Rochester, N.Y., Nov. 6 - Visual Systems, Inc., recently installed Kodak Sword Excel thermal printing plates to optimize its existing workflow by utilizing a single provider for all of its printing solutions. The Milwaukee, Wis., printer previously purchased the Kodak Trendsetter platesetter and the Kodak Prinergy workflow system. "We subjected the Sword Excel plates to six months of rigorous testing before making the switch,î said Sarah Burg, Purchasing Manager, Visual Systems, Inc. "Our preparation, press and color management teams all used them, and were very happy with the performance and quality. In the end, the Sword Excel plates passed with flying colors." Visual Systems was also impressed with the level of service provided by Kodak and its dealer, LaCrosse Litho Supply in Pewaukee, Wis., during the transition to the new plates. The company planned to shut down its printing services for an entire shift to complete the necessary installation processes, but Kodak was able to get the presses up and running again in half that time. "Kodakís customer service has been phenomenal," said Burg. "An entire crew of people came in to ensure we had all of the help we needed. The changeover was seamless and our business didnít miss a beat. It completely surpassed my expectations." The Kodak Sword Excel thermal printing plate delivers run lengths of up to 500,000 impressions and hard dots that yield resolutions ranging from 1 percent to 99 percent at 200 lpi. By eliminating the preheat and postbake cycles, the Sword Excel plate cuts processing time and allows prepress managers to utilize smaller processors. Other benefits of the Sword Excel plate include faster imaging speeds, greater press chemical resistance, reduced processor maintenance, and increased durability. The strength and stability of the Sword Excel plates have been enhanced through redesigned plate coatings that are more resistant to both physical wear and harsh chemicals such as UV and EB ink solvents. Founded in 1961, Visual Systems, Inc., is one of the leading overhead transparency producers in the United States. The company, which holds 12 patents in the presentation and storage of overhead transparencies, provides the educational publishing market with a variety of visual communication products, including book components, binders, textbook inserts, supplemental workbooks and more. Kodak products are backed by Kodak Service and Support, Kodakís 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.