Belgian manufacturer ThermoFlexX, a part of Xeikon Prepress, has installed its first ThermoFlexX 80-S imager in Europe at digital flexo platemaking company AtoutFlex.
The equipment is capable of exposing plates up to 1,270 x 2,032 mm at speeds of 6m2 an hour (2,540 dpi).
The company claims this is the fastest flexo imager in the world as it has been developed with a double exposure head that enables output speeds of 12m2 every hour.
Owner of France-based AtoutFlex Eric Thouvenin said: "The services we provide range from scanning and film output to the production of offset and flexo plates as well as making screens. In all of these areas we aim to utilise leading edge technology and when we decided to upgrade our digital flexo platemaking facilities ThermoFlexX was an obvious supplier to contact.
"What we wanted from any new imager were higher levels of quality, speed and ease of use. However, we were also seeking an innovative manufacturer that had a visionary approach to the flexo industry and which could provide us with a close-working partnership for many years to come. ThermoFlexX met all of these requirements."
The imagers use three independent modules, the motor, laser and optics. The equipment also makes it possible for the easy replacement of any modules which simplifies service and hardware upgrades.
The company also notes that AtoutFlex has the ability on its model to output at 5,080 dpi, which is the highest resolution available on a flexo imager and allows the company to handle extremely fine, detailed work.
Director sales and marketing for basysPrint and ThermoFlexX Christophe Lievens said: "During the last few months we've installed our first imager in the UK and the first ThermoFlexX 80 model in Europe. We shall be announcing further major new orders over the coming weeks, while the growing number of key reference sites provides even more opportunities to demonstrate how ThermoFlexX imagers are in a league of their own."