#Ipex: Kodak to Deliver Innovation Across its Integrated Portfolio
LA HULPE, BELGIUM—Mar. 8, 2010—Commercial printers, package printers, publishers, and data printers at Ipex 2010 will see the latest graphic arts solutions and innovations and learn why “It’s Time for You AND Kodak.” Designed to drive greater efficiency, productivity and revenue, Kodak’s comprehensive, integrated portfolio of solutions helps providers grow and thrive in a competitive market.
“For our customers, building a successful business today requires that they identify new service opportunities and offer unique products and services to their clients,” said Chris Payne, Director and Vice President, Business to Business Marketing, Kodak. “To better understand how we can help customers succeed, we maintain an ongoing dialog with them, learning more about their businesses and developing solutions that open doors to enhanced revenue streams. Our stand at Ipex is designed to facilitate that important dialogue and inspire new ideas.”
At Kodak’s Ipex stand, 9-E320, attendees will see the latest products in action, learn more about the robust applications possible with Kodak Technology, and hear honest perspective from a wide range of experts and providers. Visitors also will learn more about recent and upcoming Prosper Press installations at Consolidated Graphics, Offset Paperback Manufacturers, Webcrafters, and Rotomail Italia.
Stand highlights innovation and education
A number of demonstrations and activities will be featured at the Kodak stand throughout Ipex, highlights being the Kodak Prosper 5000XL Press and Kodak Trillian SP Plates, both making their worldwide public debut. Other equipment on display will include a new Kodak Flexcel System for packaging; the Kodak Nexpress SE3000 Digital Color Production Press with Nexglosser Station; Kodak Magnus 800Z Quantum Platesetter with the Kodak Automatic Pallet Loader (APL) running the new Trillian SP Plates; and a full complement of Kodak Unified Workflow Solutions that can help simplify and automate complex production and color management processes within a digital and offset environment.
To meet the needs of commercial printers looking to increase efficiency and expand their service offerings, Kodak will introduce at Ipex its Print Practice Consultancy. The Print Practice Consultancy performs an analysis of a customer’s business, process and technology capabilities, and leverages the integrated portfolio of Kodak Solutions and the expertise of Kodak professionals to custom develop targeted solutions based on the needs of each individual customer.
Customers will also become better acquainted with Kodak’s integrated solutions portfolio through the Pipeline of Innovation, a 24-foot-long (7-meter-long) interactive digital display that features a continuous stream of visual images and information about each technology area. In addition, printed samples representing a variety of applications will be on display with embedded byte tags that, when placed on a display table, will activate a presentation showing how the piece was produced using Kodak Technologies.
Launched at PIRNT 09 and recognized by graphic arts professionals around the world for its value and impact, the K-Zone will be featured at Ipex with an expanded program. The K-Zone is a live talk show set where dynamic discussions with thought-leading industry experts, print service providers, and marketing professionals will take place daily throughout the show.
Meeting needs in commercial print, data print, and publishing
Ipex attendees will have the first chance to see the Kodak Prosper 5000XL Press on display and in action. Incorporating Kodak Stream Inkjet Technology, the Prosper 5000XL Press, as well as the Kodak Prosper 1000 Press, are driven by the versatile Kodak 700 Print Manager, delivering operational efficiency, enabling supply chain streamlining and offering the benefits of better Return on Marketing Investment (ROMI) through personalized, targeted communications in the marketing mix.
Prosper Solutions make it possible for print service providers to produce offset class output in terms of quality, productivity and cost for their clients, while offering the unique ability to print permanently on glossy coated papers. Kodak Stream Inkjet Technology serves as Kodak’s latest revolutionary technology in continuous inkjet, which Kodak developed more than 40 years ago.
With Stream Inkjet Technology, speed and accurate drop placement are ensured using a continuous flow of ink through inkjet nozzles at a very high volume. The stream of ink is then stimulated by thermal energy to break it into individual droplets. These drops of ink are then thrust from the nozzles at a very high rate of speed to guarantee excellent drop placement accuracy and image quality. Stream Inkjet Technology uses air deflection and silicon nozzles to deliver uniform ink droplet size and accurate droplet placement with a drop generation speed over 400KHz, producing image quality approaching up to175 line screen (lpi) at speeds up to 650 feet per minutes (200 meters per minute) in a process color environment.
