ROCHESTER, N.Y., ¡ªDynamic Dies Incorporated, a maker of steel rule cutting dies and flexo plates for the packaging industry, began running a complete KODAK workflow and flexographic platesetting solution in April. The combination, which consists of a KODAK THERMOFLEX Wide platesetter, KODAK PRINERGY POWERPACK workflow system and a trio of screening software products, is already improving efficiency, quality and turnaround time at the innovative Toledo, Ohio, area company.

¡°We¡¯re a dynamic and growing business. We¡¯ve invented many technologies for the flexo market and the die cutting process that improve quality and delivery times for our customers. Last year, we decided we needed a workflow and platemaking solution that worked as well,¡± said Tom Pohlman, Market Development Manager, Dynamic Dies Incorporated. ¡°The KODAK packaging solution includes a state of the art workflow that¡¯s made us more efficient, and Kodak¡¯s screening software offers many solutions we never had before.¡±

At the center of the new system is a PRINERGY POWERPACK workflow system that provides a job management feature to track jobs from receipt of files through proofing, approval and platemaking. According to Pohlman, the system gives better control and ¡°visibility¡± of the jobs moving through Dynamic Dies, reducing errors and streamlining operations. Pohlman reports that since implementing PRINERGY POWERPACK software, Dynamic Dies has experienced a remarkable improvement in the turnaround time from raw file to finished plate.

Dynamic Dies is enjoying a high level of quality and throughput with its new THERMOFLEX platesetter. With the wide format capability, the operation can now gang up more jobs, which is improving productivity and reducing waste. Combined with KODAK HYPERFLEX resolution enhancement software, KODAK MAXTONE hybrid screening software and KODAK DIGICAP screening software, the imaging precision of the THERMOFLEX platesetter has resulted in everything Dynamic Dies customers are looking for, according to Pohlman.

Digital platemaking capabilities from .067¡å to .250¡å thick provide the versatility needed to expand product offerings. With all of the improvements in workflow and quality, Dynamic Dies expects the KODAK packaging solution to generate new revenue. Pohlman says Dynamic Dies is expanding its online service bureau business. The firm will accept files for platemaking at its web based FTP site, opening new opportunities for Dynamic Dies to service web, flexible packaging and commercial print operations.

The improvements at Dynamic Dies started happening quickly. According to Pohlman, ¡°Installation of the KODAK packaging solution has been quick and smooth, taking less than three weeks from start to finish. Kodak¡¯s been right there with us throughout the start up phase, and we¡¯re confident we¡¯ll get the service and support we need from our Kodak team.¡±

Dynamic Dies is a privately owned company that is celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2006. The company provides customers all over the United States with cutting dies and flexographic plates for all packaging segments.