Digital Imaging Flexo Plates Paying Off for Label Converter Thanks to Esko-Graphics and Pitman Co.

Published: January 09, 2004, By PRESS RELEASE

VANDALIA, OH, USA—With the help of its new Esko-Graphics Cyrel Digital Imager Spark Flexo Platesetter, Northwest Label has gone from entry level platemaking to digital, says Esko-Graphics. The Lynnwood, WA-based tag and label printer recently installed its CDI Spark on the recommendation of the Pitman Co.

According to an Esko-Graphics release, NW Flexo was looking for a means to output larger and more plates in shorter period of time. The small converter, with its 18 employees, searched for a quality platesetter that would stand the test of time as well as a vendor that would stand behind the product. Graphic arts industry supplier Pitman Co. recommended the Esko-Graphics flexo platesetter, which images Cyrel digital plates.

NW Label has won awards, both national and international, for its high-quality work; the converter uses 4-, 6-, 8-, and 10-color flexo presses to print labels for beverages, CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, and cosmetic and healthcare products. NW Label president Kevin Davis says the CDI has already delivered results. "You've got to see the quality of digital plates to believe it. In our 175 lpi process color and vignettes, we're holding dots you can barely see with a loupe. Customers are noticing and commenting about the difference in quality and detail."

In addition, Davis says graphic arts industry distributor/supplier Pitman was very helpful in the converter's switch to CTP. "[Pitman] made sure we looked good to our clients, while supporting us throughout a very challenging computer-to-plate workflow installation."

Learn more about Esko-Graphics prepress products for packaging and labels at esko-graphics.com. Visit Pitman Co. at pitman.com and Northwest Flexo at northwestflexo.com.