An enclosed and secure jetting module forms the core of Stream Inkjet Technology solutions. The jetting module contains a single row of high-velocity jetting nozzles for fast printing speeds that deliver ink to paper with simplicity and reliability, all in a single pass. To further enhance productivity and maximize uptime, jetting modules can easily be changed by the operator in a matter of minutes.
Kodak’s proprietary inks for Stream Inkjet Technology boast an advanced formulation to further enhance print quality, permanence and durability while offering the unique ability to print on glossy coated substrates. Providing exceptional vibrancy, color gamut and color consistency, these high-performance inks won’t clog jetting modules, which contributes to reliability and productivity. In addition, due to the continuous flow of ink through nozzles, the inks require minimal wetting agents which keep the inkjet nozzles clean and help extend the life of the jetting module. Due to the lack of wetting agent in the ink, printing and drying on coated and glossy papers are improved with an appearance similar to offset print.
Prosper Press Platform Opens New Opportunities
The first installation of a Prosper 1000 Press will begin later this month at Offset Paperback Manufacturers (OPM), a Bertelsmann company, in Laflin, PA. OPM chose the Kodak Prosper Press Platform with an integrated Muller Martini Sigmaline in-line finishing system for its book printing operation.
The Prosper Press Platform enables print and marketing service providers the ability to maximize production and supply chain efficiencies, and improve return on marketing investment. For book publishers, the Prosper Press Platform provides an ideal solution for short-run books with economics that drive operational and supply chain efficiencies for run lengths up to 7000 books.
“With continuous inkjet solutions such as Kodak Stream Inkjet Technology, we are seeing a reduction in costs and significant improvement in quality,” said Bill Lamparter of PrintCom Consulting. “Led by Prosper Products, we’ll see continuous growth in the application areas for inkjet—from books to direct mail and others.”
Prosper 5000XL and 1000 Presses are up to 38% more productive than competitive inkjet systems and feature a print speed of up to 650 fpm (200 mpm) with image quality approaching up to 175 lpi, and a monthly duty cycle of up to 120 million A4 pages. The presses are able to handle both coated and uncoated papers, including glossy coated, with basis weights ranging from 45 gsm-175 gsm (30 lbs-120 lbs) on the Prosper 1000 Press and 45 gsm-300 gsm (30 lbs-200 lbs) on the Prosper 5000XL Press.
A modular and scaleable architecture means that customers can leverage investments in the Prosper 1000 Press to easily upgrade in the field to a Prosper 5000XL Press, ensuring they have the best configuration to meet their needs. The Prosper Press Platform has a 20% lower cost of operation and is 10 times more reliable than thermal inkjet products.
The Prosper Press Platform will be driven by the Kodak 700 Print Manager, a front-end system enabling high-quality variable data printing at the full rated speed of 650 fpm for the entire range of target applications. The Kodak 700 Print Manager accepts and processes a variety of data streams, including PDF, POSTSCRIPT, PPML-GA, PPML-VDX, VPS, and AFP/IPDS. The Kodak 700 Print Manager also offers industry-leading color management for a greater level of quality assurance and process automation. The optimized interface between the Kodak 700 Print Manager and Kodak Prinergy Workflow System provides advanced automation, making it easier for print providers to blend offset and digital printing technology.
The Prosper Platform’s family of products also includes the Kodak Prosper S10 and S5 Imprinting Systems; monochrome continuous inkjet solutions for inline digital printing on high-speed web presses; finishing equipment; and mailbases. All of the Prosper Platform’s solutions make it possible for print service providers to produce offset class output in terms of quality, productivity and cost for their clients.
