Waldo installs UK’s first ThermoFlexX 80-D imager

Packaging Solutions

The UK’s first ThermoFlexX 80-D digital flexo plate imager is now in full production at Lincolnshire pre-press house Waldo, a leading supplier of specialist digital artwork and plate services for the corrugated and flexible packaging sectors. The recent installation, which follows a string of orders from around the world for ThermoFlexX imagers, enables the company to provide unrivalled output speed and plate image quality, as managing director and owner Phil Walmsley explained. ‘We have a lot of experience of operating CTP equipment for the flexo market and when we decided to invest in additional output capacity the Belgian made ThermoFlexX models quickly stood out in offering the best package of quality, speed and price.

‘For example, our existing CTP systems allow a maximum exposure of 4 square metres an hour, while the ThermoFlexX D-80, with its dual head facility, has a top speed of 12 square metres an hour.

‘In addition, the ability to output at resolutions of 5080 dpi is very appealing. It is still early days for us as the imager has only been in operation for a short while, but we’re about to start trials for two clients, outputting at 5080 dpi using LUX ITP flexo plates from MacDermid and Flint’s FTF. We will also be using this trial to test the ThermoFlexX flat top dot and surface screening technologies.’

The open architecture offered by the imagers means that the model at Waldo could be integrated with the company’s existing pre-press software and Esko FlexRIP. The new imager can also handle all of the flexo plates normally used at the Louth sit.

‘The ThermoFlexX imager is packed with attractive features, from the easy use of partial plates and the ability to load plates from either side of the machine, to being able to mix different resolutions on the same plate,’ said Phil. ‘It is a very operator friendly imager. The ThermoFlexX application specialist trained our plate room manager during the week of its installation and he is now teaching other operators how to use it. Whenever we have had a query the service team has been very quick in responding to our requests and that level of dedicated after sales support is invaluable.’