Autumn Graphics Installs First KODAK FLEXCEL NX Digital Flexographic System in Canada

Rochester, NY.- Autumn Graphics is an independent, privately owned firm founded in 1982 that specializes in prepress production, plate production, and graphics management services for consumer product goods companies, converters, printers and advertising agencies. The company is the first in Canada to install the KODAK FLEXCEL NX Digital Flexographic System, which was recently awarded the 2008 PIA/GATF InterTech™ Technology Award for excellence in innovative technology.

“The offerings in the industry for imaging plates are always improving with each new generation, and we follow those developments very closely, investing in the right technology at the right time and implementing those solutions to provide the best plates for our customers,” said Ben Abray, President, Autumn Graphics. “Our customers appreciate our dedication to providing the best quality products and services.”

Providing offset class, gravure quality on a wide variety of substrates—including paper, flexible film, foil, label stock, and folding cartons—the integrated FLEXCEL NX Digital Flexographic System includes the KODAK FLEXCEL NXH Digital Flexographic Plates, KODAK FLEXCEL NX Thermal Imaging Layer, KODAK TRENDSETTER NX Narrow Imager or KODAK TRENDSETTER NX Mid Imager, KODAK FLEXCEL NX Laminator, and KODAK SQUARESPOT Imaging Technology.

“The benefits are exactly what we hoped for and more. Our customers are finding excellent on press performance and our operators are reporting ease of use in the early stages,” said Abray.

Because the Thermal Imaging Layer is laminated directly to the plate, there is no issue with oxygen attack, enabling the formation of stable, full amplitude, flat top dots on the plate. This dot structure significantly reduces dot gain and dramatically improves print consistency and quality while providing repeatable results with a full tonal range.

Abray also is enthusiastic about advantages such as the ability to print subtle gradations and all levels of gray, highlight dots as small as 10 microns, excellent ink transfer, smooth solids, uniform laydown, and excellent ozone resistance. As more time is spent in production, operators will gain a better understanding of the advantages and have more opportunity to work with customers to maximize the process.

Autumn Graphics is excited about the future and feels that the solutions now in place will position the company well for future success. With an 18,000 sq. ft. custom designed facility built in 2002, the company leverages the experience of its 30 employees to deliver quality plates and services to its customers, and having the right tools is critical to maintaining a leadership position within the market.

KODAK Products are backed by KODAK Service and Support. KODAK Service and Support is made up of more than 3,000 professionals reaching more than 120 countries. It is a leading multi-vendor integrated services provider, delivering consulting, installation, maintenance and support services for the commercial printing, graphic communications, document imaging and data storage industries. KODAK Service and Support professionals are uniquely qualified to provide services that control costs, maximize productivity, and minimize business risk.