Kodak Rolls Out NexPress SE · PDF fileKodak Rolls Out NexPress SE Platform Authors ......
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Headquarters: Europe: Asia: 97 Libbey Industrial Parkway 3
rd Floor, Sceptre House Hiroo Office Building
Suite 300 7-9 Castle Street 1-3-18 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku Weymouth, MA 02189 Luton, Bedfordshire Tokyo 150-0012 United States United Kingdom, LU1 3AJ Japan +1 781 616 2100 +44 1582 400120 +81 3 5475 2663 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
September 10, 2009 Analysis
Kodak Rolls Out NexPress SE Platform
Authors
Jim Hamilton
Published by
On Demand Printing &
Publishing Consulting Service
© 2009 InfoTrends, Inc.
www.infotrends.com
Abstract
Kodak has announced a new platform for its next generation of
NexPress products. Called SE, the platform offers improved quality and
productivity through three new developments: a quality improvement
process called the Intelligent Calibration System (ICS), quality and
uptime improvements through next generation consumables and image
development, and an advanced front-end using Adobe’s PDF Print
Engine 2. The new offerings based on the SE platform are called the
NexPress SE2500, the NexPress SE3000, and the top-of-the-line 120
ipm NexPress SE3600. Except for the original NexPress 2100 (and
remanufactured models thereof), earlier versions of NexPress products
will be upgradeable to the SE platform. The first of the SE products to
reach the market was the NexPress SE 3600, which became available
at the end of July. The 120 ppm upgrade also became available at the
same time.
For More Information
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Kodak Rolls Out NexPress SE Platform September 2009
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Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 2
About the NexPress SE Platform ............................................................................................. 2 Intelligent Calibration System ................................................................................................................. 2 Enhanced Dry Inks, Developers, and Dry Ink Stations .......................................................................... 4 System Software v11 .............................................................................................................................. 4
Kodak’s NexPress SE Positioning ........................................................................................... 5
The New Look ............................................................................................................................ 6
NexPress Product Line Overview ............................................................................................ 7 Upgradability ........................................................................................................................................... 8 Options ................................................................................................................................................... 9 The Fifth Imaging Unit ............................................................................................................................ 9 Environmental Advantages ................................................................................................................... 11
Fully Burdened Cost to Print .................................................................................................. 11
Competition ............................................................................................................................. 12
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) ............................................. 14
Conclusion .............................................................................................................................. 14
Introduction
Announced at the Media Days event in June, Kodak’s NexPress SE platform brings improved features
and a new look to the NexPress line. In this analysis, InfoTrends will explore the characteristics of the
new platform and its implications for the NexPress product line.
About the NexPress SE Platform
The new SE platform will include the SE2500, SE3000, and SE3600. The older products, except for
original or refurbished NexPress 2100 units, will be upgradeable to the SE platform. The look is new (see
images below) but underneath the new skins, the platform is driven by three innovations: Intelligent
Calibration System (ICS); NexPress SE Platform Enhanced Dry Inks, Developers, and Dry Ink Stations;
and System Software v11. These are discussed in greater detail below.
Intelligent Calibration System
Kodak’s Intelligent Calibration System (ICS) has been designed to improve image quality and increase
operator productivity. ICS uses a four-page CMYK print target that is scanned offline using the Kodak
ICS i1220 scanner to measure density. The ICS software then adjusts the system based on the information
recorded by the scanner. After recalibration, a validation print target is printed to confirm the correction.
The process takes a total of less than five minutes. Kodak says that 75% of the image quality problems
related to parts wear can be addressed by ICS. Previously an operator might choose to change all worn
parts when a problem occurred. Therefore, operator use of ICS should prevent early replacement of parts.
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Kodak Rolls Out NexPress SE Platform September 2009
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Kodak also claims that ICS will provide a 10% to 15% improvement in labor savings, or alternately create
extra capacity that will give the customer $10,000 to $15,000 in extra margin per year.
