A new Nexpress that takes Kodak into digital packaging and labels via a one-pass high opacity white toner and the preview of a new technology platform will be at the heart of the company’s toner-based technology at drupa 2016. By Barney Cox at drupa media week in Düsseldorf.
The Nexpress ZX3900 will be able to print white using its fifth unit; it will also add support for heavier weight cardboard and synthetic stocks.
‘This development opens up digital packaging applications, including labels, tags and cartons,’ said Kodak printing systems division worldwide sales manager John O’Grady. ‘Single-pass opaque white is a key breakthrough.’
The firm will also preview a next-generation Nexpress, which is slated to ship in 2017. Features include a new multi-bit LED writing system that is promised to provide extremely consistent quality. It will also be possible for users to switch the order of the print stations to alter the colour sequence to broaden the application range further. Lastly, it will support an even longer maximum sheet length of up to 1.35 metres (48 inches).
In addition to its own machine, Kodak also revealed that it was opening up its chemical toner manufacturing capabilities to other vendors, in particular for use in light production printers.
