KODAK FLEXCEL NX Digital Flexographic System delivers gravure-quality results and enables new label and packaging applications
LA HULPE, BELGIUM, Nov. 20—Print Quest, a UK-based leading print plate supplier to label and packaging converters, has bolstered its production capacity by investing in the KODAK FLEXCEL NX Digital Flexographic System. The integrated system comprises the KODAK FLEXCEL NX Thermal Imaging Layer, a KODAK TRENDSETTER NX Imager, a KODAK FLEXCEL NX Laminator and the KODAK PRINERGY Workflow System.
Meeting customer demand
Print Quest believes the KODAK FLEXCEL NX Digital Flexographic System will help ensure the company continues to deliver the excellent results its customers demand. “We’re seeing results with the Kodak system that we believe demonstrate it is ahead of the LAMS systems in wide use today, where exposure to the atmosphere is still a problem,” says David Jarvis, Managing Director at Print Quest.
A key aspect of the KODAK FLEXCEL NX Digital Flexographic System occurs during the lamination, which ensures close contact between the layer and the plate, eliminating any oxygen. This results in a stable flat-topped dot, which is much sharper and cleaner on the plate.
Fast, impressive and consistent results
Being able to consistently produce the same design at the same level of quality with the Kodak technology means Print Quest can enjoy significant cost savings. “There are benefits with the ink density too, as it widens the color gamut and improves color profiling,” says Jarvis. “This is very attractive to brand owners, who are looking for photo-quality image control across a range of branded products.”
It's not just Print Quest that has noticed the difference in quality since the installation. Impact Boston Ltd, a ticketing and labeling customer, has reported that it can now compete with the quality of Litho on Flexo by switching to the KODAK FLEXCEL NX Digital Flexographic Plate. David Colman, Managing Director, adds: “With our increased line screen, smoother vignettes and improved print quality, we are strengthening relationships with our existing customers and winning new business. Outwardly it appears as though we have invested in a new press.”
Boosting production
Print Quest witnessed an immediate increase in production following the installation of the KODAK FLEXCEL NX Digital Flexographic System. Today, 40% of the company’s plate production goes through the system, with approximately half accounted for by labels and half by wider web jobs up to 800 x 1067mm. And with Print Quest picking up more and more business, the company anticipates that production will increase further.
Exploring new markets
Print Quest’s investment in Kodak’s digital flexo solutions has been instrumental in helping the company move into new sectors. One such example is CFN, a local carrier bag manufacturer printing on polythene using KODAK FLEXCEL NX Digital Flexographic Plates. “The main benefit for CFN is in the quality of the 10micron dot and the fine detail that can be achieved when printing on all different types of plastic bags. This is particularly important when the requirement is an image or graphic for a brand owner,” says Jarvis.
Printing branded logos and images on plastic bags has enabled CFN’s customers to create multiple and more creative designs. “Our investment in Kodak technology has created a significant trickle-down effect,” says Jarvis. “We’ve broadened our portfolio and now provide more products and services to our customers, who in turn can then offer a wider range of services to their own customers.”
A bright future
Print Quest believes that there is a lot of mileage in flexographic plate production. “Our output has increased and we’re producing the highest quality plates, plus we’re attracting new business and generating additional revenue,” says Jarvis.
“And what’s really satisfying is that we’re helping our customers to raise their profiles and offer more to their own customers. The Kodak solution is not only helping Print Quest move forward, it has also had a positive commercial impact on lots of other businesses connected to us.”
For further information please contact:
Print Quest Graphic Ltd
Tel 01754 898898
Email: sales@printquest.co.uk
Web: www.printquest.co.u
About Kodak
As the world’s foremost imaging innovator, Kodak helps consumers, businesses, and creative professionals unleash the power of pictures and printing to enrich their lives.
To learn more, visit http://www.kodak.com and follow our blogs and more at http://www.kodak.com/go/followus.
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In the graphic communications market, Kodak offers the broadest portfolio of integrated solutions to help customers grow their business. For more information, visit www.graphics.kodak.com. For downloading photos and videos from Kodak’s image library, visit www.kodak.com/go/gcimages.
(Kodak, Flexcel, Trendsetter and Prinergy are trademarks of Kodak.)
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