Kodak to Showcase New Products, Solutions and Opportunities for Customers at Graph Expo
ROCHESTER, N.Y., Aug. 13-At Graph Expo, Kodak will engage printers in conversations about new applications and strategies for building stronger relationships with their customers. Visitors to Kodak's booth will learn how Kodak's solutions enable new services and efficiencies that can help them advance their business. Graph Expo takes place Sept. 9-12 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
Numerous product introductions and proven solutions in workflow, digital printing, inkjet printing, thermal computer to plate (CTP), and color proofing technologies will be highlighted in Kodak's booth. Kodak will feature innovative new solutions in commercial print, packaging, direct mail and TransPromo.
"At Graph Expo, we'll illustrate how the various applications and technologies from throughout the booth can work together to provide unique and tangible business results for our customers," said Kevin Joyce, Managing Director, United States and Canada Region, Kodak's Graphic Communications Group. "Print is changing how marketers and other end users communicate. This transformation presents an opportunity for our customers and we look forward to meeting with them in Chicago to discuss how Kodak's technologies, products and solutions can be a part of their business growth."
S3000 Press at Graph Expo
The KODAK NEXPRESS S3000 Digital Production Color Press is the new high end production press in the NEXPRESS platform. Kodak will demonstrate the NEXPRESS S3000 Press at Graph Expo.
The NEXPRESS S3000 digital production color press produces 3,000 A3 sheets per hour, or 100 A4 pages per minute, for the full range of supported substrate types (coated, uncoated, synthetics, standard offset paper, textured stocks and selected packaging board, labels and films) and weights (60-350 gsm). Maximum sheet capacity totals 11,000 with monthly print volumes of up to 2.2 million pages. The S3000 press combines speed, the unique operator replaceable component service model and an extensive online operator support system to provide unsurpassed cut sheet productivity to print providers.
Customers wishing to take advantage of the speed of this new production digital color press can purchase a new KODAK NEXPRESS 2500 Digital Production Press now with an available upgrade option to the speed of the NEXPRESS S3000 press. The upgrade will be available for installation at the same time the S3000 systems are available. The NEXPRESS S3000 digital production color press is scheduled for availability in October 2007.
New Photo Applications Capabilities
Kodak unveils several new solutions and services designed to help NEXPRESS Press users expand their businesses with high value photo services applications.
The KODAK NEXPRESSS Image Enhancement Server extracts images from print ready PDF files using preconfigured settings and automatically enhances and improves scene balance, tone scale, noise, smoothness, JPEG artifacts, and overall color, and it automatically removes red eye from camera flash. The server delivers pleasing photographs, with rich details and vibrant colors without slowing down the press. A version of the Image Enhancement Server with noise reduction features only is also available. The Server delivers outstanding productivity and image quality for the growing volume photo services applications such as photobooks, customized cards, calendars and other photo specialty products.
NEXPRESS Press users can also tap into digital print production software used by professional photo labs with the KODAK DP2 Connectivity Module. The module provides a seamless workflow between KODAK PROFESSIONAL Digital Print Production Software and the NEXPRESS Press. Also promoting a streamlined production process is the KODAK NEXPRESS Job Processor, which automatically connects the NEXPRESS Press with several third party photo authoring software solutions.
Kodak now offers a Color Profiling Service to help NEXPRESS Press users prepare their systems for photo applications. Kodak will profile a NEXPRESS Press to create the desired color characteristics based on another output device or subjective color judgment. Technicians will also create ICC Color Profiles (CMYK) for specific substrates.
New Bulk Plate Loading Option for MAGNUS VLF Platesetter
The new KODAK Automatic Pallet Loader increases the automation and manufacturing efficiency of the KODAK MAGNUS VLF Platesetter by loading up to 3,600 plates without manual handling. Optimized for easy and efficient bulk loading, the Automatic Pallet Loader can handle a large number of plates on pallets for faster plate loading, reduced manual plate handling, and longer unattended operation.
The Automatic Pallet Loader holds up to six pallets, each with as many as 600 plates, for fully automatic, online loading to the MAGNUS VLF Platesetter. The system allows for efficient end-to-end platemaking, including fully automatic unloading to the processing line. It features a large capacity slipsheet storage system that allows for easy disposal or reuse of slipsheet paper.
