Norwalk, Connecticut, USA — Kodak Polychrome Graphics (KPG) offers packaging prepress and print professionals attending CMM International a range of digital solutions to help reduce turnaround time, enhance color accuracy and improve production efficiency throughout the package printing process. At booth 3248 in the Digital Workflow Solutions Center, KPG will feature a complete range of proofing options from concept to contract—such as LCD monitor, inkjet and digital halftone proofing—as well as computer-to-plate, color management and workflow solutions. “The ability to produce jobs at a faster rate with outstanding color quality—and often on a variety of substrates—drives success in the packaging and labeling market,” said Derek Awalt, Product Marketing Manager, Halftone and Inkjet Proofing, KPG. “Our approach centers on providing technology solutions and consultative services that meet the unique requirements of package printing applications.” Several KPG solutions will be on display at CMM International, including: •The Kodak Approval NX Digital Halftone Proofing System. Using the latest in thermal imaging technology, the Kodak Approval NX Digital Halftone Proofing System produces one of the industry’s most versatile and accurate digital halftone proofs. Featuring Rapid Recipe Color technology, it can accurately produce millions of spot colors faster than the current industry standard. •The KPG Matchprint Virtual Proofing System – LCD. This solution combines the convenience of proofing from a desktop computer, the color and accuracy of the Matchprint Virtual Proofing System, and the productivity and collaboration tools of the www.matchprintvirtual.com gateway. The Matchprint Virtual Proofing System – LCD uses high-end flat panel displays to simplify installation requirements and enable personal proofing. The system consists of an LCD monitor that is certified for use with the Matchprint Virtual Proofing System, Matchprint Virtual Proofing Monitor Software, a Matchprint Virtual Monitor Calibrator and the full suite of the RealTimeProof web-based proofing tools. •The Artwork Systems Nexus V8 Workflow with KPG color management tools and RealTimeProof online proofing technology. The Artwork Systems Nexus V8 workflow with KPG color management tools delivers improved color conversions, color matching accuracy, and improved stability in color output on supported computer-to-plate (CtP) and proofing output devices. It also interfaces to the KPG RealTimeProof online proofing solutions. •The KPG Matchprint ProofPro RIP Version 1.0 with the Epson 7600 printer. The Matchprint ProofPro RIP v1.0 offers assured compatibility with the most recent PDF file formats as well as improved efficiency through the workflow. The Matchprint ProofPro RIP ensures faster and more accurate linearization through the new Matchprint Calibrator system based on colormetric data. This easy-to-use linearization wizard provides customers with the improved gray balance and overall more control and accuracy. In addition to the Epson 7600 printer, the RIP supports additional Epson inkjet printers, as well as new devices from Canon and HP. •The Kodak Polychrome Graphics Thermal Gold Printing Plate. KPG’s Thermal Gold Printing Plates provide fast imaging speed to cut turnaround time, making presses more efficient and helping customers meet deadlines, while the plates’ high resolution delivers outstanding quality and accuracy. •The Kodak Polychrome Graphics SWORD Excel Printing Plate. Extending the benefits of SWORD technology, which combines a no preheat, no postbake thermal plate with “write the background” imaging in a negative chemistry processing environment, the SWORD Excel Printing Plate delivers run lengths of up to 500,000 impressions and hard dots that yield resolutions ranging from 1% to 99% at 200 LPI. The ultrahigh resolution makes SWORD Excel plates compatible with the latest advances in stochastic screening at 20- and 10-micron dot diameters. The hard dots also provide faster roll-ups by producing sharper edges that generate less ink for the fountain and sheet to disperse and carry off the plate. •The Kodak Polychrome Graphics Electra Excel Printing Plate. A market leading thermal plate, KPG’s Electra Excel Printing Plate, offers simple processing, ease of use, and all the benefits of thermal imaging. In addition, the equipment has only a small footprint. This plate is optimal for label and tag applications. It’s also popular for folding carton packaging where, when postbaked, over one million impressions can be achieved. •The Kodak Polychrome Graphics Thermal Direct Non Process Printing Plate. The KPG Thermal Direct Non Process Printing Plate is designed to help small- to medium-sized general commercial printers improve their working environments by eliminating the cost associated with plate processing and the requirement to store, use and dispose of associated chemicals. Removal of the traditional processing stage shortens the platemaking cycle, reduces time to press and increases production throughput possibilities. The product will be commercially available later this year.