The group unveiled the new NexPress SE2500, SE3000 and SE3600 models this week, as part of the preview for the upcoming Print 09 exhibition in Chicago.

At the same time, it announced that its much-vaunted Stream inkjet technology would come to market under the brand name of Kodak Prosper.

Kodak now has five beta sites worldwide using the Prosper S10 printhead, and Lettershop has just been revealed as the first UK beta user of the product.

The top-of-the-range NexPress SE3600 machine will be available at the end of next month.

Enhancements include a new intelligent calibration system that takes less than five minutes and is said to deliver at least $10,000-$15,000 (£6,000-£9,000) in extra margin, or 10-15% in labour savings or extra capacity, according to Greg Gresock, director, Future Product Marketing, Electrophotographic Printing Solutions.

The SE models also use a new ground toner, or dry ink, for improved print smoothness and consistency, with less cracking. Fresh packaging delivers more ink per container while cutting down on physical packaging.

The redesigned machine housings without the curved top of previous NexPress models also require less headroom.

Existing users of S-class NexPresses and the 2100-plus and 2500 can upgrade to the new SE features.