Xeikon unveils its ThermoFlexX imagers for flexographic & letterpress platemaking at drupa 2012

  Xeikon will unveil ThermoFlexX, its new product line of reliable, high quality, digital imagers for flexographic and letterpress plate making, at drupa 2012, taking place in Düsseldorf, Germany from May 3-16, 2012. With the launch of ThermoFlexX, Xeikon now offers solutions for flexographic platemaking as well as digital printing (through the Xeikon 3000 Series of digital color presses), further reinforcing the company’s commitment to the label and packaging markets.

Earlier this year, Xeikon had announced the acquisition of FlexoLaser, a leading and respected manufacturer of computer-to-plate (CtP) devices for both flexo and letterpress applications. Xeikon selected FlexoLaser due to its excellent product design capabilities and best-in-class image quality. At the same time, Xeikon also announced that it had acquired the rights to the ThermoFlex trademark from Eastman Kodak Company.

Digital and Flexo: a perfect match
At drupa 2012, the company will unveil its product line of Imagers for flexographic and letterpress printing plates, which will be marketed under the ThermoFlexX productline. Xeikon is currently transferring production of the imager systems to its pre-press facilities in Belgium. Here, the company will continue developing the technology to raise the quality bar further.

“Xeikon has been manufacturing industry-leading computer-to-plate solutions for more than 15 years,” says Jeroen Van Bauwel, Director of Product Management at Xeikon. “With ThermoFlexX, we’re expanding our CtP business into the flexographic and letterpress markets, further reinforcing Xeikon’s commitment to the label and packaging markets. Xeikon is the only player on the market who is able to offer its customers solutions for both flexo platemaking and digital label and packaging printing. Digital printing provides the perfect answer for short and medium runs and quick turnaround times, while the long runs will continue to rely on flexographic printing.”

Up to 5080dpi resolution
Comprising leading-edge hardware and workflow software, the ThermoFlexX product line of Imagers is based on mature technology and proven digital workflow solutions. It enables customers to consistently produce high-quality digital flexographic and letterpress plates at resolutions of 2540 or 5080 dpi. With this resolution, the product is technology-ready to raise the quality level of output to the newest industry standards.

Unique range of benefits
The ThermoFlexX solution comes with a range of unique benefits. Advanced clamping design allows plates to be mounted directly on to the drum, while uniquely designed vacuum sliders offer the flexibility to use plates of any width. This is highly beneficial to operators as there is no need to cut the plates to fit a dedicated vacuum zone thus allowing the use of cut-off scraps. The ThermoFlexX solution also features ergonomic plate mounting and its hybrid drum offers flexibility of holding plates in place either by vacuum or by magnetics.