drupa Preview: KPG
KPG promises an exciting range of solutions in plates, proofing, digital printing
Kodak Polychrome Graphics (KPG) announced its full range of products scheduled for launch at drupa 2004 in May (Stand 5D24). In addition to the launch of the Thermal Direct Non Process Plate, and the introduction of Matchprint Virtual Press Side Proofing System -- the virtual proofing system designed for installation in the pressroom.
Says Vic Stalam, Vice President and Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer, ``Visitors to our stand at drupa will see an exciting range of new solutions in plates, proofing and digital printing demonstrated under our `Ideas Creating Opportunities` banner. KPG research and development teams are constantly in touch with the marketplace to ensure we develop the right products at the right time for the right territories and can turn our ideas into business opportunities for our customers around the globe. The products we will demonstrate clearly indicate our commitment to this objective.``
KPG will demonstrate the new Sword Ultra Positive-Processing Thermal Plate based on its Sword technology. Incorporating third-generation plate technology optimised to meet European specifications, the presensitized aluminium plate helps users gain extra productivity without compromising on quality. The Sword Ultra plate offers simple, compatible processing with KPG market-leading Electra Excel plates and KPG positive plates such as Capricorn Electra whilst delivering a new industry standard in high solvent resistance for press use. On press, the plate achieves run-lengths of 200,000 impressions without post baking and in excess of one million impressions when post baked.
The new thermal plate has chemical resistance without post baking which makes it suitable for UV inks. The plate renders consistent hard dots and reproduces ultra-high resolutions for a dynamic range of 1-99% at 175lpi. It also allows users to take advantage of advances in stochastic screening thus enhancing print quality.
KPG will also introduce a new entry-level CtP system to allow small-to-medium customers to invest in a competitively priced, fully-integrated solution that delivers the benefits of the highest-quality thermal CtP technology. It will be initially available in Asia Pacific, Latin America, the United States and Canada. The principal components of the ready-for-production system are a multi-featured ROOM (Rip Once Output Many) workflow and a market-proven, cost competitive thermal CtP device from Screen -- the PT-R4100. The system also includes a server and an inkjet proofing device.
KPG will also introduce an upgraded version of the Matchprint Professional Server IIc, version 3.2. This upgrade features a Kanji graphical user interface and double-byte (CID), third-party font downloader support to service customers in Japan and the Far East.
As a further digital output option, KPG will show its existing direct imaging press – KPG DirectPress 5034 DI. The efficient workflow from file to printed page and fast make ready and turnaround times means the press can increase the throughput of colour jobs thus improving profitability.
KPG will show a technology demonstration of a new CtP plate designed for flexographic packaging companies – the KPG Flexcel NX CtP Plate. Flexcel NX CtP plate delivers superior resolution and excellent colour reproduction on any packaging substrate – from the thinnest polypropylene to the thickest corrugated board. The plate is compatible with CtP devices with a sensitivity range of 830nm to 1064nm and can run on press with alcohol and water-based, as well as UV inks. The Flexcel family of flexographic printing plates contains three additional versions that serve all segments of the package printing market including flexible packaging, label and tag, folding carton, corrugated, envelope and wide web paper.
From its proofing portfolio, KPG will launch the First Check Desktop Proofing System Macintosh RIP, thus bringing the benefits of this easy-to-use, affordable proofing system to the entire graphic arts community. The First Check Proofing System`s ability to reproduce opaque white and metallic colours allows packaging designers and printers to create low-cost, high-quality mock-ups. The First Check Transfer Film can be laminated to a variety of substrates to achieve the real look and feel of your package. And proofing to First Check Shrink Film is ideal for flexographic proofing applications.
KPG will launch a new version of its SWOP® certified Matchprint Inkjet Proofing System including KPG Matchprint Color RIP Version 3.0 and new Matchprint Media providing improved productivity to users. Version 3.0 of the KPG Color RIP is based on Adobe`s CPSI and incorporates KPG`s proprietary colour technology. The RIP supports additional inkjet printers, including new devices from Canon, HP and Epson, and the system provides improved colour and image control.
