Flexibility in plate processing with the potential to increase efficiency and sustainability
Newspaper printers who process plates in the conventional way can simplify processing and reduce environmental impact by replacing their traditional developer and replenisher with a single, low-pH clean-out finisher. Using this same finisher, printers wanting to further increase efficiency and save water can choose an easy chem setup that eliminates the plate prewash and postrinse steps using a modified conventional processor or a dedicated clean-out unit.

Kodak’s new LIBRA VP Digital Plate offers high stability and quality features, such as long run lengths and 150 lpi (60 lines/cm) AM or 180 lpi (70 lines/cm) hybrid (XM) screening capabilities.  Newspaper printers can achieve run lengths of up to 350,000 impressions if the plates are processed conventionally or up to 300,000 impressions when easy chem setups are used (specifications subject to change).

Successful pilot at a German newspaper printer
Deister- und Weserzeitung in Hameln (Germany) is one of the very first users of the LIBRA VP plate. The company prints six daily newspapers in runs of up to 25,000 and three twice-weekly freesheets with a total circulation of 100,000, as well as various other weekly publications and contract work.

Following successful testing, the newspaper printer – whose consumption is between 800 and 1000 plates per day – switched from a "chemistry free" plate to the new KODAK LIBRA VP Digital Plate.  The plates are imaged on two KRAUSE LS JET Platesetters with plate processors attached. Deister- und Weserzeitung uses an easy chem setup and the plate processors' prewash and postrinse stations deactivated. "The new KODAK Plate meets our requirements for streamlined platemaking and high quality newspaper production in every respect. Our impression is that it gives us slightly sharper dots, which is good for print quality," commented Carsten Wilkesmann, the Management Board member responsible for the technical side. "Apart from the lower water consumption, the fact that the plate wash steps can be eliminated also makes the whole process much more straightforward and less prone to problems. The clean-out finisher in the plate processor likewise makes a vital contribution. With the previous plate, intensive processor cleaning was inevitable because plate coating residues had a tendency to settle in the plate processor and in some cases prevent it from working properly. With the new KODAK Plate there are no such problems. In our opinion, the LIBRA VP Plate is an absolutely competitive product that's geared to market requirements."

"The LIBRA VP Digital Plate is yet another new KODAK Plate that's designed to make production processes more efficient, more profitable, and more environmentally responsible," said Brad W. Kruchten, President, Print Systems Division and Senior Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company. "What's more, this latest addition to our portfolio offers newspaper and semi-commercial printers unprecedented flexibility: they can choose the processing method which best meets their printing needs."

About Kodak
Kodak is a technology company focused on imaging. We provide – directly and through partnerships with other innovative companies – hardware, software, consumables and services to customers in graphic arts, commercial print, publishing, packaging, electronic displays, entertainment and commercial films, and consumer products markets. With our world-class R&D capabilities, innovative solutions portfolio and highly trusted brand, Kodak is helping customers around the globe to sustainably grow their own businesses and enjoy their lives. For additional information on Kodak, visit us at http://www.kodak.com, follow us on Twitter @Kodak, like us on Facebook at KodakNow or follow event coverage at #Kodak.