Figure 1: The ICS black print target1 (there are targets for each of the four colors)
Kodak chose to implement ICS using an off-line scanner for a three reasons: (1) it wanted to make this
capability available to all customers in the field with no hardware changes or disruption to their
operations; (2) ICS takes into account the final printed piece on the actual substrate (not just some patch
on an imaging drum inside the device); and (3) Kodak expects that there will be a stream of other
improvements that will be made possible with this scanner, such as intelligent diagnostics. In addition, the
NexPress already has internal systems that assess system stability and manage process control. ICS works
in addition to these systems by assessing the final result on the printed page.
Kodak has beta tested the system in more than 150 locations and reports that users are extremely pleased.
One NexPress operator described it as “the single greatest improvement I have seen.” Kodak envisions
that the ICS test will typically be run on a daily or shift start basis. It may also be done as part of
maintenance, problem diagnosis, or as preventative maintenance before a high-quality job.
ICS came out of a manufacturing test environment for the NexPress light-emitting diode (LED)
printheads. In manufacturing, the engineers were looking to control intensity fluctuations across the page.
Once that is measured, the signal to the LED can be adjusted to account for the fluctuations. ICS is the
result of taking this manufacturing tool and creating a cost-effective and customer-friendly version for
NexPress end-users.
1 The printed target is the size of a legal sheet of paper.
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Kodak Rolls Out NexPress SE Platform September 2009
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Enhanced Dry Inks, Developers, and Dry Ink Stations
Kodak’s new Dry Inks, Developers, and Ink Stations2 for the SE platform are designed to deliver smooth
flat tints, reduce print artifacts, and increase uptime. These image and process improvements are
facilitated by a mixing, delivery, and transfer system that Kodak has implemented to improve smoothness,
consistency, and uniformity. The new consumables are called “Enhanced” to differentiate them from
earlier generations of NexPress consumables. Like earlier Kodak Dry Inks, these toners are physically
ground (not chemically grown). They will be available later this year. Kodak notes that its Dry Inks (the
new formulation and the previous version) survive abrasion testing well and they come off the paper
easily during de-inking for recycling.
System Software v11
The version 11 system software for the NexPress front end uses Adobe’s PDF Print Engine 23, which
Kodak says is capable of processing files 30% to 70% faster than previous versions. This is the first front
end to use Adobe PDF Print Engine 2 in the production digital print market. One key aspect of PDF Print
Engine 2 is its enhanced object caching for improved variable data print processing performance.
PDF/VT4, currently being developed as an International Standards Organization (ISO) standard, is
important to the success of PDF Print Engine 2. Kodak expects that the PDF/VT standard will be
approved later this year.
The new system software has also been improved in regard to the set-up and job ticketing process for the
NexPress Dimensional Printing feature for those NexPress units that support this fifth station capability.
Users can now add the dimensional effect to any job at the NexPress (rather than having to create a mask
in prepress). The new system software includes a feature that allows the user to apply the dimensional
effect by using a user-definable threshold based on the local amount of ink coverage. This helps automate
the process so that dimensional can be added programmatically in a Web-to-print workflow. For example,
this would allow the print buyer to select the dimensional effect and have it added automatically to all text
in a business card, greeting card, or certificate application.
Other system software enhancements include improved job setup, updated service and output quality
diagnostics routines, and expanded qualified substrates. The improvements to the system software benefit
all NexPress products, including older NexPress 2100 units.
2 Kodak describes the Dry Ink station as the subsystem that mixes developer and Dry Ink, maintaining Dry Ink
concentration and charge-to-mass relationships and delivering Dry Ink to the imaging cylinder for transfer to the
latent image areas. Kodak notes that uniformity in concentration, charge distribution, and physical presentment of
the Dry Ink are critical for uniform transfer and, ultimately, smoothness on the printed page. 3 Adobe PDF Print Engine was introduced at IPEX in 2006. It provides native PDF processing capability, supporting
workflows where PDFs are kept in a high-resolution, device-independent state for as long as possible, which
facilitates re-use for multiple purposes (i.e. digital print, offset print, and electronic delivery) and allows for late-
stage editing. Adobe announced PDF Print Engine 2 at drupa in May of 2008. PDF Print Engine 2 brings key
processing capabilities to facilitate variable data printing, and therefore is a key component for PDF-based digital
print workflows. 4 PDF/VT stands for Portable Document Format/Variable Transaction.
