New Catena-E 48 exposure unit for narrow and medium web segment

Flexo Solutions

XSys has announced the introduction of the ThermoFlexX Catena-E 48 unit for LED exposure of flexographic printing plates for the label, folding carton, and flexible packaging markets. The new addition to the Catena product family is a compact solution that delivers highest quality flat top dot plates at an impressive level of productivity, coupled with low cost of ownership.

‘Catena-E LED exposure technology was first introduced to the market in 2020 and the larger Catena-E 80 model for wide web applications was quickly adopted by platemakers and printing companies serving the global flexible packaging and corrugated board markets,’ said Christophe Lievens, global sales director Xsys pre-press. ‘Now with the Catena-E 48, narrow and medium web printers active in labels, folding cartons, and flexible packaging can enjoy the same excellent plate quality with faster LED exposure and consistent operation which will boost their business.’

Exposing plates in a maximum size of 900 x 1200 mm and up to 6.35 mm in thickness, the Catena-E 48 has been built to match the high speed of the TFxX 48-S plate imager, which offers an output of 6m2 per hour. Exposure takes less than 15 minutes and the unit can be fitted with an automatic plate loading door as an option. Like the Catena-E 80, the new model is also perfect for plates with the finest surface microstructures, such as ThermoFlexX Woodpecker Nano.

Powerful, simultaneous main and back LED exposure ensure excellent plate quality and exceptional productivity, while the enclosed temperature controlled combined with water cooled LED guarantees consistent production of high quality flexo plates. For energy efficiency, the back exposure adapts to the plate loaded, only illuminating LED according to plate size.

To maintain maximum uptime, Catena-E 48 features comprehensive remote support capabilities for calibration, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance. Replacement of the LED modules, which are reasonably priced, is simple and easy to carry out with basic training or remote guidance.