Available in multiple configurations to meet the specific needs of any operation, the Automatic Pallet Loader features one, two or three segments. Each segment can be customized to contain up to two stacks of plates. For maximum flexibility to meet current and future needs, the segments are field upgradeable.
CIJ Turns 40
Kodak will kick off a series of special events and activities at Graph Expo to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Kodak's continuous inkjet technology. A logo commemorating the milestone will be included in communications about the 40th anniversary of Kodak's continuous inkjet technology.
Kodak's continuous inkjet technology drives two systems. The KODAK VERSAMARK D-Series continuous inkjet solutions for high volume digital printing offer a broad range of printing systems with a comprehensive selection of printing features and functions to print variable information on- or off-line. The KODAK VERSAMARK V-Series Printing Systems for high volume printing are built on a modular platform allowing uncommon flexible system growth and a clear, uncomplicated upgrade path from block to spot to process color.
Enhancing Package Printing
Kodak elevates flexographic print quality with a new computer to plate (CTP) print solution for package printing. The KODAK FLEXCEL NX Digital Flexographic System provides previously unachievable, near offset print quality on a wide variety of substrates, including paper, flexible film, foil, and label stock. The system can reproduce highlight dots considerably smaller than those possible with other digital flexo technologies, allowing printers to reproduce on press subtle gradations in highlights and use all levels of grey.
The integrated FLEXCEL NX Digital Flexographic System includes the KODAK FLEXCEL NX 830 Thermal Imaging Layer, a choice of KODAK TRENDSETTER NX Narrow or Mid Imagers, KODAK FLEXCEL NX Laminator, KODAK FLEXCEL NX Digital Flexographic Plates, and the KODAK PRINERGY Workflow System for Packaging.
To assist customers in producing three dimensional mockups, Kodak now offers Digital Cutting and Creasing Tables designed to offer fast, accurate cutting and creasing of substrates used in the mockup /comping and prepress production stages of packaging design. KODAK Cutting and Creasing Tables can handle a full range of packaging substrates including folding carton, corrugated, and flexible materials. Color-accurate proofs can be generated by the KODAK APPROVAL NX Digital Color Imaging System onto a package's actual substrate and cut and folded into a realistic mockup, replicating the final printed package. KODAK Cutting and Creasing Tables are complemented by EngView CAD software. The EngView CAD software includes a CAM module that drives the cutting tables to produce fast, accurate cut and scores. With its pin registration system, the cutting table can emboss board stock to bring mockups and comps to a new level of predictability of the final printed package.
Proofing
Kodak establishes a new level of collaboration and quality control for monitor proofing with the introduction of the KODAK Smart Review System. The patented system streams data intelligently and produces highly accurate previews, all while allowing monitor proofing, imaging and collaboration in an integrated fashion through third party proofing solutions.
The Smart Review System brings together a powerful set of professional image inspection and collaboration tools, including an easy to use navigation window, measurement tools, on the fly panning and zooming, image rotation and mirroring capabilities, file statistics, annotation tools and approval. The system also has a sophisticated interactive densitometer that reads color values from the original file and allows for low and high resolution color printing.
Kodak announces major enhancements to the KODAK MATCHPRINT Inkjet Proofing Solution, including support for the new EPSON printers, a new version of KODAK Proofing Software, and a new line of KODAK MATCHPRINT Inkjet Media to support new industry specifications including GRACoL, FOGRA and SWOP.
The MATCHPRINT Inkjet Proofing Solution now supports the new Epson Stylus Pro series of printers in 2-up, 4-up and 8-up formats. This includes the Epson Stylus Pro 4880, Epson Stylus Pro 7880 and the Epson Stylus Pro 9880 printers, as well as full support for the new Epson UltraChrome K3 inks with Vivid Magenta technology.
KODAK Proofing Software is now supported across all of Kodak's hard copy proofing systems: MATCHPRINT Inkjet Proofing Solution, KODAK VERIS Proofing Solution and the KODAK APPROVAL Digital Color Proofing System. For customers with multiple proofing solutions from Kodak, KODAK Proofing Software provides a common interface and user experience, making training and system maintenance easier.
For the MATCHPRINT Inkjet Proofing Solution, the latest KODAK Proofing Software enhancements include halftone emulation, one dimensional color curve adjustment, 1-bitt Tiff file acceptance, and fine line emulation to better predict the press job. The software also supports the new Adobe PDF Print Engine RIP.
