Kodak Flexcel Direct Engraving. One more time, the next great evolution for flexographic printing comes from Kodak.

The Flexcel Direct Imager is the new developing of Kodak aimed to the flexible packaging industry wich utilizes a high-resolution multi-channel laser diode to direct engrave elastomer material for flexographic printing avoiding the use of chemistry during the process.

After the amazing consolidation of Flexcel NX technology as the new standard for high quality printing, now is the moment for Flexcel Direct. This versatile device has been designed to combine a high-power laser with accurate 3D engraving and a great productivity.

Flexcel Direct can works engraving directly sheet plates, sleeve mounted plates and continuous sleeves to a maximum width of 1.6m (63”) and maximum repeat of 1067mm (42”).

This system has been designed energy-efficient, ergonomic and simple to operate. It is equipped with an extraction unit to collect the process waste.

Regarding the software, Flexcel Direct comes with Kodak TIFF Front End 3D workflow software, wich drives the Flexcel Direct Imager and provides both layout and preview features for both flat plate and continuous sleeve.

Flexcel Direct enables automatic converting of industry-standard 2D TIFF files to the 3D TIFF file required to drive laser engraving. The conversion implements features that are unique to digital direct engraving, such as variable shoulder angle and undercuts of small features.

Pre-defined qualified 3D conversion sets allow immediate use in a variety of applications.

This is a COMPLETELY INTEGRATED TURNKEY SOLUTION. Kodak Flexcel Direct  Flexographic Plates and Sleeves are formulated to combine best printing performance and optimum engraving.

Direct Imager laser technology, resulting in engraving speeds that are twice as fast as traditional laser  engraving systems. The plates and sleeves are designed to resist chemical attack, promote excellent ink transfer and high durability with high screen lines.

The combination of the printing form material, accurate engraving, and qualified 3D conversion sets delivers high-quality printed results for both halftones and full tones.

Additional system ancillaries are available to enable sleeves to be loaded, unloaded and transported by a single operator, and to perform the simple rinsing of plates or sleeves required prior to mounting on press.

The excellent printing perfomance obtained during the beta stage in Kodak clients clearly overcomed the expected in terms of productivity and quality. I hope this technology probably will be one of the great surprises for the flexo industry during next Drupa 2012.

Miguel Ángel Beltrán