Kodak launches its new Sonora XP plates which it says are the next generation of process-free technology
With more than 1,500 printers around the world already embracing the process-free revolution started by the Kodak Thermal Direct Non Process Plates, the company says the new Sonora XP Process Free Plate is the next step in its evolution of process free thermal plate technology.
Kodak says that in offering high-quality thermal imaging and the complete elimination of plate processing, Sonora XP plates increase productivity, simplify operations, and remove costs by reducing the number of steps required for platemaking. It says these plates completely eliminate all costs associated with processing equipment and chemistry, while requiring less floor space and reducing energy consumption – good for the environment, but says Kodak, even better for the bottom line.
Designed for commercial printers of all sizes as well as large web publication printers, Sonora XP Plates use a write-the-image, non-ablative technology that offers enhancements in both imaging speed and latent image contrast over Thermal Direct Plates, to improve a printer’s productivity and the plate’s ease of use.
“Our clients are keen on high-quality printing coupled with sustainability benefits,” said Andrew Langridge, systems manager at WO Jones. Founded in 1904, WO Jones is a family-owned commercial printer located in Anglesey, North Wales, and served as a beta test site for Sonora XP Plates. Langridge says, “Sonora XP Plates make just-in-time platemaking a reality while providing ease of use, quick cleanup and critically enabling printers to maximise their press performance as the plate renders a sharp dot and is hard wearing.”
“The industry looks to Kodak as a leader in the process free thermal plate market,” says Robert Mollee, Kodak’s business development manager for Prepress Solutions. “This new plate improves an industry-proven, robust solution by incorporating next-generation technology into a product that printers already use.
Process-free solutions are here to stay, and because of the benefits both to the environment and the bottom line, the number of customers using these solutions is rapidly growing every day. We will keep pushing the envelope in new product development to bring industry-leading solutions to the market.”
Post-imaging, Sonora XP Plates can go immediately to press, where a coating technology and the physical properties of a lithographic press prepare the plate for print during normal start-up procedures. According to Mollee these plates provide printers the same resolution, reliability, accuracy, and repeatability as traditionally processed thermal plates, while improving stability and consistency of print due to the elimination of those unstable, hard-to-maintain processing systems.
“Increased awareness and tighter regulations around the world will make process free technology more widely embraced as print providers look to establish a more environmentally responsible presence,” added Mollee. “Sonora XP Plates help customers tell a better environmental story while providing them operational cost reductions and high-quality reproduction for a wide range of print projects.”
The Sonora XP Process Free Plate will be introduced immediately into the European region with global expansion, including Australia, to follow later this year.
Sonora plates
Achieve Mainstream Print Capabilities
• Impressive quality (1-99% @ 200 lpi)
• Strong print performance including 200,000 run length capability for web presses
• Full range of gauges including 0.40 mm and VLF size capability
Reduce Operational Costs and Environmental Impact
• Remove all chemistry, water, energy and waste from plate making
• Free prepress from time spent rebatching, cleaning and maintaining processors
• Offer a cleaner work environment by removing VOCs from plate making
Gain Operational Efficiencies
• Achieve better process control by eliminating all processing variables
• Improve your productivity with fast imaging capability
• Streamline plate making by removing processors
Increase the Value of Print
• Differentiate the quality of your printwork with FM 20 Stochastic capability
• Increase your environmental credentials both in prepress and in the pressroom
• Print with types of jobs that define green or sustainable print, including recycled stocks, soy based inks and IPA free founts
