Kodak boosts its CTP lineup

The Thermoflex Narrow Flexo-Offset platesetter was revealed at Labelexpo Europe over the weekend. The device is distinguished by its ability to image across multiple plate technologies, capable of imaging on offset, flexographic and letterpress plates as well as film.

The Thermoflex's other important feature is the availability of a multiple plate configuration. Operators can load any plate size up to the maximum of 762 x 762 mm for flexo and 762 x 744 mm for offset plates, with the new option of imaging multiple plates simultaneously.

Bob Dalton, product manager for Kodak's Graphic Communications Group, claims the Thermoflex is targeted to service an increasing crossover between flexo and offset printing. “Narrow web printers are investing in offset and/or combination presses to expand their service offering, whereas commercial printers are buying flexo presses to move into multi-substrate printing.”

Kodak has also announced a new 'X-Speed' option for its Magnus and Trendsetter devices, which increases speed by at least 50 per cent and doubles productivity in some cases.

An enhanced Magnus device images at 27 80-inch plates an hour, which Kodak claims makes it the fastest available for large format and 8-page plates. A boosted Trendsetter 800 II operates at a speed of 40 B1 plates per hour.