This new solution is the result of Kodak's continued R&D investment in flexo, which has repeatedly produced progressive advancements in recent years.

Chris Payne, president, flexographic packaging division and vice president of Kodak , said, “The Flexcel NX Ultra Solution enables the outstanding and proven print performance for which Flexcel NX Plates have become well known, with solvent-free, VOC-free, water-based processing that can deliver a press-ready plate in less than an hour and sustain clean, consistent plates in a high-volume production environment.”

Enabled by new, innovative and patent-pending Kodak Ultra Clean technology, the Flexcel NX Ultra Solution is the first aqueous solution that provides consistent, high-performing flexo plates in a high volume, low maintenance environment.

“Kodak Ultra Clean technology has solved the fundamental challenge of ‘inconsistency’ traditionally associated with aqueous processed flexo plates and will enable printers to take advantage of our industry-leading plate technology without the hassle of solvent processing,” added Payne.

The Kodak Flexcel NX Ultra Solution includes the Flexcel NX System for imaging paired with the new Flexcel NX Ultra Processing System and new Flexcel NX Ultra Plate, delivering an end-to-end plate making solution from Kodak. The complete processing system combines exposure, washout, drying and finishing in an easy-to-use, robust system with automated cleaning cycles.

Flexcel NX Ultra Plates utilise the Kodak flat top dot structure and are fully compatible with Kodak’s NX Advantage technology and patented Advanced Edge Definition for ink transfer control during printing. The plates will be available in thicknesses of 1.14 mm and 1.70 mm and are ideal for a label, paperboard and flexible packaging applications.

The Flexcel NX Ultra 35 Solution is the first product to be commercialised from the Ultra NX technology demonstration that was previewed at Drupa two years ago and has undergone numerous customer beta trials.

Matt Gauthier of G3 Enterprises, a wine label manufacturer based in California that produces over 8000 production jobs a year and switched from thermal plates to Kodak Flexcel NX plates a number of years ago. “It’s been great to have NX Ultra in place, providing the same quality level but requiring much less time to produce a plate. We can make changes and quickly send new plates to press, assuring that customer timeline are satisfied. We have been very happy with results from NX Ultra,” Gauthier added.

The first product to be made available will be the Kodak Flexcel NX Ultra 35 Solution, which can produce plates up to 35 x 48 inches in size. The product is due to ship in the first quarter of 2019, initially for the North American market.