Kodak is taking part at Labelexpo under the theme ‘Do More With Less’ with a stack of solutions aimed at delivering outstanding quality on the shelf through more cost-effective label production methods.
Kodak’s Flexcel NX system and its Flexcel Direct system and Spotless flexographic solution will appear at the tradeshow supported by the firm’s Prinergy PowerPack Workflow prepress automation tools designed to improve packaging productivity and connectivity.
Prinergy PowerPack Workflow helps increase production efficiencies, quality output and speed up cycle times with tools that streamline throughput, processes and load balancing from file to press with complete visibility, said Kodak.
“Some customers have compared the results possible with Kodak flexographic solutions to the difference between normal TV and HD,” said Olivier Claude, general manager for Print & VP Commercial Business, EAMER.
“It is that more intense definition we will be demonstrating to visitors at Labelexpo.
“For example, flesh and skin tones used to be challenging with flexo, but this is no longer the case with Kodak technology, where higher line screens and smaller minimum dots are all possible.
“More importantly, the Kodak solutions drive a step-change in stability and efficiency for flexographic printing, making more profitable short runs a practical reality, without compromising quality.
“That coupled with the production gains afforded by Prinergy PowerPack Workflow, which can be customised for each individual operation, enables them to become more competitive and in turn profitable.
“The possibilities are opening up lots of exciting opportunities.”
Kodak, MPS and Reproflex 3 are teaming up for live presentations on 25 September on how to ‘Do More With Less’ through new flexo printing capabilities.
The firms aim to show that impactful offset-like quality can now be achieved cost effectively and efficiently with narrow web UV flexo without the use of spot colour inks.
“We are looking to change the mindset of what is achievable in flexo today,” said Claude. “Visitors will see incredibly challenging design being produced without the use of spot colour inks and have outstanding shelf impact.”
Throughout the day, narrow-web press manufacturer MPS will host 15-minute live print demonstrations and presentations showing how its innovations in press technology complement the Kodak prepress technologies to enable fast changeovers and unparelleled colour stability.
Eric Hoendervangers, commercial director of MPS Systems, said that high quality dots play an important role in the Spotless Printing solution.
“Our Crisp.Dot technology guarantees a minimum of dot gain, full round dots, solid ink coverage and sharper printing of smaller fonts,” he said.
“Additionally, our Multi-Drive technology provides perfect registration for a broad range of materials, which is essential in achieving a stable and spotless colour gamut.”
The designs selected target challenging applications in the personal care and household product sector, normally requiring at least seven or eight colours with traditional flexo. But Kodak’s demonstrations will not only print without the use of spot colour inks but also at 300lpi.
“We carefully selected designs that would normally be a real challenge for flexo,” said Andrew Hewitson, joint MD, Reproflex 3, which will provide prepress expertise for the demonstration.