Kodak has received two of the 10 overall 2015 Printing Industries of America InterTech Technology Awards for its Kodak Prosper 6000 presses and newly-launched NX advantage for the Kodak Flexcel NX system. The systems were selected by an independent panel of judges based on their innovation and likelihood of advancing the performance of the graphiccommunications industry.
“The quality, speed and agility at which both the Prosper 6000 presses and Flexcel NX system produced prints really captured the judges’ attention,” said Dr. Mark Bohan, Printing Industries of America. “Their ability to make real-time adjustments, adapt to changing substrates or eliminate the need for double hits of white and other colours are truly impressive.”
Kodak far exceeded the printing industry’s expectations, emerging from this year’s competition as the only company to take home more than one award – a true testament to the priority Kodak’s R&D teams place on developing the industry’s most innovative and sustainable printing technologies.
These two 2015 InterTech Technology Awards mark Kodak’s 39th and 40th overall InterTech Technology Awards to date, including the third overall for the Flexcel NX system in seven years – representing a remarkable achievement that emphasises Kodak’s longstanding legacy of delivering breakthrough, game-changing printing technologies. Kodak had previously received InterTech accolades for technologies such as Nexpress Red fluorescing dry inks, Prosper S10 imprinting system and Digicap NX screening.
The Kodak Prosper 6000 presses leverage an innovative feature set and capabilities that are unlike any other press on the market. Advances in transport, drying and writing systems, as well as the Kodak Print Manager 700 DFE/controller, combine to deliver the highest levels of reliability, speed, application flexibility, substrate range, ease of use and cost-effectiveness.
The Kodak Prosper 6000 presses enable print service providers to realise value from a wide variety of different efficiencies. The speed and flexibility offer on-demand printing, faster turnaround times, and reduced lost profits while the personalisation enhancement and quality of the printed materials offer a competitive differentiator.
The Kodak Flexcel NX System is a full-integrated solution for the imaging of digital photopolymer flexographic plates that utilises unique Kodak SQUAREspot imaging technology and high resolution materials to elevate the quality, consistency and cost-effectiveness of flexo printing. With the latest NX advantage, users can take these capabilities to the next level with advanced solutions for ink transfer and small dot reproduction that give the final package even greater visual impact while reducing costs in production.
The printing of white ink, a particular challenge for flexo-printed flexible packaging, is dramatically improved with smoother ink coverage and higher opacities achievable with a reduced volume of ink. With the NX advantage, print buyers and print service providers can enjoy flexo print quality that truly rivals rotogravure printing while driving the production efficiencies that allow them to stay competitive in today’s challenging market.
“The InterTech Technology Awards are not only the print industry’s most prestigious honours, they set the bar for printing technology excellence and innovation,” said Terry Taber, CTO, Kodak. “Throughout the history of InterTech, Kodak has strived to deliver the most ground-breaking, eco-friendly printing technologies. Receiving our 39th and 40th InterTech Technology Awards is an affirmation of the mission we embarked upon almost 40 years ago.”
Kodak will be presented with its two InterTech Stars before an audience of industry leaders during the 2015 Printing Industries of America Premier Print Awards Gala on September 13, 2015 in Chicago. The Gala will be held as part of Graph Expo 2015, where Kodak will be demonstrating its innovative and sustainable technologies throughout the multi-day event.