ROCHESTER, N.Y., Sept. 11 -- Innovative workflow, digital color proofing, thermal computer to plate, screening solutions and media products greet Labelexpo attendees at the Kodak Graphic Communications Group (GCG) booth 1639. “Graphic communications providers in the labeling market face growing pressure from clients who are demanding quicker turnaround times and the highest quality on increasingly complex jobs,” said Vic Stalam, General Manager, Packaging, GCG. “Our broad solutions portfolio helps customers deliver high impact packaging and accurate brand colors—across all substrates, through any print process, anywhere in the world while improving efficiency.” At Labelexpo in Chicago, Kodak showcases its portfolio of packaging solutions, all designed to help customers grow their businesses. Workflow: Driving efficiency Kodak launches KODAK PANDORA 2.9 software at Labelexpo. New features in PANDORA 2.9 software further automate the process for creating packaging layouts. Users can dynamically modify applied step and repeat parameters, saving time on such tasks as positioning 1-ups on the layout, changing the step amount, or placing registration, color bars or other production marks. PANDORA 2.9 software allows users to drag and drop predefined SmartMarks, intelligent marks that position and automatically size themselves on a layout. Any of the 60 built in packaging marks or any user generated custom marks can be made into SmartMarks. Label marks, text marks with variable data, and details such as date, color and job name that are dynamically previewed and inserted when printing can also be defined as SmartMarks. Kodak will also demonstrate the KODAK PRINERGY POWERPACK workflow system, which delivers specialized prepress tools needed to build and preflight files. It also includes a job management feature to track jobs from receipt of files through to proofing, approval and platemaking. In addition, Kodak will show its award winning KODAK PDF Compare and PDF Merge software. Awarded a 2005 GATF InterTech Technology Award for innovation and the 2006 Technology Innovator of the Year Award from the Flexographic Prepress Platemakers Association, PDF Compare and PDF Merge software provide an automated, reliable and cost effective way to manage correction cycles in a prepress workflow. PDF Compare software provides the ability to analyze two PDF files and identify the differences between them. PDF Merge software allows the operator to extract all of the prior work that was done on the plate ready file (traps, screening assignment, geometry, overprint settings, etc.) and merge all of those elements into a new revised production file. Digital Color Proofing: Precision, Control, Speed and Economy The KODAK APPROVAL NX digital color imaging system advances the line of APPROVAL thermal halftone proofers to unprecedented heights of performance. One of the fastest, most productive digital halftone proofing systems available, the APPROVAL NX system is among the most specified by agency creatives and brand owners worldwide because of its ability to capture and demonstrate the exact appearance of the final printed package on the substrate of choice. The APPROVAL NX system can accurately simulate all production processes, and generate millions of brilliant spot, specialty, corporate and brand colors including lustrous metallics. The APPROVAL NX system can control density and dot gain, and print on actual printing stock and substrates. This allows label printers to render contract quality proofs so precisely that they match the press and can eliminate the need for press checks. At Labelexpo, Kodak will offer a new workflow and proofing bundle, an easy to implement solution for package printers looking to reach new levels of customer service and business growth. Attendees who place an order for a KODAK APPROVAL system and PRINERGY POWERPACK software bundle at the show will receive free additional software and training with their purchase. Purchasers will have the option of choosing between two software options valued at up to $13,600. The options include one additional PRINERGY POWERPACK client bundle or Kodak’s advanced flexo screening bundle, which includes award winning KODAK HYPERFLEX resolution enhancement software. Other proofing solutions on display include the KODAK InSite software for monitor proofing and the KODAK MATCHPRINT inkjet desktop proofing solution. For each MATCHPRINT inkjet desktop system sold at Labelexpo, Kodak will offer a free Color Confirmation Option. A unique option on MATCHPRINT inkjet proofers, the Certified Process for Color Confirmation checks that the proof was generated according to in house or industry color standards, helping press operators and brand owners communicate and confirm color expectations before going to press. CTP Solutions: High Impact, Repeatable Results KODAK thermal computer to plate (CTP) devices help label printing businesses achieve higher quality imaging with improved consistency, stability, and plate to plate repeatability. The KODAK THERMOFLEX Narrow Hybrid CTP platesetter is ideal for narrow web printers and trade shops seeking high quality print results on a wide variety of substrates. All THERMOFLEX devices utilize industry leading KODAK HYPERFLEX ready imaging technology to deliver high impact, repeatable print results. The reliable THERMOFLEX machine architecture facilitates plate loading and unloading to minimize plate damage while the product’s small footprint, easy to use TIFF Front End software, and universal workflow connectivity make it an easy fit for any size of plant. Screening: Optimizing the pressroom Kodak will also showcase in its booth real world examples of labels and packaging produced using its unique color and screening technologies including KODAK SPOTLESS printing solution, KODAK STACCATO screening solution, KODAK HYPERFLEX resolution enhancement software and KODAK MAXTONE hybrid screening. HYPERFLEX resolution enhancement software makes flexographic platemaking and printing more predictable, reliable and consistent. This technology allows small halftone dots to be formed and held on a photopolymer plate throughout the print process, increasing the resolution of the flexo plate and delivering high quality flexo printing that exceeds brand owner expectations. The newest version of HYPERFLEX software introduces the ability to apply the technology to normal AM screening in addition to hybrid screening achieved with MAXTONE software. The new KODAK SPOTLESS printing solution version 2.0 unleashes a wider spectrum of spot colors with greater flexibility for marketers and a more efficient production process for printers. SPOTLESS printing technology enables graphic communications providers to simulate spot colors with process inks, delivering the marketing and production value of spot colors without the spot color ink costs. The SPOTLESS printing solution also does away with native file editing and eliminates the need for reformulation of proprietary inks. The next generation SPOTLESS printing solution adds the ability to generate five and seven color screen tint recipes in addition to the previous four and six color recipe capability, thereby expanding the gamut and increasing the number of spot colors that can be accurately and consistently simulated. 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.