Features Printing Production Inkjet
Kodak to Debut Ultrastream and NexPress ZX at drupa

Kodak at drupa 2016, running from May 29 to June 10 in Germany, plans to debut a range of new technologies, including its next generation inkjet platform called Ultrastream, a new NexPress ZX3900 press, cloud-based software packages, and new Sonora offset printing plates, among other technologies.

Ultrastream, built on Kodak’s continuous inkjet Stream technology, is aimed at moving production inkjet into the mainstream of commercial and packaging printing. It will be showcased for the first time at drupa 2016, in an 8-inch configuration for label production, and feature what Kodak describes as a smaller drop size and precise placement accuracy for higher resolution, clean lines and additional detailed definition.

Ultrastream technology will co-exist in the market along with Stream Technology to offer different platform options. Ultrastream’s writing system includes a modular print head that can be implemented in varying widths ranging from eight inches up to 97 inches suit different applications. Kodak explains it produces 600 x 1,800-dpi resolution at speeds of up to 150 meters per minute (500 feet per minute) on a variety of paper and plastic substrates.

Ultrastream technology, with a planned launch for early 2017, will co-exist in the market along with Stream Technology to offer different platform options.

At drupa 2015, Kodak, for the first time, will also showcase a new cloud-based software approach under the banner of Unified Workflow Solutions, which includes Kodak Prinergy, Insite Prepress Portal, Colorflow, Pandora Step-and-Repeat Software, and Preps imposition software.

“Kodak created the workflow automation software market with the launch of Prinergy Workflow in 1999,” said Allan Brown, Vice President and General Manager of Kodak’s Unified Workflow Solutions. “Today we continue to push the boundaries of our current offering and take it to the next level with our cloud-based features.”
 
The new NexPress ZX3900 toner-based press will also be running at drupa, with a delivery date aimed for early 2017. It supports thicker paper and the use of synthetic substrates, which can be leveraged for short-run packaging applications like labels, tags and small folding cartons, as well as differentiated commercial and publishing products.

In conjunction with the NexPress ZX3900, Kodak also plans to preview a new NexPress platform that has not yet been unveiled. There will also be a new Opaque White Dry Ink for NexPress presses for its Fifth Imaging Unit.

At drupa 2016, Kodak will also announce a new Sonora process-free plate that can be used for UV printing. “By growing the Sonora Plate family to encompass UV, we are helping a broader population of our print customers to be more profitable, productive and sustainable into the future,” said Richard Rindo, GM Worldwide Offset Print and VP Print Systems Division, Kodak.

Kodak will also showcase its new Aqua-Image Pressroom Chemicals at drupa 2016, which is to include over 20 press washes, plate cleaners, ink roller maintenance chemicals and storage gums.