Representing the next revolution in high-performance printing plate technology, the new Kodak Trillian SP Thermal Plates are designed to provide print service providers with excellent levels of productivity, efficiency, total-cost effectiveness and reduction in chemistry. When combined with the new Kodak Intelligent Prepress Manager (IPM)—software that lets printers monitor and control their platemaking lines remotely—and Kodak’s outstanding line of platesetters, Trillian SP Plates can help printers significantly boost efficiency and productivity.
Kodak’s stand also will feature the Kodak Nexpress SE3000 Digital Production Color Press, which offers exceptional print quality, reliability and ease of use for applications such as direct mail, marketing collateral and photo books. New at Ipex, Print Genius is the fresh face of the Kodak Nexpress SE Digital Platform, designed to build awareness of the unique differentiating solutions, applications and growth opportunities available only from the Nexpress SE Platform.
Visitors will learn about Kodak’s entire digital printing portfolio, which also includes Kodak Versamark VL Printing Systems used for transactional, remote newspaper and security applications, as well as Kodak Digimaster Digital Production Systems, which deliver optimal black and white production applications. All Kodak Solutions for printing and imaging are managed and optimized by the full suite of powerful Kodak Unified Workflow Solutions, including the Kodak Prinergy System’s family and Kodak Insite Solutions.
Designed to reduce ink consumption and improve ink costs for web and sheetfed printers, Kodak Colorflow Software with the new Kodak Ink Optimizing Solution improves print quality through greater press stability. The Ink Optimizing Solution produces ICC device link profiles that can be used to re-separate images automatically within the Kodak Prinergy Workflow and applies sophisticated color-conversion intelligence to convert color blends and reduces the amount of CMY ink while preserving print quality.
New opportunities in packaging
Attendees will see the unveiling of the Kodak Flexcel Direct System, new features for the Kodak Flexcel NX Digital Flexographic System and enhancements to the Kodak Approval NX System.
A brand new member of the Flexcel Family, the Kodak Flexcel Direct System is being unveiled at Ipex. The new system includes imager, media and workflow from Kodak, and features innovative new technology for direct laser engraving of flexo forms. The result is an affordable solution for flat plate, plate on sleeve, or continuous sleeve applications that simplifies the plate making process, removes the need for chemical processing, and improves on-press performance.
The new Kodak Digicap NX Screening feature, available as part of the current Flexcel NX System, is designed to further improve the visual impact of flexible package printing by dramatically improving ink transfer. Regardless of the design or line screen, Kodak Flexcel NX Plates with Digicap NX Screening enable higher print densities, better print contrast, and cleaner tones while enabling production efficiencies and reduced costs.
In addition, the Kodak Approval NX Digital Color Imaging System is now optimized for packaging applications, enabling package printers to reduce time to market, save money on flexo plates, and more accurately match proofs to press output. And for offset package printers, the new Trillian SP Plates are an ideal solution with capabilities to print in harsh press environments, including UV and EB applications, without postbaking. The Kodak Prinergy Powerpack Workflow helps users maintain control and peak efficiency throughout the package printing process.
“Ipex comes at a critical time in our industry,” noted Payne. “A time when commercial printers, publishers, package printers and data printers are focused on solutions that leverage experience and true innovation to help them solve their most pressing business challenges. With Kodak as a partner, our customers are poised to capitalize on the exciting opportunities present in all areas of the industry. We offer print professionals a diverse, unique set of tools and solutions that is unmatched today.”
For more information about Kodak at Ipex, visit www.kodak.com/go/ipex.
Kodak Products are backed by Kodak Service and Support. Kodak Service and Support is made up of more than 3,000 professionals in 120 countries. It is a leading multi-vendor integrated services provider, delivering consulting, installation, maintenance and support services for commercial printing, graphic communications, document imaging, data storage and retail 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 http://www.kodak.com and follow our blogs and more at http://www.kodak.com/go/followus.
More than 75 million people worldwide manage, share and create photo gifts online at Kodak Gallery—join today at www.kodakgallery.com
In the graphic communications market, Kodak offers the broadest portfolio of integrated solutions to help customers grow their business. For more information, visit www.graphics.kodak.com. For downloading photos and videos from Kodak’s image library, visit www.kodak.com/go/gcgimages.
