XSYS has introduced ThermoFlexX Catena-E 48, a unit for LED exposure of flexographic printing plates for the label, folding carton, and flexible packaging markets. 

The new equipment delivers high-quality flat-top dot plates at high productivity and low cost of ownership.

XSYS prepress global sales director Christophe Lievens said, “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.

“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.”

The company developed the Catena-E 48 for exposing plates in a maximum size of 900 x 1,200mm and up to 6.35mm in thickness. It matches the speed of the TFxX 48-S plate imager, which offers an output of 6 sqm per hour. 

According to Xsys, the exposure takes less than 15 minutes. Customers can also opt for an automatic plate-loading door as an option. 

Similarly to the Catena-E 80, the new model is suitable for plates with fine surface microstructures, such as ThermoFlexX Woodpecker Nano.

The main and back LED exposure enhances plate quality and productivity. The enclosed temperature-controlled modules and water-cooled LED enable consistent production of high-quality plates. 

The back exposure adapts to the plate loaded for energy efficiency, only illuminating LED according to plate size. 

Catena-E 48 features remote support capabilities for calibration, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance to maintain maximum uptime. 

Xsys said replacing the LED modules is simple with basic training or remote guidance from its engineers. 

Lievens added, “At XSYS, we continue to expand the offering to the flexo market with solutions that enable printers to be brilliant and serve their customer with best-in-class products. 

“The Catena-E 48 harnesses all the innovative technologies that have placed XSYS at the very forefront of developments in plates and platemaking, and we look forward to witnessing the huge benefits it will bring to the narrow and medium web market.”