Packaging
Kodak Highlights Hybrid Option for KODAK TRENDSETTER NX Imager, Shows KODAK FLEXCEL NX Digital Flexographic System at Labelexpo
Monday 08. September 2008 - Live demo of award winning flexo solution to be shown at Kodak booth #5603
With the new hybrid option for the KODAK TRENDSETTER NX Imager, Kodak enables customers to image offset plates in addition to flexographic plates on the KODAK FLEXCEL NX System. The new hybrid option uses KODAK SQUARESPOT Imaging Technology to greatly expand the devices functionality, and is designed for package printers and label printers looking to enhance print results and expand their businesses.
“Labelexpo marks the first opportunity for a North American audience to see the hybrid option, which was unveiled at drupa,” said John Anderson, Flexo Plates Product Manager Americas, Kodaks Graphic Communications Group. “Many of our customers are looking for ways to broaden the range of services they offer, and this new option enables them to image either KODAK FLEXCEL NX Digital Flexographic Plates or offset plates on the same device, maximizing their ROI on a single piece of imaging equipment.”
At Labelexpo Americas, Sept. 9-11 in Chicago, Kodak will provide demonstrations of the TRENDSETTER NX Imager running FLEXCEL NX Plates as well as KODAK THERMAL GOLD Digital Plates. The TRENDSETTER NX Imager is available in two size formatsNarrow and Midand is a key component of the FLEXCEL NX Digital Flexographic System, which provides offset class, gravure quality on a wide variety of substratesincluding paper, flexible film, foil, label stock, and folding cartons. In addition to the Trendsetter NX Imager, the integrated FLEXCEL NX System includes KODAK FLEXCEL NX Plates, the KODAK FLEXCEL NX Thermal Imaging Layer, KODAK FLEXCEL NX Laminator, and KODAK PRINERGY POWERPACK Workflow System.
“The use of flexography is continuing to grow in the printing market, and users are demanding higher resolutions and more accurate color,” noted Anderson. “The KODAK FLEXCEL NX System delivers higher line screens, subtle gradations in all levels of gray, highlight dots as small as 10 microns, excellent ink transfer, smooth solids, uniform laydown, and excellent ozone resistance. These features are helping our customers to differentiate themselves and capture exciting new revenue opportunities.”
The FLEXCEL NX Digital Flexographic System has already been recognized by the industry for its performance and underlying technology. Most recently, the system captured a 2008 PIA/GATF InterTech Technology Award, and earlier this year, four projects produced with the FLEXCEL NX Digital Flexographic System captured awards at the FTA event. Additionally, the Flexographic Pre-Press Platemakers Association (FPPA) presented one of its three 2008 FPPA Technology Innovator of the Year awards to the KODAK FLEXCEL NX Digital Flexographic System.
TRENDSETTER NX Imagers expose KODAK FLEXCEL NX Thermal Imaging Layers at an impressive speed of 9.5 m2 per hour. These layers are then laminated to KODAK FLEXCEL NX Digital Flexographic Plates for exposure and processing. The result is a digital plate imaging solution that eliminates drop off of highlights and provides exceptional printing results.
Featuring Kodaks award winning SQUARESPOT Imaging Technology, the FLEXCEL NX System offers outstanding process control and a higher level of stability and accuracy in the imaging process. By producing precise and robust halftone dots that are less susceptible to variations in plate, processor and environmental conditions than other imaging technologies, SQUARESPOT Technology helps users save money and produce plates more efficiently.
Driving the FLEXCEL NX Digital Flexographic System is the KODAK PRINERGY POWERPACK Workflow System, a powerful, highly automated workflow management solution for packaging and label printers, converters, and trade shops. It helps create a predictable and reliable manufacturing process that automates steps, reduces errors, and streamlines operations to reduce costs and increase profits.
In addition to demonstrations of these solutions in Kodak booth #5603, a number of other companies will be showing FLEXCEL NX Solutions within their booths:
Omet (booth #3123) is showcasing FLEXCEL NX Plate print samples produced on Omet Presses
MPS Systems B.V. (booth #927) is running FLEXCEL Plates live on its Effective Flexo (EF) Hybrid press
Integrity Engineering/Perfect Proofer (booth #5700) is running FLEXCEL Plates live on the Perfect Proofer proofing press
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.