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Kodak Rolls Out NexPress SE Platform September 2009
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Kodak’s NexPress SE Positioning
In positioning the NexPress SE products, Kodak identifies what it calls four breakthroughs:
Superior output quality
Best in class productivity
Unique capabilities
Scalability, flexibility
Kodak positions the 120-image-per-minute (ipm) NexPress SE3600 at the top of the line in terms of
speed, volume, and productivity, followed by the SE3000 and SE2500 (see Figure 2). Reconditioned
versions of the NexPress 2500 and 2100 fall at the lower end of the product line with the NexPress M700
positioned as the affordable, lower volume option. Across the product line, there is workflow and
business development support. Features such as the dimensional printing effect are also a key
differentiator for the faster NexPress products.
Figure 2: Kodak Positioning for NexPress Product Line
Source: Kodak
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Kodak Rolls Out NexPress SE Platform September 2009
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The New Look
The first look at the NexPress SE is a little deceiving, as the styling has shifted from the curved shape of
earlier models to a more angular design. The device looks very different, but there has been no change in
paper feed or the number of drawers.5 The product’s footprint is the same as the most recent models. The
height of the device is slightly shorter. Though the SE platform devices look different, the SE functional
improvements are not a central part of the products’ new look.
Figure 3: NexPress 2100 (top), NexPress 2500 (second from top), NexPress S3000 (second from bottom), SE3600 (bottom)
5 The paper capacity of the NexPress 2100 (sometimes called the “Classic”) has not changed since the NexPress
2100 Plus and subsequent models. The NexPress 2100 also lacked the high capacity stacker of later models. The
additional paper capacity of the newer models is visible on the right side of the device and the high capacity stacker
can be seen on the left side. Two other aspects of the NexPress 2100 are that it has a smaller maximum sheet size
and does not benefit from some subsequent enhancements that improve productivity for all sheet sizes in later
models.
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The new look represents a branding style that has been extended to other Kodak products, including
platesetters, scanners, and the recently introduced Prosper Color XL (see the InfoTrends analysis entitled
Kodak Announces Prosper Color XL Press for more details). The designs also reflect Kodak’s
environmental guidelines that reduce the chemical footprint of the cabinetry by moving from plastic to
metal parts, reduce the use of chemical fire retardants, and make use of environmentally-friendly paints.
These make the product easier to recycle at its end of life.
There is also a symbolic component to the new look because it takes the products away from the
combined Heidelberg/Kodak styling of the original joint venture product.
NexPress Product Line Overview
With the introduction of the new SE models, the product line ranges from the NexPress M7006 to the
NexPress SE3600 (see Table 1 below).
