Kodak has donated a KODAK FLEXCEL NX Mid System to Stuttgart Media University in Stuttgart, Germany, upgrading the university’s prepress equipment to the highest technological standard.

 

By making this donation, Kodak is helping to ensure the quality – and add to the diversity – of the practical content of the university’s new international degree course in print media technologies. 

 

Leading to a Bachelor of Engineering, the program is conducted in English and attracts applicants from all over the world. The course focuses on future and growth-oriented segments in the print media industry, such as smart printing in a wide range of packaging and industrial applications. 

 

Flexo, as a dynamic and globally expanding printing process, is a key packaging printing technology. Additive manufacturing (3D printing), as well as different variable data printing (digital) technologies and applications, are other major elements of the curriculum. Classic commercial printing is covered as well. The curriculum also embraces natural sciences and business basics. All technical courses are supported by a Technology Center, where students can gain practical experience in research, development and production.

 

“The industry needs competent young talent, familiar with the newest production processes as well as with future trends in packaging printing and other growth markets – not just in Europe but throughout the world,” says Volker Jansen, academic dean and professor of print media technologies. “Our aim is to get young people worldwide enthusiastic about the world of print and produce highly qualified graduates to work in emerging international markets. We provide ambitious young blood with a one-of-a-kind study environment. It’s a definite advantage that, as far as we’re aware, Stuttgart Media University has access to better and more extensive hardware than any other higher education institution worldwide offering courses in print technology. The FLEXCEL NX System from Kodak will significantly support our efforts to elevate our practical options in packaging printing to the latest technological standard.”

 

Chris Payne, vice president of Kodak and president of the company’s flexographic packaging division, emphasized the role flexographic printing has played in improving quality, performance and production efficiency.

 

“KODAK FLEXCEL NX Plate technology has made a vital contribution here,” he said. “That’s why we want to give students who will be taking on management responsibilities in tomorrow’s global printing industry an opportunity to come into contact with this innovative technology. Kodak sees the donation of the FLEXCEL NX Systems as a way to foster the course’s quality and industry relevance, giving students and lecturers alike a chance to make flexo plates for premium packaging printing using leading-edge technology.”

 

The FLEXCEL NX System installed at the university is equipped with all the latest features including Kodak’s NX Advantage technology – a mechanism for optimizing ink transfer during printing through innovative plate surface patterning. The system can also image thermal film for screen printing stencils and features the Hybrid Option, which means the FLEXCEL NX Imager can also image thermal plates for offset. Thanks to these capabilities, the KODAK FLEXCEL NX System will soon replace two other CTP systems at Stuttgart Media University.

 

The FLEXCEL NX System in Stuttgart will also be made available to the German Flexographic Technical Association (DFTA) – which shares premises with the university – for test and training purposes.