Important enhancements in Version 3.0 will include improved linearization and calibration, increasing users` control of their printers to ensure consistent output; the ability to modify existing profiles for improved colour, control and accuracy; the ability to print to multiple printers; and a new easier-to-use interface which boosts productivity.
KPG is introducing, for the first time, Matchprint Inkjet pigment-compatible substrates that will run on Epson printers using Ultrachrome inks. Matchprint Inkjet dye-compatible media is also available, improving image quality and productivity for those using leading dye-inkjet systems, including those from HP. The development means KPG provides solutions for both pigment-based and dye-based inkjet devices.
Both media deliver fast drying (instant in the case of the pigment-compatible product) and improved inkjet coating and paper/ink matching for excellent, long-term colour stability, image quality and accuracy. They will be available in three tints -- super-white, commercial and publication -- in roll or sheet form.
Also on display will be new proofing capabilities for the Matchprint Inkjet System. KPG`s new software automatically takes screened data (one-bit tiff files) from high end workflows; colour manages them and reproduces them on an inkjet printer to preserve dot structure. The software which is hot-folder driven and offers transparent processing, is compatible with a wide range of workflows.
KPG will show additions to the KPG Matchprint Digital Halftone Proofing System that extends the capabilities of the system for both commercial and packaging customers. New metallic media – Matchprint Digital Halftone Silver Media and Matchprint Digital Halftone Gold Media – and the new Matchprint Digital Halftone White Media enables users to create high-quality digital halftone proofs incorporating metallics or an opaque white underlayer -- as required for package printing on clear or foil substrates.
The Kodak Approval Digital Proofing System will debut a new universal black donor that provides a superior emulation of today`s process black inks, in both hue and color overprint rendition.
KPG announced the expansion of its thermal plate range with the launch of the company`s first no process plate – KPG Thermal Direct Non Process Plate – to be introduced commercially at drupa 2004. With the elimination of processing, the no process plate technology brings significant streamlining benefits to production workflows.
The new plate, based on fourth generation technology, is designed to help small-to- medium-sized general commercial printers improve their working environments by eliminating all costs associated with plate processing and the requirement to store, use and dispose of associated chemicals. Elimination of the traditional processing stage, also shortens the platemaking cycle, reduces time to press and increases production throughput possibilities.
Suitable for imaging on standard thermal CtP devices, Thermal Direct Plate is compatible with major platesetters currently available. It does not require a debris removal system on platesetters. Thermal Direct plates are also compatible with a wide range of inks and fountain solutions, including alcohol and most popular alcohol substitutes.
Capable of producing run lengths of up to 75,000 impressions under optimal press conditions, Thermal Direct plates provide quick turnaround of jobs thus ensuring that presses remain productive. The high resolution of Thermal Direct plates is capable of holding 1% to 98% dots at 200 lpi and is suitable for use with 20mm FM screening. Thermal Direct plates deliver all the benefits of thermal CtP technology such as precise image replication whilst significantly reducing costs. The plate is optimised for medium to high quality, monochrome to multi-colour work at medium-run lengths.
KPG has also developed an enhanced plate for global use. The new ThermalNews Gold Plate has a fast exposure speed of approximately 70mj/cm2 at an improved resolution of 1-99% at 150lpi. The highly productive plate can handle run lengths in excess of 200,000 impressions and the ThermalNews Gold Plate shortens cycle times in the pressroom by providing fast, make-ready, low waste and fast and accurate registration. The plate is suitable for use on the KPG Newsetter System as well as on other thermal newspaper platesetter devices.
Concludes Vic Stalam, `` As our new corporate message -- Ideas Creating Opportunities -- announces, we are not only in the business of developing the products highlighted above but also in bringing new ideas and creative solutions to our customers, so that they can identify and seize new opportunities in our constantly evolving part of the communications business.
``The KPG stand at drupa will provide a first look at real solutions to the challenges printers face every day, in every market segment. The KPG drupa experience will showcase a company ready to partner with customers, providing innovative technology and real business solutions.``