Table 1: Overview of the NexPress Product line
NexPress
Model Speed (ipm)
First Availability
Upgradeable to SE Platform List price and availability
7
M700 70 May 2007 No $235,000, available now
2100 70 Sept. 2001 No $377,000 (available as a reconditioned product)
2100 Plus 70 Sept. 2005 Yes No longer sold
2500 83 Q1 2006 Yes $450,000 (available as a reconditioned product)
S2100 June 2008 Yes No longer sold
S2500 83 June 2008 Yes $540,000, available now
S3000 100 October 2007 Yes $625,000, available now
S3600 120 Not applicable Not applicable Announced but never introduced, see SE3600
SE2500 83 Sept. 2009 Not applicable $570,000, available now
SE3000 100 Sept. 2009 Not applicable $655,000, available now
SE3600 120 July 2009 Not applicable $695,000, available now
The NexPress M700 is the entry-level offering in the product line and features a NexPress front end. The
original NexPress 2100 continues to be available as a reconditioned product. It was followed by the NexPress
2100 plus, which came out in 2005. The NexPress 2500 came out in 2001 and is available as a reconditioned
product. The next generation of NexPress products was the S class, which includes the S2100, S2500, and the
S3000. The S2500 was the first NexPress platform that provided Dimensional Printing capability. This feature
was later extended to the NexPress 2500 and the NexPress S3000. The S3000 is the one NexPress available
today that supports magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) printing in the fifth imaging unit. The
NexPress S3600 was announced, but never introduced. Kodak chose to hold this introduction until the SE class
became available. The SE platform will include the SE2500, SE3000, and SE3600. Kodak said that by the end
of 2009 or early 2010, it will switch its manufacturing line entirely to the SE platform.
6 Kodak sources the NexPress M700 print engine from Canon, which sells it as the imagePRESS C7000VP.
7 Prices include the five-station print engine (not applicable for the M700), the front-end with system software, and a
starter kit of supplies. All list prices are in U.S. dollars. The fifth-station capability for MICR costs extra, as does the
glossing unit.
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Kodak Rolls Out NexPress SE Platform September 2009
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Upgradability
Kodak sees three classes of upgrades:
Ongoing renewal of devices in the field through improvements in parts, consumables, or system
software updates.
The ability to upgrade in the field to faster speed and/or a new or additional fifth imaging unit
Upgrading to the NexPress SE feature set
All of the NexPress SE features (i.e., the Intelligent Calibration System; the Enhanced Dry Inks,
Developers, and Dry Ink Stations; and the System Software v11) are available as upgrades for the
NexPress 2100 Plus, the NexPress 2500, and the NexPress S-Class devices. The NexPress 2100 Plus can
be upgraded for speed to 83 ipm, 100 ipm, and 120 ipm. In addition, it can benefit from the full SE
upgrade for quality performance. The SE upgrade can be combined with the 83-ipm and 100-ipm speed
upgrades. It comes standard with the 120-ipm speed upgrade. The original NexPress 2100 is the only
NexPress that cannot take advantage of the full SE upgrade or have a speed upgrade. Nevertheless, it can
be upgraded with ICS and System Software v11.
The list price for the SE upgrade is $35,000. This is for the quality/performance upgrade made possible
by ICS, the Enhanced Dry Inks, Developers, and Dry Ink Stations; and System Software v11. A speed
upgrade is not included in the SE upgrade price. The difference between the list prices of the different
speed products is approximately the list price of the available speed upgrades. For example, the list price
difference between the 83-ipm S2500 and the 100-ipm S3000 is $85,000. This would be the approximate
list price of a speed upgrade from 83-ipm to 100-ipm.
Table 2 – Upgradability of the NexPress Product Line
83-ipm Speed
Upgrade 100-ipm Speed
Upgrade
120-ipm Speed Upgrade
(includes SE upgrade)
ICS Upgrade Only
SE Upgrade (includes sys. software v11)
2100 No No No Yes Yes
2100 Plus, S2100 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
2500, S2500 NA Yes Yes Yes Yes
S3000 NA NA Yes Yes Yes
SE2500 NA Yes Yes NA NA
SE3000 NA NA Yes NA NA
SE3600 NA NA NA NA NA
NA = Not applicable because the product already has that speed or feature as part of the base configuration
Kodak said that its customers will most often upgrade when they add a new machine or want to provide
consistency (i.e., in speed or other features) across multiple engines. The modular design and base unit
encourage users to continue taking advantage of the existing machine. Kodak claims that NexPress is
used longer in the field and is capable of more volume over the life of the product than competitors’
offerings. Kodak stresses that it offers this level of field upgradeability to protect its customers’
investment from obsolescence and to help them gain an improved return on their initial investment.
