At Labelexpo Europe Miraclon, the new home of Kodak Flexcel Solutions introduced its next-generation aqueous processed Flexcel NX Ultra Solution to the European market. Kodak sold its flexographic division including the Flexcel NX business to UK-based investment company Montagu which launched Miraclon to operate it.
Launched initially, for the US market, where we saw it in action at the IGT beta site in Orlando Florida, in November 2018, the Kodak Flexcel NX Ultra Solution is an addition to the award-winning family of Flexcel NX products taking advantage of the imaging and print performance capabilities of the core technology. It is a solvent-free, VOC-free, water-based processing solution that allows printers to create a press-ready plate in less than an hour.
Enabled by patented Kodak Ultra Clean technology, developed by the Miraclon team, the Flexcel NX Ultra Solution is the first aqueous solution that provides consistent, high-performing flexo plates in a high volume, low maintenance environment.
A complete solution
The Flexcel NX Ultra Solution includes the proven Flexcel NX System for world-class imaging paired with the new Ultra Processing System and new Flexcel NX Ultra Plate, delivering a complete end-to-end plate making solution. The all-in-one processing system combines exposure, washout, drying, and finishing in an easy-to-use, robust system with automated cleaning cycles. The first product available is the Flexcel NX Ultra 35 Solution, which can produce plates up to 35 x 48-inch (889 x 1219.2 mm) in size.
Flexcel NX Ultra plates utilize the proven flat-top dot structure, Kodak NX Advantage technology and patented Advanced Edge Definition available to all FLEXCEL NX System users and enable an unprecedented level of ink transfer control during printing that delivers superb quality and production efficiency benefits. The plates are to be made available in thicknesses of 1.14 mm and 1.70 mm and are ideal for label, paperboard, and flexible packaging applications.
“Over the past decade, the Kodak Flexcel NX System has revolutionized the flexo industry, bringing an unmatched level of quality and performance to flexo printing for the benefit of everyone involved in the packaging value chain,” commented Chris Payne, Miraclon CEO at Labelexpo in Brussels. “We’re focused on solving complex technical challenges, and our Kodak Ultra Clean technology has solved the fundamental challenge of ‘inconsistency’ traditionally associated with aqueous processed flexo plates.” Payne emphasized the need for a robust and repeatable process to make flexo platemaking an industrial process. “Ultra Clean enables printers to take advantage of our industry-leading plate technology without the hassle of solvent processing. Our early adopters in the US and beta customers in Europe are already proving that this robust technology is enabling them to drive the transformation of flexo and better meet brands’ needs.” Notably, Windmoller and Holscher’s demonstration center in Lengereich is one of the European beta sites for Flexcel NX Ultra Solution.
