Flexo CtP?Out of the Gates

Creo incorporates laser diode imaging technology in its ThermoFlex® product line. It uses multi-channel laser diodes to produce from 24 to 64 beams, and uses "beam-shaping" optics to create the optimum energy profile for plate imaging, reports Bob Dalton, product manager for Creo.

He points out two key features available with the ThermoFlex line—the ThermoFlex Sleeve Option and HyperFlex™. With the Sleeve Option, trade shops, printers, or converters have the ability to image plates, film, continuous photopolymer sleeves, and digital plates mounted on sleeves, all on one device. HyperFlex is "designed to increase the capability of a flexo plate to hold fine features," says Dalton.