Kodak introduces Virtually Invisible Ink for the NEXPRESS

Adding to the capabilities of the KODAK NEXPRESS Fifth Imaging Unit Solutions with Print Genius, Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester, N.Y., is introducing a new virtually invisible clear ink. KODAK NEXPRESS Red Fluorescing Dry Ink is clear to the naked eye, but becomes red fluorescing when illuminated with an appropriate ultraviolet (UV) light source. The ink can be used to print unobtrusive images and non-reproducible bar codes on various printed materials, which then can be read with specialized bar code readers. The NEXPRESS Red Fluorescing Dry Ink enables a wide range of security and inventory management applications, including certified documents, such as medical prescription pads, drivers’ licenses and event tickets.

This new ink allows clear bar codes to be printed inline and can encompass variable data printing, allowing each printed piece to be marked with unique information. The NEXPRESS Red Fluorescing Dry Ink can be easily exchanged with other Fifth Imaging Unit Solutions, allowing print service providers to efficiently move between various types of printing projects. The new ink creates opportunities for current NEXPRESS Press customers to offer new services to their existing customer bases and enter new markets. It will allow commercial printers to expand their digital print operations into secure documents and other businesses, and will provide book printers with new ways to take advantage of inventory management and automation improvements. Commercial printers can also use the clear bar code for their internal workflow for downstream finishing and binding operations.

The NEXPRESS Red Fluorescing Dry Ink is the latest addition to the NEXPRESS Fifth Imaging Unit Solutions, which also allows dimensional printing that creates a raised-print, 3D effect; coating applications, which can be used to increase durability or add watermarks; clear protection and gloss coating using the nearline KODAK NEXPRESS Glossing Unit; color gamut expansion with red, green, and blue dry inks; and MICR applications for secure, machine-readable documents.