Kodak Shows Offset Platemaker That Produces High Resolution Flexo Plates (Press Release)

-- Graphic Arts Online, 4/28/2008 7:45:00 AM

DALLAS, April 28—As a platinum sponsor of the FFTA INFO*FLEX on April 28–29 in Dallas, Kodak is showing a number of new solutions and enhancements to existing products that are designed to improve efficiency and print quality for flexographic printers. In addition, the company will deliver a presentation on the KODAK FLEXCEL NX Digital Flexographic System in the INFO*FLEX Presentation Theater on Tuesday, April 29. Kodak’s booth 302/304 will help visitors learn more about a new hybrid option for the KODAK TRENDSETTER NX Imager and will feature demonstrations of the KODAK PRINERGY Workflow System for Packaging Version 4.

The new KODAK TRENDSETTER NX Hybrid Imager will enable customers to image offset plates in addition to flexo plates on their current TRENDSETTER NX Imager. This option is already available for customers with a KODAK THERMOFLEX Mid and Narrow Hybrid Platesetter, and is seen as an ideal combination for package printers and label printers looking to expand their businesses. The TRENDSETTER NX Imager is a component of the KODAK FLEXCEL NX Digital Flexographic System.

“The hybrid option on the TRENDSETTER NX Imager underscores Kodak’s commitment to the flexo market in providing solutions that enable users to capitalize on the diverse opportunities among their customer base,” noted John Cross, General Manager, Packaging Products, Prepress Solutions, Kodak’s Graphic Communications Group. “There’s not always a clear distinction between flexo and offset print service providers, and this new capability gives providers the flexibility they need to meet the daily demands of the market.”

The FLEXCEL NX Digital Flexographic System, introduced in August 2007 and recently recognized with the FPPA Technology Innovator of the Year award, employs a revolutionary new method to make flexo printing plates for higher levels of print quality and productivity, enabling stability on press and repeatability both on press and in prepress. The system is designed to provide offset and gravure class print quality and productivity on a wide variety of substrates, including paper, flexible film, foil, label stock, and corrugated cardboard.

For INFO*FLEX attendees, Kodak is providing a preview of some of the enhanced workflow functionality and new tools that will be shown at drupa May 29 to June 11 in Düsseldorf, Germany. The PRINERGY Workflow System for Packaging Version 4 offers improved Rules Based Automation to help flexo printers save valuable production time and reduce errors by using conditions and logic to automatically process jobs.

Another new workflow tool is designed specifically for customers who prepare files for corrugated printing. The new job planning feature in the KODAK TIFF Front End Software enables prepress operators to view labor and material costs associated with jobs in real time, enabling them to make better business decisions.

Kodak also will give attendees the opportunity to view proof samples and 3D packaging mockups produced by the KODAK APPROVAL NX Digital Color Imaging System. The APPROVAL NX System renders color accurate contract quality packaging precisely using KODAK RECIPE COLOR Technology, which enables users to generate millions of brilliant spot, custom and brand colors on thousands of substrates.

“Kodak continues to invest heavily in R&D in the area of packaging, and key events such as this one give us the opportunity to not only promote our flexo solutions, but also listen to customers and gather valuable feedback,” said Cross. “We are leveraging our comprehensive portfolio of graphic arts hardware and software to deliver integrated products to flexographers around the world.”

Presenting in the INFO*FLEX Presentation Theater on Tuesday, April 29, at 2:20 p.m. is Peter Stolt, Director Global Technical Applications, Flexo & Packaging, Kodak’s Graphic Communications Group. The presentation, “KODAK FLEXCEL NX Digital Flexographic System—Delivering Power to Packaging,” is open to all attendees looking to learn more about this award winning technology.

KODAK Products are backed by KODAK Service and Support. KODAK Service and Support is made up of more than 3,000 professionals reaching more than 120 countries. It is a leading multi-vendor integrated services provider, delivering consulting, installation, maintenance and support services for the commercial printing, graphic communications, document imaging and data storage industries. KODAK Service and Support professionals are uniquely qualified to provide services that control costs, maximize productivity, and minimize business risk.

About Kodak

As the world’s foremost imaging innovator, Kodak helps consumers, businesses, and creative professionals unleash the power of pictures and printing to enrich their lives.

To learn more, visit www.kodak.com