Kodak sells first Ultrastream Uteco wide web inkjet press

The first Kodak Ultrastream high speed wide web inkjet press has been sold even before it has officially been launched, to a US print business.

The customer is keeping quiet for now, although it is not an existing Kodak or Uteco client. The press is due to be launched at drupa in six months time.

The wide format of the new Sapphire Evo W allows brands to leverage digital printing in their traditional flexographic print formats. It prints at 1.25m wide onto a range of stock, with reels feeding either paper or film through the press.

According to Kodak, Ultrastream means packaging printers now have a technologically superior, cost effective solution to meet the discerning demands of brands. Kodak previewed the technology to select senior editors earlier this year – click here to read Print21 publisher Lindy Hughson's report on the two day event.

The press uses Kodak’s aqueous inks and fluids and should be suitable for use with food, beverage, and personal care products for both paper and flexible films. 

Kodak says the press will be cost-effective against flexo presses for short to medium runs. It should be able to run at speeds up to 150mpm, with resolution up to 600 x 1800 dpi.

Randy Vandagriff, president, Enterprise Inkjet Systems Division and vice president, Eastman Kodak Company says, “Uteco’s application of our technology in its new press is a game changer and a great example of how Kodak is helping printers to lower their costs and drive efficiency. We are proud to be delivering on the promise we made in February to have units in the market by the second half of 2020.”

Aldo Peretti, President and CEO of the Uteco Group, said, “As the world leader in the production of printing and converting machines for flexible packaging applications, we recognize the need for digital solutions in our customers’ operations. Converters and brands expect quality solutions that are sustainable and uphold brand integrity. We are proud to work with Kodak to deliver new technologies that meet such demands and enable growth.”