Punto Grafico Produces Flexo Plates More Efficiently with the Help of EskoArtwork

Looking to boost performance, streamline workflows and attract new business, Punto Gráfico s.r.l. has turned to EskoArtwork, completely revamping its operations with the implementation of EskoArtwork's CDI 5080, HD Flexo, Digital Flexo Suite and a Kongsberg XL24 digital finishing table.

Located in Argentina, Punto Gráfico specializes in manufacturing photopolymer digital and conventional plates for corrugated and flexible packaging and labels. In its 15th year, the prepress service provider is the first South American company to use EskoArtwork's Digital Flexo Suite (DFS), which delivers a powerful set of tools for automated platemaking while reducing plate waste. The newest CDI works alongside a CDI Spark XT 4835, which the shop has used for several years.

"Our company's growth is the result of ongoing research and investment in cutting-edge technology, as we are committed to helping clients achieve their goals while minimizing costs," says Evangelina Perez, manager of Punto Gráfico. "We continually seek technological innovation so we are able to meet our customers' requirements, whether it's a simple project or a job requiring complex graphics with six colors."

It's a whole new world

EskoArtwork's industry-leading technology is having dramatic impact at Punto Gráfico, beginning with the Digital Flexo Suite for corrugated, which gives Punto Gráfico the benefit of a fully digital flexo workflow, from imaging straight through to plate-ready mounted carrier sheets. DFS, automatically and with computerized accuracy, sends a job to the imaging device, creates files for the cutting layout and data files for mounting--all in an instant. Next is the CDI 5080, allowing large-format corrugated jobs, once confined to an analog plate workflow, to enjoy the full benefits of an all-digital, filmless CTP system. HD Flexo, although not in full production mode, is already delivering incredibly high quality imaging, with line screens that range from 150-170 lpi. Last, but certainly not least, the Kongsberg XL24 finishing table provides ultra-precise cutting, quickly and on a variety of plate materials.

"With Digital Flexo Suite (DFS), CDI 5080 and the Kongsberg table, we've been able to improve productivity and quality, a necessity as we look to reach more customers," notes Evangelina.

The large-format CDI 5080 lets Punto Gráfico digitally image all of its plates, even jumbo size plates for corrugated jobs. Not only does the digital workflow improve turnaround and reduce costs, it also bumps up the quality level. The CDI 5080 is capable of holding a 1% dot, which is not possible with an analog system.

"The fact that we no longer have to make conventional plates is very important," says Evangelina. "Before (with the larger format jobs) we had to make conventional plates using analog films. We had to make the film, measuring the dimensions and manually combining many plates from the films. Then we had to physically carry the large plates to the UV exposure unit. Now, with the CDI Spark 5080, it's a completely digital workflow--we are going straight from imaging to processing. It is a vast improvement."

Large-format plates are produced in 40 minutes, instead of taking hours and hours. The CDI Spark XT 4835 is still up and running, imaging 1200x900 mm plates, while the CDI 5080 takes on the larger sizes, imaging plates in thicknesses from 1.14 to 6.35 mm for plates up to 1270 x 2032 mm (50x80 inches).

Precision cuts