FLEXCEL NX product family expands with new integrated, solvent-free and VOC-free flexo plate making solution to enable a press-ready plate in less than an hour

Miraclon, the new home of KODAK FLEXCEL Solutions, is introducing its next generation KODAK FLEXCEL NX Ultra Solution to the European market at Labelexpo Europe (24 – 27 September, Brussels).

Originally launched for the US market in 2018, the KODAK FLEXCEL NX Ultra Solution is an addition to the award-winning family of FLEXCEL NX products and takes advantage of all the imaging and print performance capabilities of the core FLEXCEL NX technology. It is a solvent-free, VOC-free, water-based processing solution that allows printers to create a press-ready plate in less than an hour. Enabled by patented KODAK Ultra Clean technology, developed by the Miraclon team, the FLEXCEL NX Ultra Solution is the first aqueous solution that provides consistent, high-performing flexo plates in a high volume, low maintenance environment.

A complete solution
The KODAK FLEXCEL NX Ultra Solution includes the proven FLEXCEL NX System for world-class imaging paired with the new FLEXCEL NX Ultra Processing System and new FLEXCEL NX Ultra Plate, delivering a complete end-to-end plate making solution. The all-in-one processing system combines exposure, washout, drying and finishing in an easy-to-use, robust system with automated cleaning cycles.

FLEXCEL NX Ultra Plates utilize the proven flat top dot structure, Kodak NX Advantage technology and patented Advanced Edge Definition available to all FLEXCEL NX System users and enable an unprecedented level of ink transfer control during printing that delivers superb quality and production efficiency benefits. The plates will be available in thicknesses of 1.14 mm and 1.70 mm and are ideal for label, paperboard and flexible packaging applications.

“Over the past decade, the KODAK FLEXCEL NX System has revolutionized the flexo industry, bringing an unmatched level of quality and performance to flexo printing for the benefit of everyone involved in the packaging value chain,” comments Chris Payne, Miraclon CEO. “Our rich heritage in flexo has established a track record of technical innovation in the flexo space that drives growth and business success for our customers. We’re focused on solving complex technical challenges, and our KODAK Ultra Clean technology has solved the fundamental challenge of ‘inconsistency’ traditionally associated with aqueous processed flexo plates. This enables printers to take advantage of our industry-leading plate technology without the hassle of solvent processing. Our early adopters in the US and beta customers in Europe are already proving that this robust technology is enabling them to drive the transformation of flexo and better meet brands’ needs.”

The first product available is the KODAK FLEXCEL NX Ultra 35 Solution, which can produce plates up to 35" x 48" (889 x 1219.2 mm) in size.