Since its introduction as the world's first digital imager
for flexo plates at Drupa in 1995, The Cyrel Digital Imager has established
itself as the clear market leader. Today over 70 per cent of all flexo digital
imagers sold globally are CDIs, and an estimated 90 per cent of all digital
flexo plates worldwide are imaged on Esko CDI equipment.
Jürgen Andresen, EskoArtwork vice president Flexo Business
says, "We are proud that the CDI has helped flexography to develop into a significant
printing technology – not just in cost but also in quality. And we see plenty
of room for growth in digital flexo. Only 20 per cent of platemaking facilities
worldwide are digital, and the demand for flexo related packaging is growing
due to significant increases in quality, reliability and consistency. Brand
owners and converters specifically ask for digital flexo because of the
enhanced print quality, increased productivity and consistent results from
plate run to plate run, all of which help reduce time to market."
Andresen pioneered the development of the imager, spurred by
a successful technology and business partnership between EskoArtwork and
DuPont. He still leads a dedicated team of experienced engineers and assembly
technicians in EskoArtwork's Itzehoe, Germany
facility, assuring that CDIs continue to produce the most consistent, highest
quality plates.
Matthews International is one of the leading international
packaging prepress suppliers. This globally active company provides seamless
services with 1,900 specialists in more than 30 locations worldwide.
Matthews International has a long history with EskoArtwork
and DuPont, having also purchased the 500th CDI for Rudolf Reproflex in Goslar
in 2004. "Matthews has been extremely pleased with the quality and productivity
of the Esko CDI. It has certainly played a major role in our successes,"
comments Franz Joseph Schwarz, President of Matthews International,. "We
purchased the new CDI system for several reasons. First, it harmonises our
technologies; second, EskoArtwork offers us approved standards; and third,
EskoArtwork and DuPont are the market leaders in this field. A final reason to
maintain a close relationship is the recently announced consolidation of Esko with
Artwork Systems."
"As an international group we can not afford any
interruptions in the packaging workflow," Schwarz continued. "The installation
at Scholler took place literally on the fly with no disruption of production."
