PRP Optoelectronics (Swindon, UK) has been awarded a major manufacturing contract from the Eastman Kodak Company. The contract to manufacture 1,200-dpi LED printheads is the result of a successful joint development program between the two companies over the past three years. The robust new printheads, developed for Kodak’s Nexpress platform, incorporate PRP’s monolithic micro-LED technology and enable higher speeds and higher resolution printing. “I’m delighted that PRP has formed this successful partnership with Eastman Kodak and the announcement of this contract is a testament to PRP’s micro-LED technology and manufacturing capabilities,” said Kevin Peart, Managing Director of PRP. “The innovation and development of this new printhead has culminated from the shared creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of both companies.”
At drupa 2016, Kodak previewed its Max Platform, the next-generation Nexpress Color Platform built with Kodak Nexpress Dynamic Imaging Technology. This platform, featuring a new multi-bit LED writing system, produces “the widest range of applications” – including transactional, direct mail, packaging, commercial print and photobooks. The writing system, computed at twelve bits and delivering eight bits of data to each of the imaging cylinders, “provides excellent, consistent quality by utilizing closed-loop process controls that maximize uptime and reduce running costs.” The new writing system delivers nearly 300 million pieces of image information per square centimetre using a data rate similar to watching 3,700 HD movies simultaneously!
“Kodak’s Max Platform is set to be the most versatile digital press platform on the market,” said Robert S. Taylor, General Manager, Electrophotographic Printing Solutions and Vice President, Print Systems Division, Eastman Kodak Company. “Partnering with PRP to develop this technology is a testament to Kodak’s commitment to investing in digital print technologies while offering unique application opportunities and flexibility that supports the diverse nature of today’s printing businesses.”
PRP Optoelectronics is a recognized leader in the design, development, and manufacture of customized LED solutions for a wide range of applications – including printing, UV curing and image projection.
PRP earns Kodak Nexpress printhead manufacturing contract
