KODAK NEXPRESS Photo Platform Targets Growing Business Opportunities in Photo Products Market

29/09/10

Solution brings together outstanding colour and unique finishing options

The all-new KODAK NEXPRESS Photo Platform with Print Genius is designed for the printing of high-quality photo products, whether these products originate on a desktop, online, on a KODAK Kiosk, or at a retail outlet like a KODAK EXPRESS store or retail partner. The solution is based on proprietary intellectual property and Kodak’s expertise in image science, materials, digital technology, software and hardware.

The NEXPRESS Photo Platform features outstanding photo quality output with exceptional productivity for the production of printed photo products, including hard and soft cover photo books, calendars, greeting cards, 4x6 prints, magnets, and other photo products. Designed to deliver unique effects such as raised printing and matte or gloss coating, the NEXPRESS Photo Platform is ideal for photo specialty printers, photo labs, commercial printers, and others who serve customers in the photo space.

“The demand for high-quality photo products certainly is on the rise,” says Stephen Fletcher, General Manager, Electrophotographic Printing Solutions, Kodak, “and the business opportunities for photo service providers are exciting. With the advanced features of the NEXPRESS Photo Platform, printers are able to deliver unique services that differentiate them and open new revenue streams.”

The NEXPRESS Photo Platform is a complete solution that includes KODAK Creative Production Software for consumer photo products or KODAK PROFESSIONAL Digital Print Production Software (DP2) for professional labs. These software packages come preloaded with photo product templates such as photo books and calendars, and come with KODAK PERFECT TOUCH Technology algorithms for auto-correcting images for consistent, high-quality photographic products.

The solution includes a new KODAK NEXPRESS VI Photo Front End which enables class-leading RIP technology that optimises processing to keep files moving to the press. This capability provides significant advantages in photo workflows where extreme productivity is needed to meet seasonal demand. The NEXPRESS VI Photo Front End also includes advanced photo screens and noise filter options.

Other features include new small particle-sized dry inks that increase quality and reduce ink usage, a new fifth imaging unit light black ink to optimise grain, a higher density black dry ink for darker blacks, a new Matte Fuser Roller option for a matte finish that enables smoother tones and less gloss, and the ability to print on longer sheets—up to 26 inches or 660 mm. Longer sheets enable larger book covers and more impositions per sheet for higher productivity (up to 131 ppm).

The second generation KODAK NEXPRESS Intelligent Calibration System (ICS) delivers consistently high quality that minimises downtime and costs by minimising parts replacement. The ICS is at the core of a closed-loop quality control system that maintains accurate colour reproduction and increases image quality. In addition, the system uses industry-leading LED imaging heads, an inline scanner, and software based on Kodak’s proprietary image science to allow for automatic colour management while the press is printing.

“In the photo market, colour is critical,” added Fletcher, “and the true photo quality output from this new device meets or exceeds consumers’ expectations. With the explosion of affordable, high-quality digital capture devices, there are more photos than ever in the market. People are looking to create and preserve memories with a variety of photo-based applications.”

Like all NEXPRESS Presses, the NEXPRESS Photo Platform is designed to reduce environmental impact. Prints are de-inkable using standard industry processes, and Dry Inks do not contain lead or phthalates above limits for children’s products established by section 102 of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008.

Built on proven KODAK NEXPRESS Press technology with Print Genius, the new family of presses features a monthly duty cycle in excess of 4,000,000 pages and supports more than 600 different substrates. With longer sheets, the different models print at speeds of 91, 109, or 131 ppm.

KODAK Products are backed by KODAK Service and Support. KODAK Service and Support is made up of more than 3,000 professionals in 120 countries. It is a leading multi-vendor integrated services provider, delivering consulting, installation, maintenance and support services for commercial printing, graphic communications, document imaging, data storage and retail industries. KODAK Service and Support professionals are uniquely qualified to provide services that control costs, maximise productivity, and minimise business risk.

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