ROCHESTER, N.Y., October 5 -- Kodak today announced the commercial release of its next generation version HYPERFLEX software, the resolution enhancement technology that allows packaging trade shops, printers and converters to produce smaller, more stable dots on flexographic plates and presswork. Recipient of three industry awards for technical innovation, this new version of HYPERFLEX software is designed to improve AM highlights, delivering improved detail and smoother vignettes on all flexo packaging work. The initial release of HYPERFLEX software in late 2003 was developed to complement KODAK MAXTONE hybrid screening software. The new version introduces the capability to apply HYPERFLEX technology to normal AM screening in addition to hybrid screening achieved with MAXTONE software. The result is that customers can use the technology 100 percent of the time, across all jobs and across multiple applications including flexible bag, direct print corrugated, and high-end tag and label printing. "To achieve the best possible print results, flexo platemakers and their customers are looking for better reproduction across the entire tonal range," said Steve Miller, Product Manager for packaging workflow solutions, Kodak's Graphic Communications Group. "The greatest benefit of the new version of HYPERFLEX software is that it can now be used on every job, allowing prepress providers to hold smaller highlight dots on all flexo plates." KODAK THERMOFLEX computer-to-plate devices are equipped with HYPERFLEX-Ready imaging to maximize the full potential of the technology. Flexographic trade shops, converters and label printers that have been beta testing the software and imaging plates on the THERMOFLEX devices are impressed with the results. -- "We went from a 6 percent dot to a 4 percent dot on the bump curve. We're holding a finer dot more consistently on plate, and subsequently on press." --Anthony Masotti, prepress manager, New York Label -- "We're achieving a smaller highlight dot--which helps us extend the tonal range--and more consistency on press. Also, the smaller dots don't wear out as fast because they have more support." --Kevin Bourquin, technical prepress development manager, Cyber Graphics HYPERFLEX software is one of a series of advanced screening technologies for use with the KODAK PRINERGY, PRINERGY POWERPACK and PRINERGY Evo workflow systems. Existing customers may upgrade free of charge to this new and improved version of the software. To optimize quality and efficiency, one day of start-up assistance must be purchased for a Kodak flexo specialist to implement the software, and provide on-site training and assistance.