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Options
Feeding and finishing options for the NexPress products include a roll-to-cut-sheet feeder, a paper cart,
the glossing unit, and additional high-capacity delivery. There is also a Watkiss booklet maker that
supports most NexPress products (but not the SE3600 at this point because of its higher speed). Side exit
capability is an “orderable option” that can be part of any NexPress that has at least 10.1 system software.
It was developed to support the Watkiss booklet maker, but it is being used by some NexPress users to
add a conveyor as necessary or as another output option in addition to the proof delivery.
Additional front-end nodes are also available for the NexPress front end, of which there are two: the
NexPress V and Vp8. Both front ends have a single processing node with multiple raster image processors
(RIPs) and the option to add a second node. Due to the market interest in photo applications and the
processing requirement for high volumes of high resolution images, the Vp comes with ICC profiles that
are tuned for photo applications. It also has a larger disk drive (292 GB versus 146 GB). Both front ends
now have a RAID 0 SAS Array. The Vp also has an additional Quadcore processor. Kodak had
announced a separate Creo-based NexPress front end, named the Kodak NexPress Vcs Front End, but
found that customers wanted to have one front end with more capabilities. Therefore, Kodak has chosen
to add key functionality from Creo-based front ends to the V and Vp front ends to provide greater
applications reach and a simple upgrade path for the installed base of NexPress customers. Likewise,
other key Kodak technologies, such as ColorFlow and Prinergy Digital, are being leveraged to build on
the benefits of the Creo front end and integrate workflow across the Kodak portfolio.
The Fifth Imaging Unit
The fifth imaging unit of the NexPress provides some important differentiators from other production
color digital print products. Broadly speaking, the fifth imaging unit provides the following capabilities:
Red, green, or blue for color gamut expansion and spot color matching
Clear coating (spot, full coat, and gloss coat)
Dimensional clear coating that provides a raised 3D effect
MICR (magnetic ink character recognition)
The fifth station capability remains standard on new purchases. This has been the case since shortly after
the introduction of the S class NexPress Products. All Kodak NexPress units are now manufactured and
shipped as five-color. Even prior to Kodak’s decision to make the fifth station standard, virtually all
customers (about 98% according to Kodak) chose the option. About half purchased the clear toner and the
glossing unit. Dimensional will likely gain ground in the NexPress installed base as time passes.
The customer chooses the desired fifth imaging unit solution at the time of purchase. The solution
selected can impact the price (for example, MICR is more expensive than the other options and to achieve
the full gloss capability the user needs to purchase the glossing unit). Additional fifth imaging units are
available as an option. It is not uncommon for a customer to have two or more of the capabilities listed
8 The “V” in the name is a roman numeral and therefore the product names are spoken as “Five” and “Five-P.”
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above. Kodak says that it takes about 15 minutes or less to change the fifth station.9 The fifth imaging unit
solution kit includes the replenisher and toning system.
The speed of the NexPress is generally not impacted by the use of the fifth imaging unit, but there are
some exceptions (see Table 3 below). For example, the new dimensional capability runs exclusively at 83
ipm, so it will run at that speed even on a 100-ipm S3000. MICR capability is only available on the S3000
where it runs at 100 ipm. MICR is not supported currently on other NexPress models, though it will be
available on the SE3000 when that product becomes available.
Table 3 – Availability and Speed Impact of Fifth Station Capabilities
Capability Impact on speed M7
00
21
00
21
00
Plu
s
25
00
S2
50
0
S3
00
0
SE
25
00
SE
30
00
SE
36
00
Intelligent Color (spot color and gamut expansion)
No impact NA Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Intelligent Glossing No impact NA Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Intelligent Coating (spot coating, water mark)
No impact NA Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Intelligent Dimensional Runs at 83 ipm10
NA No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes11
Intelligent MICR At 100 ipm12
NA No No No No Yes No Yes Yes13
NA = Not available (fifth station capability is not possible on the NexPress M700)
Kodak’s application positioning for the NexPress fifth station capability is covered in the Table below.
