It has also launched a higher speed option for its Magnus VLF and Trendsetter B1 machines, which it claims makes the Magnus the fastest VLF machine on the market.

The Thermoflex Narrow Flexo-Offset machine (pictured)was launched at Labelexpo Europe this week. In addition to flexo and offset plates it can also image letterpress plates and film.

"We're seeing more and more crossover between flexo and offset printing," said Kodak GCG product manager Bob Dalton. "Narrow web printers are investing in offset whereas commercial printers are buying flexo presses. The greatest benefit of this new device is that businesses can use the same CTP for multiple printing technologies flexo, letterpress, offset and screen."

Flexo plates up to 762x762mm and offset plates up to 762x744mm can be exposed on the machine, which supports Kodak's Hyperflex and Staccato screening technologies.

Kodak's move into machines that can image multiple plate technologies follows Stork Prints and Lscher. Stork Prints' launched a direct laser engraver for flexo and letterpress plates and nickel rotary screen meshes at Labelexpo.  Lscher launched a hybrid flexo and offset machine the FlexPose! at Drupa, the first in the UK being installed by the UK Hydrographic Office.

The X-speed option increases speed by at least 50% and in some instances doubles productivity. The Magnus VLF with X option can produce 27 2m wide plates per hour. The Trendsetter 800 II with X option produces 40 B1 plates per hour.