KPG is introducing the new KPG Thermal Direct Non Process Plate, which it says brings significant streamlining benefits to production workflows.
The new plate, based on fourth-generation technology, is designed to help small- to medium-sized general commercial printers improve their working environments by eliminating the cost associated with plate processing and the requirement to store, use and dispose of associated chemicals. Elimination of the traditional processing stage shortens the platemaking cycle, reduces time to press and increases production throughput possibilities.
The new KPG DirectWorks Suite — the first KPG branded workflow solution — is a cornerstone of KPG’s full suite of digital output options. The DirectWorks software supports the growing need for powerful and intuitive workflow management of a variety of output devices and drives KPG’s new DirectSet entry level CTP solution, the KPG DirectPress digital press, and Canon CLC printers as well as the new Matchprint ProofPro printer in the KPG solutions portfolio. A Canon 5100 printer is demonstrating variable printing on the KPG drupa booth.
KPG is also unveiling the KPG DirectSet 4101T four-page, entry-level CTP system concept that allows small- to medium-sized customers to invest in a competitively priced, fully integrated solution that delivers the benefits of the highest-quality thermal CTP technology.
The easy to use, productive and reliable solution is designed to allow users to convert simply from conventional to digital solutions and improve production quality and speed.
The company is launching the KPG Matchprint ProofPro 2610 inkjet printer for inclusion in the DirectSet solution as well as stand-alone operation.
KPG is demonstrating its new Sword Ultra Thermal Plate based on its Sword technology, which is suitable for both commercial and packaging applications. Incorporating third-generation plate technology, KPG says the presensitised aluminium plate helps users gain extra productivity without compromising on quality. On press, the plate achieves run lengths of 200,000 impressions without postbaking and in excess of one million impressions when postbaked.
KPG is showing a technology demonstration of a new CTP plate designed for flexographic packaging companies — the KPG Flexcel NX Digital Flexographic Plate. This plate will be an addition to the successful Flexcel family of conventional flexographic plates.
According to KPG the Flexcel NX plate delivers superior resolution and excellent colour reproduction on any packaging substrate — from the thinnest polypropylene to the thickest corrugated board. The plate is compatible with CTP devices with a sensitivity range of 830nm to 1064nm, and can run on press with water-based, as well as UV inks. Flexcel plates are designed with wide exposure latitude and short drying times to meet today’s demanding quality and production schedules.
The Flexcel family of flexographic printing plates contains three additional versions that serve all segments of the package printing market including flexible packaging, label and tag, folding carton, corrugated, envelope and wide web paper.
From its proofing portfolio, KPG is exhibiting for the first time the First Check Desktop Proofing System Macintosh RIP. KPG says the ability of the First Check system to reproduce opaque white and metallic colours allows packaging designers and printers to create low cost, high-quality mock-ups. First Check Transfer Film can be laminated to a variety of substrates to achieve the real look and feel of a package. KPG says proofing to First Check Shrink Film is ideal for flexographic proofing applications.
KPG is also demonstrating its next generation digital halftone proofing system, Kodak Approval NX Digital Proofing System which combines colour accuracy and speed to create an attractive tool for both commercial and package printers. At drupa 2004, the solution debuts a new universal black donor that KPG claims provides a superior emulation of today’s process black inks, in both hue and colour overprint rendition.
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