Table 4 – Kodak Positioning for NexPress Fifth Station Capability
Dim
en
sio
na
l
MIC
R
Co
ati
ng
Glo
ss
ing
/Wa
term
ark
Comments
Direct mail X X X High impact campaigns increase responses
Photo merchandise X X X Unique, personalized photo products generate higher margins
Catalogs X X X Products jump of the page for greater response rates
TransPromo X Secure promotional checks/rebates in full color with high ROMI
Business cards, POP14
X X Expanded printing applications utilizing a single press
Digital book covers & inserts X X X High quality, short run publications drive new business
Secure applications X X X X New application area for tickets, labels, and documents
9 This is the time it would take, for example, to change from clear coating to dimensional.
10 No impact when running without dimensional.
11 Dimensional is not available for the SE3600 now, but Kodak expects availability Q4 2009.
12 No impact when running without MICR
13 MICR is not available for the SE3600 now, but Kodak expects availability Q4 2009.
14 POP stands for point of purchase and ROMI stands for return on marketing investment
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NexPress uses the term “satin” to describe the finish of its clear toner for spot or full coating that has no
further treatment. This same toner produces a high gloss finish when run through the glossing unit to
finish the coating applied in the fifth station. The satin finish is possible with spot and full coat. The gloss
finish is only possible with full coat and a trip through the glossing unit. The full coat also provides
protection against abrasions with or without processing through the glossing unit.
Kodak notes that prior to the introduction of the dimensional or MICR capability, about half the jobs
printed on all NexPresses in the field used the fifth station. Most of these jobs employed the clear spot or
full coat. The company also noted that there is some similarity between the clear Dry Ink used for
spot/full coating and the one used for dimensional applications. Both are clear, but the particle size of the
Dimensional Dry Ink is much larger. This results in the high pile height that gives the dimensional effect
its tactile impact.
Environmental Advantages
With the industry’s focus on green issues and print sustainability, Kodak makes a point of identifying the
environmental advantages associated with NexPress products. These include:
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) – Support for a wide range of FSC-certified papers
No VOCs (volatile organic compounds) – NexPress Dry Inks do not emit VOCs
Deinkability – NexPress has the INGEDE certificate of de-inkability (INGEDE is the International
Association of the De-inking Industry)
Food packaging and toy safety approval – NexPress has EU food packaging and EN71.3 Toy
Safety approvals
Recyclability – The NexPress has recyclable packaging, consumables, and even the device itself can
be recycled
Design – An environmentally responsible design that includes items such as redesigned Dry Ink
bottles that hold more toner (and therefore allow for fewer bottles over the life of a device); removal
of parts that contain heavy metals or phthalates15
; more metal components instead of molded plastic
ones; and the use of safe type 1 plastics where required
ISO certification – NexPress has ISO 14001 and 9001 certified manufacturing capability
15
Phthalates are generally used to increase the flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity of plastics;
however, they are being phased out of many products in the United States and Europe because of health concerns.
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NexPress Return on Investment Study
This summer at the analyst event in Dayton, Ohio, Kodak presented data from a return on investment
(ROI) study of more than forty NexPress users. In a summary income statement based on this study,
Kodak concluded that a NexPress user printing 3 million A4-size pages annually had a fully burdened
cost per page of around 20-25 cents. This figure, as opposed to running cost figures (which typically
include only equipment, supplies, and service), takes into account the impact of all possible costs.
Based on Kodak’s tracking of market pricing in the range of 19-36 cents per page, the company
concluded that an average gross profit level of 40%-45% and an average net profit level of 20%-25%
were being attained. Using the improved metrics of the NexPress SE3600, Kodak projects that the cost
per average page would be reduced by 2-4 cents, while the gross profit level can rise to 50%-55% and the
net profit can improve to 30%-35%. Kodak states that the reasons for improved profitability lie in the
SE3600’s ability to deliver longer operator replaceable component (ORC) life, shorter set-up time
between jobs, improved print speed, and longer time between service calls.
