Installations News
Ryerson GCM Adds Esko Spark

Ryerson University’s School of Graphic Communications Management has installed a new donated Esko CDI Spark 2530 flexo plate imager, which replaces the one they have been running for a few years. The new system will to allow Ryerson students continue to learn and practice flexographic platemaking processes. It will be used in conjunction with a complete Esko packaging workflow that is also in place at the university.

The Ryerson School of Graphic Communications Management (GCM) offers Canada’s only degree-granting program for the printing industries. The school’s four-year degree offers opportunities in all areas of digital imaging and print production leading to a management career in this rapidly growing field.

In recent years, Esko explains the number of students at GCM going to packaging companies has increased rapidly. Throughout the program, students network with potential employers and gain practical experience in the industry through formal internships or part-time work.

“Esko always tries to offer solutions to top tier graphic, design and packaging schools so that their students are working with the latest technology and ready resources for the industries we serve,” said Larry Moore, Esko Vice President, North American Partner Programs. “Ryerson, in my opinion, is an extremely important and valuable resource for packaging companies across Canada. I have met many Ryerson graduates and they have always been key players.”

The CDI Spark 2530 flexo plate imager, explains Esko, is used by companies that particularly produce tags and labels and folding cartons. It images digital flexo plates up to 25 x 30 inches (635 x 762 mm) and comes with an incorporated plate loading table and an EasyClamp II drum for easier and faster plate loading.

 “This major donation will allow our 600+ GCM students to learn platemaking on the most up-to-date equipment. The process creating packaging requires challenging, evolving technology and the tools our students use are on the cutting edge,” said Natalia Lumby, Associate Professor at the School of Graphic Communications Management at Ryerson University. “Students are introduced to platemaking in their first year. By the third year, they produce flexo plates on the CDI on their own.”

The Esko CDI also allows Ryerson to participate in competitions, including the Phoenix Challenge, where Ryerson has received awards both in 2013 and 2015. “It’s an opportunity for our students to challenge themselves, and to see what it is like to design and create packaging for a real company,” said Lumby.

GCM this past year introduced a brand new curriculum with a packaging concentration and will be launching consumer packaging courses, including workflow this academic year. The curriculum encompasses the theory of design and production.