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New Next-Generation Kodak NEXPRESS ZX3900 Digital Color Press Prints on Thicker Paper, Synthetic Substrates

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Kodak announced that it’ll be introducing its next-generation NEXPRESS ZX3900 Digital Production Color Press at the drupa 2016 commercial- and production-printing trade show to be held May 31 – June 10 in Düsseldorf, Germany. The NEXPRESS ZX3900 supports thicker paper and can print on synthetic substrates, opening up various new opportunities for printers, according to Kodak, including short-run packaging applications such as printing on labels, tags and small folding cartons, as well as commercial and publishing printing.

Kodak is also previewing a new NEXPRESS Platform, with commercial availability targeted for 2017. The new platform features a new multi-bit LED writing system that provides “industry-unique” computational halftone screening, enabling “extremely consistent, high image quality with minimal artifacts.”

Switchable color stations are also said to allow for colors to be printed in different sequences and combinations, which the firm says will broaden the spectrum of applications that can be run (for example cyan, magenta, yellow [CMY], plus two specialty inks). It system can also print on longer sheets up to 48” long in order to accommodate retail and other applications.

Overall, Kodak says the new NEXPRESS Platform will be capable of delivering “peak quality over longer runs with less operator effort.”

New Opaque White Ink

Kodak is also launching a new NEXPRESS Opaque White Dry Ink for use with its NEXPRESS Presses for the Fifth Imaging Unit. This new specialty dry ink complements the nine inks already available, while delivering “excellent opacity” in a single pass through the press, and providing “increased productivity and higher quality short run production for applications such as packaging, signage, labels and invitations.”

Robert S. Taylor, general manager of Kodak Electrophotographic Printing Solutions, and vice president of Kodak’s Print Systems Division commented: “Our expanding NEXPRESS portfolio plays a critical role within Kodak’s digital-print offerings. These announcements are testimony to the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and investment in this space. NEXPRESS Presses deliver industry-leading productivity, unique print capabilities and modular design – enabling customers to upgrade to the latest technology available within each NEXPRESS Platform. And, with the introduction of the newest NEXPRESS Platform, printers can continue to broaden their application offerings, enabling them to grow their businesses and customer base.”

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