Kodak to Show New Solutions at Ipex

LA HULPE, Belgium—Kodak (www.kodak.com) will show a number of new products and enhancements during Ipex, being held May 18-25 in Birmingham, U.K. Attendees will see the unveiling of the new FLEXCEL Direct System, new features for the FLEXCEL NX System, and enhancements to the KODAK APPROVAL NX System.

A new member of the FLEXCEL System, the KODAK FLEXCEL Direct System, is being unveiled at Ipex. The new system, which includes imager, media, and workflow from Kodak, features new technology for direct laser engraving of flexo forms. The result is a solution for flat plate, plate on sleeve, or continuous sleeve applications that simplifies the platemaking process, removes the need for chemical processing, and improves on-press performance.

“With the FLEXCEL Direct System, customers can finally take advantage of the commercial and quality benefits of printing with in-the-round forms,” says John Cross, general manager, packaging products of Kodak. “With steps forward in platemaking consistency, productivity, and print quality, users can drive efficiency and client satisfaction, growing the business and boosting the bottom line.” After previewing at Ipex, the new system is scheduled to ship in early 2011.

The KODAK FLEXCEL NX Digital Flexographic System has been recognized for its ability to provide package printers with the print quality and production efficiencies necessary to maintain a competitive edge and expand their customer base. Designed to enhance the quality and efficiency of flexographic printing for applications such as tags and labels, folding cartons, and flexible packages, the FLEXCEL NX System enables offset class, gravure quality results for package printers and their brand owner clients, as well as improved productivity, simplicity, and predictability on press.

The new KODAK DIGICAP NX Screening feature, available as part of the current FLEXCEL NX System, is designed to improve the visual impact of flexible package printing by improving ink transfer. According to Kodak, KODAK FLEXCEL NX Digital Flexographic Plates with DIGICAP NX Screening enable higher print densities, better print contrast, and cleaner tones while improving production efficiencies and reducing costs.

For packaging professionals needing a proofing option, the KODAK APPROVAL NX Digital Color Imaging System has been optimized for the FLEXCEL NX System. New features, commercially available in June, have been added to the APPROVAL NX System to enable package printers to reduce time to market, save money on flexographic plates, and meet customer expectations with digital proofs accurately matching color and imaging on press.

“Brand owners and package printers are under increasing pressure to make the packaging process more efficient, more predictable, and more cost efficient,” adds Cross. “Kodak is committed to offering best-in-class tools to help them meet these demands.”

For offset packaging printers, Kodak is launching its new KODAK TRILLIAN SP Thermal Plate at Ipex. TRILLIAN SP Plates lower the total cost of ownership—and reduce environmental impact—by using significantly less chemistry and eliminating the use of preheat and postbake ovens, even for long jobs in harsh chemical environments.