Chicago, Illinois, USA - Kodak Polychrome Graphics (KPG) today introduced the SWORD EXCEL Thermal Printing Plate at Graph Expo 2003 booth 4030. 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 SWORD EXCEL plate demonstrates KPG's commitment to continually enhancing our technology to help customers improve performance and profitability," said Luis Medina, United States and Canada (US&C), Product Manager. By eliminating the preheat and postbake cycles, SWORD technology 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. The advanced coating technology provides high visual contrast, stable processing, and ultrahigh ink receptivity. Enhanced receptivity yields lower ink consumption and water settings for improved density and color stability on press. The new coatings also are 15 percent faster, delivering faster platesetter throughput and more plates per hour.