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Miraclon announces European launch of next generation KODAK FLEXCEL NX Ultra Solution

24/09/19

FLEXCEL NX product family expands with new integrated, solvent-free and VOC-free flexo plate making solution to enable a press-ready plate in less than an hour

Tuesday, September 24, 2019 —

Miraclon, the new home of KODAK FLEXCEL Solutions, is introducing its next generation KODAK FLEXCEL NX Ultra Solution to the European market at Labelexpo Europe (24 – 27 September, Brussels).

Originally launched for the US market in 2018, the KODAK FLEXCEL NX Ultra Solution is an addition to the award-winning family of FLEXCEL NX products and takes advantage of all the imaging and print performance capabilities of the core FLEXCEL NX 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 KODAK FLEXCEL NX Ultra Solution includes the proven FLEXCEL NX System for world-class imaging paired with the new FLEXCEL NX 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.

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 will be 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,” comments Chris Payne, Miraclon CEO. “Our rich heritage in flexo has established a track record of technical innovation in the flexo space that drives growth and business success for our customers. 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. This 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.”

Miraclon’s KODAK FLEXCEL NX Ultra beta customers in Europe commented on their initial experience with the next-generation system:

Fleksograf studio prepress, Poland

Based in in Drużyna near Poznań, longstanding Miraclon and KODAK FLEXCEL Solutions customer, Fleksograf studio prepress, was eager to add the FLEXCEL NX Ultra option to its offering and become the first Polish provider of this sustainable solution. In May, the prepress provider began beta testing Miraclon’s European FLEXCEL NX Ultra solution on a variety of flexible packaging, folded carton and label applications, which is delivering excellent results.

Krzysztof Malengowksi, Owner of Fleksograf studio prepress, comments: “Adding FLEXCEL NX Ultra to our offering is not just great news for our customers, but also allows us to expand into new markets. Sustainability is at the forefront of many of our customers and brands’ requirements, and we are setting a new standard with Miraclon’s aqueous, solvent-free flexo plate solution. With FLEXCEL NX Ultra, sustainability can now start with the plate while still delivering the same high quality, consistent results that Miraclon’s other FLEXCEL NX Solutions are well-known for.

U. Günther GmbH, Germany

With technology, innovation and sustainability firmly anchored in its DNA, Hamburg-based prepress provider U. Günther was eager to introduce FLEXCEL NX Ultra to its portfolio to complement the FLEXCEL NX Systems it installed in 2013.

“More and more brand owners are insisting on environmentally friendly packaging options, and with FLEXCEL NX Ultra we can provide an effective solution when it comes to plates. In the twenty-first century packaging industry, eco-friendly printing begins with the flexo plate,” says Stefan Schneider, Sales Coordinator at U. Günther. “The FLEXCEL NX Ultra Plates also have a whole series of handling, quality and productivity benefits for packaging printers. Tests and initial production runs have confirmed that the plates deliver excellent print quality with high edge definition. There is much less ink build-up during print production, so printers benefit from longer cleaning intervals and less downtime. Print production speeds can also be substantially increased.”

Windmöller & Hölscher (W&H), Germany

Miraclon and Windmöller & Hölscher (W&H) this year further strengthened their relationship by partnering in a dedicated Flexo Plate Center at the W&H Printing Technology Center in Lengerich, Germany. Used by both W&H and Miraclon for customer demonstrations, guests get a complete overview of the latest developments in flexo printing and demonstrations on how the process is becoming even more competitive with other technologies in the packaging printing segment.

Markus Bauschulte, Technical Sales Director of the Business Unit for Printing and Finishing at W&H,  comments: “Our guests to the Printing Technology Centre are given the full lowdown on the very latest developments in flexo printing. We see our extremely efficient and intelligently automated presses as part of the overall process. We work together with numerous partners to demonstrate the possibilities for an optimum overall process. Faster changeovers and shorter time-to-market are particularly important issues. With its FLEXCEL NX Ultra Solution, our partner Kodak offers prepress specialists an exceptional addition to their existing equipment. In-house plate production enables simpler and faster processes and helps shorten time-to-market.”

The first product available is the KODAK FLEXCEL NX Ultra 35 Solution, which can produce plates up to 35″ x 48″ (889 x 1219.2 mm) in size.

About Miraclon

KODAK FLEXCEL Solutions have helped transform flexographic printing over the last decade. Now brought to life by Miraclon, KODAK FLEXCEL Solutions – including the industry-leading FLEXCEL NX System – give customers higher quality, improved cost efficiency, better productivity and best-in-class results. With a focus on pioneering image science, innovation, and collaboration with industry partners and customers, Miraclon is committed to the future of flexo and is positioned to lead the charge. Find out more at www.miraclon.com.  Follow us on twitter @kodakflexcel and connect with us on Linkedin; Miraclon Corporation.