Kodak improves ink transfer on Flexcel NX system

Kodak has introduced a new addition to its Flexcel NX digital flexographic system that is claimed to enable significantly smoother and more consistent transfer of ink on press. The application of new Kodak Digicap NX screening to the entire image area allows printers to produce Flexcel NX digital flexographic plates that improve print quality throughout the full tonal range and expand the achievable color gamut. ‘Users can now enjoy stronger colors and outstanding visual appearance in solid areas, in addition to the fine highlight detail and print consistency delivered by the award-winning Kodak Flexcel NX system,’ said the company in a statement.   

This new feature, applied in the company’s Tiff front end software, uses the high resolution capabilities of Kodak Squarespot imaging technology and the 1:1 reproduction capabilities of the Flexcel NX system to create micro-texturization of the printing surface.  

‘Extensive trials in the flexible packaging market have yielded excellent results. Customers have been delighted with the gravure-like appearance of the solid areas and amazed that they can now enjoy higher ink densities while still maintaining the finest highlight detail,’ said Emma Schlotthauer, global marketing manager for flexo plates, Kodak. ‘One user commented that, in their opinion, they were witnessing the biggest step forward in wide web flexo in the last 10 years.’ 

The Flexcel NX system was named this year as the sole recipient of the 2009 Flexographic Technical Association Technical Innovation Award. It also received the 2008 PIA/GATF InterTech Technology Award and the Flexographic Pre-Press Platemakers Association Technology Innovator of the Year Award.   

‘The beauty of this new development is that it builds upon the core benefits of the 1:1 image reproduction and flat top dot structure that characterize the Kodak Flexcel NX system,’ noted Schlotthauer. ‘Users of the new feature are reporting plate, ink and substrate savings, with printed results that are impressing clients and helping to drive new business.’ 

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