Enabled by patent-pending Kodak Ultra Clean technology, the Flexcel NX Ultra Solution is, according to the manufacturer, the first aqueous solution of its kind that provides “consistent, high-performing flexo plates in a high volume, low maintenance environment”.

The solution features the Flexcel NX System and the Flexcel NX Ultra Processing System, which Kodak says will deliver end-to-end plate making for customers.

Chris Payne, president of the flexographic packaging division and vice-president of Kodak, says: “Kodak Ultra Clean technology has solved the fundamental challenge of ‘inconsistency’ traditionally associated with aqueous processed flexo plates and will enable printers to take advantage of our industry-leading plate technology without the hassle of solvent processing.

“The FLEXCEL NX Ultra 35 Solution is the first product to be commercialised from the Ultra NX technology demonstration that we previewed at Drupa two years ago and has undergone extensive customer beta trials in demanding production environments.”

Kodak has already set up a number of beta sites for the new solution, including Californian wine label operation G3 Enterprises.

Matt Gauthier, prepress and customer service manager for the label division of G3 Enterprises, says: “We can do essentially anything we want print-wise with the Kodak plates but it’s also important to be able to quickly produce an individual plate, especially when we have customers in-house for a press check.

“It’s been great to have NX Ultra in place, providing the same quality level but requiring much less time to produce a plate. We can make changes and quickly send new plates to press, assuring that customer timelines are satisfied.”

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