Direct Mail and Transpromo
Now commercially available, the KODAK DARWIN VI Authoring Tool for ADOBE INDESIGN CS3 software features several new variable data print capabilities, including personalized URL (PURLs) creation, that create dynamic, cross media communications that cut through the clutter and drive results.
The DARWIN VI Authoring Tool now supports the use of PURLs, a method gaining favor with marketers to drive customers and prospects to a web site. Used with INDESIGN CS3 software, the DARWIN VI Authoring Tool incorporates PURLs into print communications by automating the process of retrieving and saving a respondent's data from the PURL. Kodak works with two partners in this automatic acquisition of PURLs, MindFireInc (www.mindfireinc.com) and EasyPurl (www.easypurl.com).
The WINDOWS edition of the DARWIN VI Authoring Tool also now supports PHOTOSHOP ACTIONS to create graphically rich images for high impact variable data print (VDP) jobs. With the DARWIN VI Authoring Tool, users can employ PHOTOSHOP ACTIONS to inject creative and sophisticated images in direct mail pieces. PHOTOSHOP ACTIONS expands the creative possibilities for users while automating the creation process to improve quality while reducing user involvement, which saves time.
Additional products on display include the KODAK VERSAMARK VX5000e Printing System. The high resolution system delivers a valuable combination of high quality full color print, high productivity, and an affordable cost per page, while supporting a variety of print formats.
The VERSAMARK VX5000e Printing System builds on the proven VERSAMARK VX5000 Printing System. It adds enhanced resolution of 300 x 1200 dpi for improved color quality, clearer images and text, plus sharper barcodes.
The VERSAMARK VX5000e System can produce a wide variety of high volume applications, including transactional documents, TransPromo documents, direct mail, books, and a variety of print on demand outputs. With a web speed of 328 feet per minute (100 mpm), the VERSAMARK VX5000e System produces high volume output quickly, accurately and cost effectively.
"Print is..."
Anchoring the Kodak booth is the "Print is..." center, which promotes the power and vitality of print while illustrating how each Kodak solution can be used to provide unique and tangible business results. The "Print is..." center focuses on four aspects of how print affects its users: "Print is powerful," "Print is personal," "Print is profitable," and "Print is transforming."
KODAK STACCATO screening technology will be demonstrated in the "Print is powerful" section. STACCATO screening provides consistent, high fidelity imaging while maintaining a stable and efficient production process. KODAK SQUARESPOT imaging technology enables the fine dot structure of STACCATO screening to be a reliable and practical solution for printers. Kodak will also demonstrate KODAK COLORFLOW Technology.
"Print is personal" will house Kodak's digital print solutions and applications such as variable data print and TransPromo. Kodak's professional services and KODAK Security Solutions portfolio will populate the "Print is profitable" section, while the KODAK MARKETMOVER Network and business development services can be found in the "Print is transforming" area.
"Our objective with 'Print is...' is to show the world thatPrint is Alive, has a brilliant future ahead and plays a unique role in the marketing mix that other media can't duplicate," said Jeffrey Hayzlett, Chief Marketing Officer, Kodak's Graphic Communications Group.
KODAK products are backed by KODAK Service and Support. KODAK Service and Support is made up of more than 3,000 professionals reaching more than 120 countries. It is a leading multi-vendor integrated services provider, delivering consulting, installation, maintenance and support services for the commercial printing, graphic communications, document imaging and data storage industries. KODAK Service and Support professionals are uniquely qualified to provide services that control costs, maximize productivity, and minimize business risk.
About Eastman Kodak Company
Kodak is the world's foremost imaging innovator. With sales of $10.7 billion in 2006, the company is committed to a digitally oriented growth strategy focused on helping people better use meaningful images and information in their life and work. Consumers use Kodak's system of digital and traditional products and services to take, print and share their pictures anytime, anywhere; Businesses effectively communicate with customers worldwide using KODAK solutions for prepress, conventional and digital printing and document imaging; and Creative Professionals rely on KODAK technology to uniquely tell their story through moving or still images.
More information about Kodak (NYSE: EK) is available at www.kodak.com
For more information about Kodak's Graphic Communications Group, visit www.graphics.kodak.com.
For downloading photos from Kodak's image library, visit: www.kodak.com/go/gcg_images.
