Kodak: A Partner for Analog and Digital

With a strong heritage in analog supplies and digital presses, Kodak is positioning itself as a partner for the printshop, providing the right solution whether analog or digital print. Underscoring the ongoing support for analog press solutions, Kodak is introducing a new Sonora Ultra process-free plate. The new plates feature an enhanced image contrast, greater white light tolerance, and allow for up to six weeks advanced imaging. Moreover, Kodak remains the only plate supplier with manufacturing capacity in all main regions around the globe. The plate announcements are complemented by a new large-format platesetter, the Magnus Q3600 Titan.

Featured prominently at the drupa booth is the Prosper Ultra 520 press. The press has several new features like the Kodak Optimax in-line precoating module. The optional module ensures the highest print quality and density on all papers. The Kodachrome inks used on the 520 produce a superior color gamut, noticeably surpassing the gamut of offset inks. Kodak acquired the paper transport specialist GSS in 2023 and is now able to offer all major components from one hand, including finishing components. To demonstrate these capabilities, the Prosper 520 will be switching from roll-to-roll to roll-to-folded-sheet output every day. Since the start of 2024, the press has been in controlled production at a large commercial printer in the US.

The press developments are complemented by the Prosper print bar. In 4-inch increments (about 10 cm) and using a seamless stitching technology, the print bar can achieve almost any width. It can be integrated into offset, flexo, and gravure presses as well as postpress and converting lines for high-quality imprinting.

Kodak has a long heritage in software, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Prinergy workflow. More than 3,000 printers using Prinergy underline the success. At drupa 2024, Kodak is launching Prinergy version 11.0. Apart from improved rule-based automation, processing technology, and support for the latest OS versions, it features direct connectivity to the Kodak Prosper presses.