Esko has installed the first XPS Crystal 5080 exposure unit 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 recently won the 2017 Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) Innovation Award for Prepress Graphics. It also received an international Red Dot Award for Product Design 2017.

“We are taking competitive advantage and winning new business,” explains Paul Vaughan, managing director at Reprographic Systems. “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 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 fine lines and text onto the plate.

Full automation is achieved by linking the XPS to the new fully automated CDI Crystal, 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 platemaking 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.”