Kodak has launched Kodak Ektacolor inks and Kodak Optimax primers, which optimise high-speed continuous inkjet technologies and enhance the benefits of both technologies in all applications.
According to the company, Kodak Ektacolor inks used in Stream inkjet technology are formulated to create brighter, clearer, punchier prints at speeds faster than any other commercial inkjet system on the market.
The inks are available for pigment and dye-based applications, allowing maximum customer versatility.
As the previously announced KodaChrome inks for the Ultrastream systems, Ektacolor inks are manufactured using Kodak’s proprietary pigment micro-milling process, which creates fine nanoparticle pigments with a narrow size distribution.
The finer pigments make the ink easier to jet, reduce light scatter, and deliver ultra-thin dried ink layers, as well as a superior colour gamut.
Kodak says that another common feature of Ektacolor and KodaChrome inks is the lower level of humectants compared to other vendors. This results in faster drying, even when printing with high ink coverage on difficult substrates.
The inks contain no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which directly benefits sustainability and improves the working environment for press operators.
As a complement to the new inks, Kodak has launched a range of Kodak Optimax primers. By applying these, printers can avoid using expensive inkjet-treated papers and other speciality substrates.
Optimax primers have been developed to improve ink receptivity, adhesion, rub resistance, and image quality across various substrates, including paper, cardboard, plastic, film and even metallised materials. Moreover, they can facilitate the recyclability of printed products by improving deinkability.
Kodak offers an Optimax Enhanced Primer for coated papers and an Optimax Standard Primer for uncoated papers. Optimax Packaging Primers are available for uncoated and coated corrugated and folding carton packaging applications personal care products, as well as for non-absorbent substrates such as plastic and film.
Kodak executive chairman and chief executive officer Jim Continenza said, “With over 55 years of experience under our belt, no one knows inkjet better than Kodak. We leverage this deep expertise to create the inks and primers that are used in our Kodak Stream and Ultrastream inkjet technology product lines.
“The introduction of KodaChrome and EktaColor inks and Optimax Primers is just one example of the innovation and competitive differentiator that we continue to deliver to customers.
“Along with our high-speed continuous inkjet technologies, these inks and primers create a complete inkjet ecosystem with perfectly matched components, all developed and manufactured in-house by Kodak. This helps printers produce a huge variety of applications efficiently, productively and profitably.”
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