Kodak Sonora estimator goes live; ASL appointed NexPress reseller

Kodak has launched a new online tool to help printers calculate the estimated savings they could make by switching to its Sonora process-free plates.

The Sonora Plate Savings Estimator provides a customised calculation of the savings a business could see by integrating the plates into their operations.

Printers can enter information about their current plate volumes, type of plate processing used, plate price, and the location of their business, and the Savings Estimator will then instantly calculate the total estimated savings for several local currencies.

Kodak said that by switching from traditionally processed plates to Sonora plates, users can free up space by eliminating processing equipment, and can get plates to press faster, particularly with plate remakes.

Additionally, they can eliminate the variability from processing to improve consistency and quality, reduce their maintenance costs and downtime, and lessen their environmental impact.

Evandro Matteucci, vice-president at Kodak’s Print Systems Division, said more than 4,000 printers globally have switched to Sonora plates to date.

“We understand it might be costly for printers to change some of their business practices or swap out inefficient equipment. Switching plates is a quick and easy way to start saving money and to take a step toward becoming more sustainable. The Savings Estimator takes the guesswork out when making that decision.”

Kodak said it expects nearly one in three plates it sells to be process-free by the end of 2019.

Separately, Kodak has appointed ASL Group as a reseller for its NexPress digital presses. Effective from this month, the managed office services supplier will offer the machines to its commercial print customers through its network of 11 UK locations.

“Printers who have added digital printing to their portfolio of services are increasingly looking for technology that gives them the flexibility to move more high-volume jobs from their offset machines, while also delivering short-run and customised jobs with exceptional quality,” said Kodak UK sales and marketing director Darren Chard.

“Our partnership with ASL will help more printers across the UK integrate the highest quality production level digital print technology into their operations while receiving exceptional support and services from Kodak’s dedicated team of service professionals.”

ASL’s commercial and industrial print division, which has just achieved its record year, also supplies kit from Ricoh, Konica Minolta, Xerox and Canon.

“Our vendor-neutral approach allows us to recommend the best technology for each individual client,” said ASL commercial and industrial printing systems director Will Doherty.

“The partnership with Kodak represents a significant milestone for ASL as we continue to develop our portfolio of products in the commercial print space.”