Italy: Uteco Converting will become one of the first equipment manufacturers to utilise Kodak’s Ultrastream technology after it signed an agreement with Kodak for the purchase of its latest inkjet printing systems.
Kodak has debuted the Ultrastream technology at Drupa 2016 as a concept with development plans for availability to OEM partners in 2019.
Uteco first introduced Sapphire Evo solutions in June 2018 and continues to be an important part of their digital portfolio. With the Kodak Ultrastream technology, Uteco will expand its high pro- ductivity digital press portfolio for flexible packaging in 2020.
Aldo Peretti, CEO of the Uteco Group, said, “Our customers are looking for sustainably advantaged hybrid digital production solutions to enable short run versioning with compelling economics. Utilising the combination of traditional flexo and gravure, along with digital inkjet technologies, these solutions optimize film handling, priming, post-coating and drying to deliver the performance requirements for the packaging market. Kodak’s proprietary continuous inkjet system continues to be the technology of choice which delivers great quality, productivity and running cost for these industry-leading packaging solutions.”
Kodak’s proprietary Ultrastream continuous inkjet technology delivers 600x1800dpi with production speeds of up to 150 mpm using water-based inks on both plastics and paper.
Randy Vandagriff, president enterprise inkjet systems division, Kodak, said: “We are pleased that Uteco continues to partner with Kodak as we develop solutions for the packaging market. The unique benefits offered by the Sapphire Evo solution will showcase how Kodak Stream inkjet technology is address- ing the use of digital printing for flexible packaging solutions.”
Vandagriff added, “As we look ahead to Drupa 2020 and beyond, we are excited that Uteco will be including Ultrastream technology- based solutions in its product portfolio to deliver more flexible packaging options for both converters and brands. Uteco’s proactive approach to driving change in the package printing market reflects the requirement for unique solutions around the world.”