of investment has come through deep understanding and a detailed analysis of their needs and future aspirations. It is rewarding to know they continue to regard Esko as their partner of choice when it comes to ‘joined up’ innovation.”