58 email: editor@printmonthly.co.uk March / April 2025 - Issue 353 grated product application to a more effective solution which better met their needs.”Just like the manufacture of toys, one thing that is consistent throughout this research is the amount of legacy behind users and manufacturers of litho technology, which isn’t surprising considering its long history in print. Kodak, a company with a rich history in printing technology, has been selling materials designed for the printing industry as early as 1912. As well as being manufacturers of offset printers, Kodak is one of the few major manufacturers of offset printing plates. In the 1990s, Kodak says it was the first to commercialise an infrared-sensitive thermal digital printing plate, later paving the way for process free plate technology. Today Kodak is also one of the largest CTP manufacturers in the world following its innovations in thermal technology for imaging printing plates in the mid to late 90s. Speaking about current innovations in this field, Denisse Goldbarg, chief marketing officer and head of EAMER sales at Kodak, says: “Kodak continuously improves and develops its plate, CTP and workflow software products to meet the changing needs of the industry, incorporating innovative technologies with efficient features that empower printers to streamline their operations, minimize bottlenecks and waste, shorten turnaround times, and improve their output quality. “The new KODAK MAGNUS Q3600 Titan Platesetter is the most versatile CTP system on the market. It offers enhanced automation, productivity, and reliability for 4-up, 8-up, and VLF plate imaging.” Speaking about how Kodak has faced the integration of digital printing, Goldbarg comments: “In todays ‘and’ era of print, the key to success is understanding both traditional and digital technologies and the roles each can play in maximizing profitability and capitalising on new business opportunities.” Speaking of how Kodak works with its customers on this transition, Goldbarg says: “Every printing company is different, operates in different market segments, has individual business goals, and is faced with different customer requirements. With our comprehensive portfolio, Kodak can provide every printer with an optimal solution – be it digital or offset. “From offset plates and highly automated CTP systems to workflow software platforms and our PROSPER ULTRA 520 and PROSPER 7000 Turbo Presses, as well as PROSPER Imprinting Systems for high-speed inkjet production printing, Kodak can offer its customers the right solution for their business.” Speaking of its expertise in the field, Goldbarg stresses that Kodak can navigate this “and” era of print as the company knows the entire industry and can help printers to say “yes” to any job and position themselves for profit. “Kodak's cutting-edge print solutions help printers worldwide seize new business opportunities, serve their customers profitably, and grow sustainably,” says Goldbarg. Tried and Trusted Another manufacturer with a long history in the printing industry is Manroland, a producer of German-engineered presses which has existed since 1871. Recently the UK arm of the business has come back into the fray with a new outlook thanks to the hire of a new managing director, Daniel Godbold. Upon Godbold’s hire in July 2024, the company said: “His leadership and strategic vision will be instrumental in driving Manroland Sheetfed UK towards new heights.” Due to Manroland’s long history in lithographic technology, the business has made sure to stay loyal to the technology and the capabilities of its innovations. The manufacturer says it was one of the first producers of litho technology to introduce automation to its systems in order to significantly improve printing speeds and quality. Speaking of the company’s recent innovations, Gitika Hariyan, who works in sales and marketing at Manroland, says: “Manroland continues to push the boundaries of lithographic technology. Our latest innovations include inline camera technology for automated densitometer and register control, and web technology cameras that detect hiccups, scratches, and imperfections in real-time. These advancements allow for high-perLITHOGRAPHIC AND DIGITAL PRINT TECHNOLOGY According to Kodak more than 6,000 printers around the world rely on KODAK SONORA Plates 6,000 ▲ Kodak’s SONORA Ultra Process Free Plate on an offset CTP1x1
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