This year, it’s a decade ago that Kodak started
pushing back the traditional quality and performance limits of flexographic
printing with a revolutionary technological approach to digital flexo
platemaking: the Kodak Flexcel NX System made its debut at drupa 2008. For the
first time, this solution from the Kodak stable enabled flexo printers and
repro service providers to develop high-res flexo printing capabilities and
implement them in a commercial, standard production environment.
Kodak’s Flexcel NX System offered a solution to
some of the limitations of the established digital LAMS technology, and
pioneered the use of the digital flat top dots in the flexo industry. Kodak
Flexcel NX Plates allowed packaging printers to achieve unprecedented levels of
quality, and removed some of the key variables in plate production. As a
result, flexo printers have not only raised the standard for flexo printing but
now also compete for work traditionally produced with gravure, offset or
digital print processes; a goal that was previously beyond their reach.
Kodak originally launched the Flexcel NX System as
a solution for small to medium format plate making but continued to develop the
platform, multiplying the initial successes. During the next few years, the Flexcel
NX System family was extended with large-format versions, leading to full
coverage of all segments – from narrow through medium to wide web – in the
flexo packaging printing sector. The Flexcel NX System technology gained a
global reputation as a process that cuts costs and enables greater efficiency
and standardization in the pressroom – with flexible packaging, folding carton,
labels and corrugated packaging (pre- and postprint).
Flexo
innovation with unmatched market and growth momentum
“The Flexcel NX System technology developed into a
tremendous success story that is still unfolding – for Kodak itself, for our
customers in the flexo industry and for their customers too. We’ve sold more
than 500 Flexcel NX Systems worldwide in the meantime, and we regularly record
double-digit growth rates per annum in Flexcel NX Plate sales. That is way
above the average for the industry as a whole,” said Chris Payne, President,
Flexographic Packaging Division and Vice President of Kodak. “More and more flexo
printers, brand owners and industry technology suppliers around the world are
realizing how our Flexcel NX System technology is helping to turn flexo into an
industrial printing process that combines consistently high-quality production
with numerous cost and sustainability benefits.”
The core Flexcel NX System technology has been
refined and advanced by Kodak over the years so that, time and time again,
customers have had a real differentiator to set themselves apart from their
competitors in the dynamic market environment. Kodak’s NX Advantage technology
– advanced plate surface patterning which controls and optimizes the delivery
of ink from Flexcel NX Plates to the substrate – is only one example here. Yet
progress is not an end in itself: Kodak has been at great pains to ensure that
every new innovation is also accessible to existing Flexcel NX System users.
Even the original systems in the market can take advantage of the latest
technology to give the first-class results which are nowadays taken for
granted.
Exclusive 10
Year Anniversary announcements:
10 years of the Flexcel NX System provide Kodak
with an incredible opportunity to shine a spotlight on this pioneering
technology with two very special campaigns:
To mark the tenth anniversary, Kodak is launching a
‘Limited Edition’ of the Flexcel NX System into the market. Limited to just 25
units worldwide, this system will feature unique styling with an attractive modern
design symbolic of flexography, packaging and Kodak’s unique technology. The
limited edition Flexcel NX system will be available from April 2, 2018.
Parallel to this, Kodak is launching the new Kodak
Global Flexo Innovation Awards. This innovative competition will be open to
entrants throughout the world, and will celebrate the transformation of
flexography over the last decade. It aims to honor achievements and advances in
packaging design, production workflow and sustainable printing made possible by
the latest developments in flexography. Any commercial packaging project
printed using Kodak Flexcel NX Plates will be eligible. The winners in various
categories will be selected by an independent jury of experts and showcased at
a special ceremony early in 2019. Information on how to enter will be available
in April.
“We are more than ever convinced that there’s a
fantastic future in store for flexographic printing. Kodak will continue to
drive the ‘Transformation of Flexo’ in all packaging segments,” commented Chris
Payne. “Our strong commitment and the importance we place on collaboration
throughout this journey is clear and we very much look forward to the next 10
years in Flexo.”
For more information on the 10-year anniversary and
for updates on Kodak’s Global Flexo Innovation Awards program visit;
www.kodak.com/go/10years.
