Product category:
Printing Pre-Press Systems and Materials (Repro, Platemakers, CTP, Workflow, Document Management, Design Software, etc.)
News Release from: Kodak Graphic Communications Group | Subject: Flexcel NX digital flexographic system
Edited by the Printingtalk Editorial
Team on 14 August 2007
Flexo System Produce Near Offset Quality
Packs
With the claim that it now possible to do what was considered unachievable by producing near offset print quality in packaging print, Kodak has introduced its Flexcel NX digital flexographic system.
The new computer to plate (CTP) system for package printing, is said to be compatible with a variety of substrates, including paper, flexible film, foil, and label stock Flexcel NX includes the Flexcel NX 830 thermal imaging layer, a choice of Kodak's Trendsetter NX narrow or mid imager, the Flexcel NX laminator, Flexcel NX digital flexographic plates and Kodak's Prinergy workflow system for packaging
This article was originally published on Printingtalk on 21 Jul 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Kodak's flexo printing system's technology award
Kodak's Flexcel NX digital flexographic system is one of 10 products to win a PIA/GATF Intertech Technology Award.
Adopt far reaching marketing to redefine printing
Kevin Joyce, who has been appointed as chief marketing officer at Kodak's Graphic Communications Group, believes that the printing industry needs to take a fresh look at how it markets itself.
Platesetter, Workflow Lead To Better Productivity
UK commercial printer, Printhaus, ordered a new Kodak Magnus 800 Quantum platesetter at Drupa 2008, together with a Kodak Prinergy workflow system, version 4.0.
The Flexcel NX is imaged using Kodak's Saurespot imaging to provide high resolution images with highlight dots smaller than those possible with existing digital flexo technology, claimed Kodak.
Flexcel NX can reproduce dots as small as 10 microns, resulting in flexo printing comparable to offset.
The improved resolution allows flexographic printers to reproduce on press subtle gradations in highlights and use all levels of gray, added the company.
Imaging on the Trendsetter NX Imager is at the rate of 9.5 square meters per hour, with imaging taking approximately half the time as other digital flexo plates, it is said.
Trendsetter NX omagers include the TIFF Front End suite of software utilities that are said to allow an operator to check files for accuracy before imaging and to optimise media usage for plate imaging and proofing applications.
Post imaging, the Flexcel thermal imaging layer is laminated to a Flexcel NX digital flexographic plate.
The lamination is claimed to ensure intimate contact between the layer and the plate, eliminating all oxygen and allowing full amplitude, flat top highlight dots to form during UV exposure.
Dot gain is consistent even with over impression.
In addition, plates resist plugging with ink, decreasing costly downtime for cleaning, which often destroys highlight dots.
The Flexcel NX digital flexographic system complements Kodak's existing digital flexo syste,, which includes the Thermofelx Platesetter and digital flexo plates manufactured by MacDermid Printing Solutions.
Vic Stalam, director of market segments and vice president of packaging products at Kodak's Graphic Communications Group, commented: "Increasing competition in the package printing market is placing pressure on printers to deliver high quality print on a growing list of substrates.
The Flexcel NX digital flexographic system provides a competitive advantage through higher resolution and a more productive process.".
• Kodak Graphic Communications Group: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Printingtalk email newsletter
• Printingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
