Celebrating 30 years of groundbreaking thermal imaging technology with Kodak

As we celebrate Kodak's 30th anniversary of pioneering thermal imaging technology, we reflect on the remarkable breakthroughs that have set the standard for the industry. For the past three decades, Kodak has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation and delivered cutting-edge solutions that have revolutionized imaging and printing and delivered tangible benefits to our customers.

In 1995, Kodak and Creo launched the industry's first thermal plates and platesetter. This groundbreaking innovation marked the beginning of a new era in printing, offering unmatched precision, efficiency, and reliability. The first long-run plate suitable for Computer-to-Plate (CTP) was a Kodak thermal plate, capable of achieving up to a million impressions. This was a boon for magazine printing, where high-quality ads were essential.

Kodak's award-winning SQUARESPOT Technology became one of the most significant advancements and set the standard for thermal imaging. SQUARESPOT Technology is revolutionary due to its ability to produce a spot with a super steep edge, resulting in a very stable process and no dot gain. This technology uses a light valve to enable hundreds of beams from one laser simultaneously, which increases precision and efficiency.

“The light was something people struggled with for many years because you have to find the right material from which to build a light valve and most of the efforts were abandoned,” said Dan Gelbart, former president and CTO at Creo. But Kodak and Creo persevered. Working with unique resources, such as declassified US military documents, this work lead to an optical chip that can analyze radar signature and infrared technology being combined. The development of SQUARESPOT Technology brought many pieces of the puzzle together. Unlike other imaging technologies, which often focus on the size of the spot, SQUARESPOT emphasizes the sharpness of the slope, allowing for high-resolution printing, faster make-ready on press, and reduced waste, thereby enhancing overall print quality and workflow efficiency.

Kodak's CTP technology also plays a pivotal role in sustainability through its significant power savings. By optimizing energy use and enhancing efficiency, Kodak's thermal imaging systems reduce the overall energy consumption required for the printing process. These power savings contribute to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with Kodak's mission to create eco-friendly solutions that support environmental stewardship. By integrating advanced imaging technologies that demand less power, Kodak enables print professionals to maintain high-quality production while minimizing their environmental impact.

Kodak's dedication to environmental responsibility is also evident in the industry-leading KODAK SONORA Process Free Plates. Launched in 2004, these thermal plates are designed to reduce chemical usage, water consumption, and waste while maximizing performance. Kodak's mission to create sustainable solutions helps businesses reduce their environmental footprint while delivering next-level print quality

As we commemorate this milestone, we extend our deepest gratitude to the dedicated customers who have entrusted Kodak's thermal imaging technology throughout the years. Your support and commitment have been instrumental in driving our success and motivating us to continue our pursuit of innovation.

As technology evolves, so does Kodak. Committed to pioneering the next generation of imaging and CTP solutions, advancing workflow efficiencies, and spearheading innovations in sustainable printing, Kodak's vision for the future is clear: continue leading with groundbreaking technology that drives progress and empowers customers to succeed in an ever-changing industry.