Rochester, New York -- The KODAK NEXPRESS S3000 Digital Production Color Press was one of six presses in the "Digital Printing and Survivability in the U.S. Postal System" test conducted recently by the PIA/GATF Digital Printing Council. The group included five competitive digital presses and one offset press, printing a total of 400 postcards each that were put into the traditional mail stream through four U.S. cities. Upon delivery, each postcard was tested for marking or abrasion, and on the uncoated address side, 90 percent of the NEXPRESS S3000 Press output was returned with no markings, making it one of the top two digital press performers.

The NEXPRESS S3000 Press output proved durable and capable of delivering offset class value which meets customers' expectations for overall performance as well as image quality through the entire process, right into the customers' hands. The postcards on the NEXPRESS S3000 Press were printed on standard, off-the-shelf C1S stock available from any supplier, which helps reduce media costs and helps increase ROI by eliminating the need to secure specialty papers for digital print. In addition, the substrates did not require any UV coating for added protection, which often increases cost and adds another labor step in the process.

"This test is extremely valuable to print service providers. Too often, quality comparisons are made in a lab environment, but in the real world, print jobs typically take a beating," said Kevin Joyce, VP of Sales and Marketing, Digital Printing Solutions, Kodak's Graphic Communications Group. "In this difficult economy, printers and marketers are looking for higher returns on their mailings, and scratched, cracked, or faded mailers could negatively impact response. The NEXPRESS S3000 Press gives users a much needed competitive advantage in this area, delivering the intended marketing message with a printed piece that looks as good as the print provider and print client intended."

The KODAK NEXPRESS S3000 Digital Production Color Press features a modular design with high-capacity paper input and output, inline and near-line finishing options, and the KODAK NEXPRESS Fifth Imaging Unit Solutions. This powerful component enables capabilities that help print providers offer differentiated services to grow their page volume and profitability. For example, the newly introduced Dimensional Clear Ink enables printing of tactile, 3-D images, a process which is accomplished in-line to maintain productivity and eliminate additional processes and costs. This new feature is especially dynamic when used on direct mail postcards, photo books and certificates/invitations or anywhere a dimensional effect is desired. By adding this visual and tactile aspect, print clients can drive high response rates and achieve a better ROI on their integrated marketing campaigns.

The NEXPRESS S3000 Press also supports more than 600 substrate types which provides application flexibility to meet client demands, and with the Fifth Imaging Unit Solutions delivers 82 percent of the PANTONE color gamut without costly custom mixing of inks.

In addition to its outstanding performance in this third-party test, the family of NEXPRESS Digital Production Color Presses is certified by INGEDE (International Association of the Deinking Industry) for its ability to be easily de-inked in the recycling process. The combination of robust performance in the mail and the ability to de-ink the output for recycling allow print providers to embrace an environmental focus and market their ability to print using a lead-edge digital press for maintaining output integrity. This all helps expand their offerings and enhance their transition to marketing services providers.

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