Esko Unveils “Pinnacle of Flexo Platemaking” at drupa with New CDI Crystal XPS ‘Quartz Edition’

drupa Esko has introduced the CDI Crystal XPS ‘Quartz Edition’, a revolutionary advancement in flexographic print quality, offering a true alternative to gravure printing. 

“This is the pinnacle of flexo platemaking,” said Pascal Thomas, Director of Flexo Business at Esko. “In flexible packaging, gravure is often seen as the benchmark for print quality. With this new innovation, we enable flexo printers to match that quality, setting a new standard for the industry.”

Next-Level Innovation

The CDI Crystal XPS ‘Quartz Edition’ is the latest addition to Esko's successful CDI Crystal XPS line, integrating upgraded optics and optimized Crystal Screening software. “Our new Quartz optical technology allows users to image higher frequency surface structures at 2000lpi (Q-Cells) with a resolution of 4000ppi,” Thomas explained. “This nearly doubles the current industry standard and significantly enhances ink transfer, marking a major leap forward in flexo plate imaging and print quality.”

Market-Leading Flexo Print Quality

Targeted at label and packaging converters and their premedia plate suppliers, the CDI Crystal XPS ‘Quartz Edition’ delivers exceptional flexo print quality. “The combination of hardware and software results in Esko Pixel+ Q-cell screens at 2000lpi, ensuring smooth highlights, dense ink coverage, and clean fades,” Thomas noted. The single optics head simplifies the process, reducing complexity.

The system is compatible with both solvent and water-based inks, increasing the density of water-based inks by up to 0.7, aligning with sustainability goals.

Key Features and Benefits

The CDI Crystal XPS ‘Quartz Edition’ offers:

• Unsurpassed Quality: Smoother ink coverage, better contrast, and deeper shadows.
• Increased Ink Density: Up to 0.7 for water-based inks.
• Smoother Solids: No pinholes or negative artifacts.
• Elimination of Dot-Bridging: Keeps fades and images cleaner.
• Improved Tonal Range: Higher ink laydown allows for finer anilox rollers, resulting in brilliant solids and fine highlights.
• Sustainability Gains: Reduced ink usage and compatibility with water-based inks.

Enhanced Accuracy and Efficiency

Jan De Roeck, Director of Marketing, Industry Relations & Strategy at Esko, highlighted the benefits of the new system. “The CDI Crystal XPS ‘Quartz Edition’ is a complete flexo platemaking solution for those seeking the highest quality in flexo printing,” he said. The technology evolves from the award-winning Esko Print Control Wizard software, using critical print parameters to simplify the platemaking process and ensure unrivaled screening accuracy.

“The Quartz cells formed during UV LED exposure provide consistent and repeatable plate quality,” De Roeck added. “This system not only produces the most accurate and high-quality plates but also reduces ink usage, making it cleaner and more efficient.”

The CDI Crystal XPS ‘Quartz Edition’ represents a significant advancement in flexo platemaking, delivering unparalleled quality and efficiency to meet the evolving needs of the market.

For more information about Esko's latest innovations, visit their official website.