While it is clear that profits also depend on page pricing, and competition within the market will influence
this, Kodak expects that the SE3600 will deliver an estimated 10%-15% reduction in costs. Kodak also
believes that the quality and consistency of the SE platform will help justify sell rates at higher than
average in the industry.
The SE3600 numbers are based on an annual assumption of 3.5 million A4-size pages (or a little more
than 290,000 per month), which is appropriate given the higher speed and productivity of the device. The
study of forty NexPress users had an average of around 3 million (250,000 per month), which is
representative of the installed base prior to the SE platform introductions. In general, the more volume
you run, the better your cost metrics. Users running at volumes lower than those in the study might not
necessarily see the same level of cost benefit, although this could be offset by higher page pricing and
other factors. Kodak also notes that these financial analyses do not include the revenue upside,
operational cost benefits, and therefore the incremental margin opportunity associated with the fifth
imaging unit capabilities.
Competition
The Table below compares three cut-sheet production color printers. These vendors were selected for the
Table because they occupy the top three market share positions in the 1 to 10 million duty cycle category
and are most comparable to the SE3600.
Each product can claim advantages in certain areas. For the NexPress SE3600, the improvements in the
platform position it well for speed and its numerous fifth station capabilities (such as spot color, clear
coating, dimensional, and MICR). Beyond the specifications, users will also judge the NexPress SE3600
on items such as productivity, quality, ease-of-use, and running cost.
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Kodak Rolls Out NexPress SE Platform September 2009
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Table 5: Specifications of the HP Indigo 7000, Kodak NexPress SE3600, and Xerox iGen4
HP Indigo 7000 Kodak NexPress SE3600 Xerox iGen4
Four-color speed
16
120 ipm17
120 ipm 110 ipm
Print resolution 812 & 1,219 dpi, 8 bits/pixel18
600 dpi, multi-bit 600 x 4,800 dpi
Color capability Up to 7 colors19
5 color20
4 color
Max. paper size 13” x 19” 330 x 483 mm (approx.)
14” x 20.47” 356 x 520 mm
14.33” x 20.5” (standard21
) 364 x 521 mm
Max. print size 12.48” x 18.26” 317 x 464 mm
13.3” x 20” 340 x 510 mm
362 x 519 mm (standard)22
362 x 569 mm (optional)
Supported papers Coated: 55 lb. text to 130 lb. cover (80 to 350 gsm)
Uncoated: 40 lb. text to 120 lb. cover (60 to 320 gsm)
Coated: 20 lb. bond to 130 lb. cover (80 to 350 gsm)
Uncoated: 40 lb. text to 130 lb. cover (60 to 350 gsm)
Coated: 60 lb. text to 130 lb. cover (90 to 350 gsm)
Uncoated: 16 lb. bond to 130 lb. cover (60 to 350 gsm)
Paper input Four trays with a capacity of 6,100 sheets
23
Normal drawers: 3 x 1,800 sheet capacity
Special jobs drawer: 1 x 700 sheet capacity
Four feeders with a total capacity of 11,000 sheets
24
Two 1,000 sheet feeders
Two 4,500 sheet feeders
Up to six feeder modules (12 trays) with a total capacity of
30,000 sheets25
Paper output 6,000 sheet output capacity
1 stacker (600 mm stack height)
Proof tray (60 mm height)
5,000 sheet paper delivery
500 sheet proof delivery
Paper cart
Up to four stackers (two carts per stacker) with a total
capacity of 12,000 sheets (3,000 sheets per stacker)
Stacker top tray
Feeding and stacking options
1 additional feeding module with three drawers, each
capable of handling 1,800 sheets
1 additional 6,000 sheet stacking model
Additional 5,000 sheet delivery
Additional paper cart
Roll-to-cut-sheet unit
In-line booklet maker
In-line perfect binder
In-line punch unit
In-line UV coater
Post-fuser two-tray inserter
Roll-to-cut-sheet unit
List price $623,000 $695,000 $640,000
Price includes: Four-color device including delivery, installation, and
training
Five-station print engine, front end with system software, and a starter kit of supplies
Print engine, two-feeder configuration, one stacker, the FreeFlow print server,
and 15 days of training
