Kodak’s entry into the wide-format digital printing market (or, should we call it Kodak’s “re-entry”?)

((CORRECTION (Apr 29th):  Apparently, Kodak will not be manufacturing large-format print devices; instead, like Memjet did, Kodak will be manufacturing print heads (with Ultrastream print technology) and will sign-up equipment manufacturers to manufacture and sell Ultrastream-enabled wide-format printers.))

Well, evidently, Kodak has a new entry into the “wide-format” digital printing marketplace – based on its ULTRASTREAM ink-jet printing technology....

From a Kodak Press Release:

DUSSELDORF, GERMANY, Monday, February 29, 2016 --

Kodak today announced its next generation inkjet technology platform, KODAK ULTRASTREAM Inkjet Technology, which will be showcased for the first time worldwide at drupa 2016

Built on Kodak’s proven continuous inkjet Stream technology, ULTRASTREAM will move production inkjet into the mainstream of commercial printing and packaging. This technology demonstrates the evolution of inkjet with smaller drop size and precise placement accuracy for higher resolution, clean lines and additional detailed definition.  ULTRASTREAM will set new standards, broadening the range of printable graphic arts applications and reaching new markets for high speed, high resolution inkjet printing. The technology will co-exist in the market along with KODAK Stream Technology to offer different platform options, addressing the needs of each application.

ULTRASTREAM is aimed at printers and prospects demanding a superior image quality to integrate into their application-based production systems.  This high resolution Writing System includes a modular printhead that can be implemented in varying widths ranging from 8” up to 97” to suit the specific application.  ULTRASTREAM will also be available with Kodak’s Digital Front End (DFE), a dynamic and flexible solution that meets the demands of commercial printers as they implement production inkjet in their workflows. At drupa 2016, visitors will see the ULTRASTREAM technology in an 8” configuration on a narrow-web press for labeling and small format printing, to showcase the high resolution output as a result of smaller ink drop sizes, superior drop placement and substrate interaction.

ULTRASTREAM will enable high resolution printing at an exceptional quality of 600 x 1800dpi at speeds of up to 150 meters per minute (500 feet per minute) on the widest variety of paper and plastic substrates, to address even the most demanding applications including narrow-web labels, and packaging. It will also be available in a scanning head configuration to enable wide format printing with multiple heads on a moving carriage. Kodak’s micro-milled nano-particulate inks deliver 30% wider range of color gamut, and with the extensibility of the technology can also provide spot colors and an extended color gamut to further broaden the scope of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black (CMYK) printing.

Kodak continues to improve on production inkjet’s cost of operation through ease of use, serviceability and device availability. ULTRASTREAM will deliver lower running costs, improved image quality, the ability to print on a wide variety of paper and packaging substrates with unparalleled productivity, all while offering the flexibility and value of digital printing.

Philip Cullimore, President of Kodak’s Enterprise Inkjet Systems Division, said: “Kodak has once again raised the bar in inkjet printing. ULTRASTREAM will be a ‘must-see’ inkjet technology at drupa 2016. With availability to start integration beginning in 2017, we look forward to discussions with OEM partners to plan new products built with this technology, and with printers to understand the first applications that they would like to see us address.”

A world of inkjet at drupa

Visitors to the Kodak stand will also see live demonstrations of the Prosper 6000C press with inline finishing. Printing at 300 meters per minute (1,000 feet per minute), visitors will see first-hand the capabilities of the Prosper 6000C, with take-home samples to inspect at their own leisure. The press will be running with a MEGTEC automatic roll splicer and multiple inline finishing solutions for two different applications; magazines and catalogs printed on lightweight coated paper and finished with a Manroland web systems FoldLine, as well as commercial applications that will be post coated with an i-WEB post coater and finished with a VITS multicut variable servo sheeter. Flexo, gravure and offset printers should also not miss the Extended Gamut + Varnish (XGV) technology demonstration for flexible films produced on narrow-web. Featuring seven of Kodak’s S-Series Printing Systems printing on flexible films, which are capable of printing CMYK and an extended gamut of CMYK plus orange, green and violet to match a broader spectrum of Pantone Colors used in label or package printing, the demo will also have an additional station printing water-based digital varnish. This demonstration will utilize environmentally friendly, aqueous inks, bonding on to flexible films, which is unique in the industry.  With Kodak’s Stream inkjet technology – running at up to 200 meters per minute -  this system is ideal for integration into traditional print processes to create a hybrid system that maximizes the advantages of both digital and analog printing for a variety of film based packaging.

Visitors are also invited to explore opportunities to create new applications by integrating Kodak’s 49” inkjet technology Writing System in their production processes. This wider Writing System brings the world’s fastest inkjet printing to the wide format market, including home décor and signage. The This is Inkjet! Loft on the Kodak drupa stand will represent an apartment decorated with Kodak Stream digitally printed products including laminate flooring, countertops, furniture, wallpaper, napkins and water bottles to name a few.   The ability to print customized designs in short runs, eliminating inventory with just-in-time printing while achieving the durability and robustness comparable with gravure printing, will change how home décor and other wide format printing is delivered in the future.