ROCHESTER, N.Y., Oct. 3 - Graphic communications providers across the United States and Canada can now drive efficiency, lower costs and improve overall profitability with the KODAK THERMAL DIRECT non process printing plate. First shown at PRINT 05, the THERMAL DIRECT non process plate is now fully commercially available in the United States and Canada. Kodak's new non process plate shortens the platemaking cycle, reduces time to press, and increases production throughput possibilities by eliminating traditional plate processing. "One year ago we introduced the THERMAL DIRECT non process plate to strong reviews at PRINT 05 and now we're pleased to bring the benefits of this innovative, non process technology to our customers in the United States and Canada," said Todd Bigger, Product Manger, Digital and Flexo Plates, United States and Canada, Kodak's Graphic Communications Group. "The THERMAL DIRECT non process plate drives efficiency and also helps customers with space restrictions or environmental concerns." The KODAK THERMAL DIRECT non process plate features a traditional grained and anodized aluminum substrate, creating a true "drop in" plate product with the familiar look and feel of a pre sensitized aluminum plate. Based on fourth generation thermal technology, THERMAL DIRECT non process plate completely eliminates the need for a processor and chemistry, which saves time and produces more consistent results. In addition, THERMAL DIRECT non process plates are compatible with all popular thermal computer to plate (CTP) imagers and a wide range of inks and fountain solutions. "We had been looking at computer to plate for over a year, and chose the KODAK solution because it was a great fit for our operation," said John Lemons, Co Owner and Prepress Manager, Jones Printing Company, a North Carolina commercial printer serving regional corporate, education and government entities. "We have space limitations and decided that if we were going to make this move, we might as well go as far as we could in one step with THERMAL DIRECT non process plates, which develop on press and don't require a processor." THERMAL DIRECT non process plate applications include short and medium run presswork, 8 page and smaller sheetfed, narrow forms web and high resolution printing. The plate is particularly well suited for locations with strict environmental disposal regulations, printers with limited physical space for processor and chemistry storage, and locations where processor plumbing cannot be installed. Capable of producing run lengths of up to 100,000 impressions under standard press conditions, THERMAL DIRECT non process plates can hold 1 percent to 98 percent dots at 200 lines per inch. The plate features a proprietary, thermally sensitive coating compatible with all popular thermal imagers without the need to install special debris removal attachments. A unique polymer resin in the non imaging area permits the ultra thin coating - which is 70 percent thinner than photopolymer violet plates and 35 percent thinner than typical processed thermal plates - to be quickly and completely carried out of the press, via the ink tack and blankets, onto the makeready sheets. Along with the ultra thin coating, the THERMAL DIRECT non process plate features reduced colorant, which eliminates the potential for ink contamination while still producing an image of sufficient visibility to determine press cylinder placement for the plates. THERMAL DIRECT non process plates go directly from the platesetter to the press, and can be handled for up to one hour in white light and four hours in yellow light. KODAK products are backed by KODAK Service and Support, Kodak's worldwide service organization. Named Best Support Organization at the 2006 International Business Awards, KODAK Service and Support includes more than 3,000 professionals in 120 countries. These professionals are fully qualified to help customers control costs, maximize productivity, and minimize business risk.