16
These speeds are based on a two-up simplex letter imposition. 17
The 7000’s monochrome speed is faster: 240 monochrome ipm. It is also capable of 240 two-color ipm. 18
2,438 x 2,438 dpi is possible with the High Definition Imaging (HDI) option. 19
Capabilities beyond process color include: Standard or custom mixed spot color, expanded gamut (CMYKOV or
CMYKOVG), light cyan/light magenta, spot or flood matte coat. 20
Capabilities beyond process color include: Spot (red, green, or blue), expanded gamut (using R, G, or B), spot or
flood clear, flood gloss, dimensional (SE2500/SE3000), and MICR (SE3000). 21
The larger 14.33” x 22.5” format is optional. 22
Xerox notes that the maximum image area is 2 mm less than the sheet size (i.e., a 1 mm border on all sides). 23
Standard paper input capacity, including all four drawers, is 6,100 sheets. With the optional three-drawer feeding
module (which handles 5,400 sheets), the total capacity is 11,500 sheets using all seven drawers. These amounts are
based on the assumption of an 80 lb. text stock. 24
Capacity estimates are based on 100 gsm paper. 25
The 2,500 sheet per tray estimate is based on an 80 lb./120 gsm stock.
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Kodak Rolls Out NexPress SE Platform September 2009
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Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT)
With the introduction of a new device, InfoTrends looks at the product’s strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, and threats. These factors are summarized in the Table below.
Table 6: SWOT Analysis of the New NexPress SE Platform
Strengths
Higher speed of the SE3600 product
Fifth station capability and the associated colors or effects
Improved quality/consistency
Kodak focus on workflow
Upgradability of most of the installed base
Larger sheet size in comparison to HP Indigo competition
Operator replaceable component (ORC) service model
Processing power of Adobe PDF Print Engine 2
Range of environmental advantages
Weaknesses
Limited in-line finishing options
Lack of a consistent front-end strategy across its black & white and color digital print products
Smaller sheet size in comparison to Xerox iGen
No light production offering below the M700
Opportunities
Expanded product line provides broader opportunity than a point product or two
Higher volume and quality conscious print service providers
Unique fifth station applications
Upgrading its installed base
Threats
Competitive cut-sheet production color offerings in the 1 to 10 million impression per month duty cycle class
Lower priced printer models in the 301,000 to one million impression per month duty cycle class
Potential delay in the approval or adoption of the PDF/VT format standard
Kodak’s focus on the Stream/Prosper Color XL news takes away resources and media attention from the SE platform announcements
Conclusion
Kodak’s new NexPress SE platform represents a significant step forward. With the speed and quality
improvements, combined with existing NexPress capabilities (plus more recent ones such as dimensional),
the NexPress SE product line mounts a strong challenge to its primary competition from HP’s Indigo and
Xerox’s iGen. Kodak has an opportunity to win more deals and gain share as it rolls out the SE class
products. In addition, Kodak has a sizable upgrade opportunity in its NexPress installed base, which
InfoTrends estimates at about 1,400 units worldwide. Combined, these opportunities are substantial.
Kodak’s challenge will be to seize this opportunity in the face of a tough economic environment as well
as strong competition from HP, Indigo, Xerox, and others who are looking to grab a piece of the
production color digital print market.
This material is prepared specifically for clients of InfoTrends, Inc. The opinions expressed represent our interpretation and analysis of information
generally available to the public or released by responsible individuals in the subject companies. We believe that the sources of information on which our
material is based are reliable and we have applied our best professional judgment to the data obtained.