Hauppauge, New York – Muller Martini, the global market pacesetter in variable size web offset presses, and Kodak, a worldwide leader in graphic communications, have signed a reseller agreement, under which Kodak Versamark will provide its continuous inkjet printing systems to Muller Martini for mounting on the Muller Martini Concepta variable size web offset press.  The result is a hybrid printing system that is fully integrated into the workflow of the Concepta press, providing the cost-effectiveness, reliability and quality of traditional offset printing with the ability to produce personalized documents with digital high-speed variable printing at a highly economical cost per page.

“We are pleased and excited to have Kodak Versamark as our partner, bringing together the technological innovation and versatile resources of two of the foremost companies in the graphic arts industry,” said Werner Naegeli, President and CEO of Muller Martini Corp.  “For Muller Martini’s customers, the availability of this intelligently engineered hybrid printing system can mean important opportunities for increasing profitability, enhancing operational productivity, and generating new sales revenues.”

During Print ’05, Muller Martini and Kodak demonstrated the hybrid offset/digital press configuration at the Kodak booth...generating widespread interest and excitement among show visitors.  The configuration is capable of printing 100% variable data information in-line. 
The demonstration featured four-color offset printing complemented by two colors of variable messaging...highlighting diverse capabilities for on-the-fly customization.

Under terms of the agreement, Kodak Versamark will deliver its D-series continuous inkjet printing systems (model DS9100 or DS6240) to Muller Martini for integration into the Concepta variable size web offset press.  The new hybrid system can run at up to 1,000 feet per minute.  “By combining the cost and quality advantages of traditional full-color offset with our continuous inkjet printers into a hybrid printing system, content owners, designers and mailers will have a new level of freedom to design and budget for mass mailings, yet targeting an audience of ONE with relevant offers and messaging, increasing response rates and lowering total cost per response,” said Ron Gilboa, vice president of marketing at Kodak Versamark.

The Concepta variable size web offset press features a highly modular design, offering the capabilities of up to 12 offset printing units and the integration of flexo and digital printing, as well as various in-line finishing options such as die cutting and perforating.  What’s more, the Concepta comes standard with Muller Martini’s patent-pending, fully integrated and fully JDF/JMF compliant MRS automatic makeready system. Concepta can preset such essentials as register and ink fountain profiles without prompting – letting operators complete other tasks while the machine’s unique and brand-new “artificial intelligence” takes care of the basics and handles set-ups for both new and repeat jobs automatically.

The Concepta web press, which can run at up to 1,200 feet per minute, has a 20-1/2” web width and can handle repeat lengths ranging from 14” to 28-1/3”.  Concepta also delivers extraordinary print quality, thanks to its technologically superior ink train that ensures uniform ink coverage over the entire speed range.

Among the many applications that hybrid printing is ideally suited for are direct marketing pieces, circulars, brochures, flyers and newsletters that can be custom printed and pinpointed for specific regional markets, demographic sectors and individual recipients – significantly raising marketing effectiveness.

Muller Martini and Kodak Versamark first demonstrated a hybrid press configuration at Drupa 2004 and have been working together during the past two years developing this newest, state-of-the-art hybrid system.