Agfa's regional marketing manager Garry Muratore says, "Naturally chemical-free plate technology was a hot topic for all vendors including us, but when you come right down to it productivity is crucial and a subset of that productivity is automation, that's where we excel in CTP and that's why we are enjoying a post PrintEx boom" Agfa's automation strategy was somewhat unusual at PrintEx with most vendors opting to exhibit manual or limited versions of automation at the show. Agfa instead aimed at the higher end and showcased a fully automated version of its :Avalon CTP system that not only output chemical-free plates (Azura) but was also configured to run conventional CTP plates in the same system. "With the industry rapidly moving towards JDF based automation manual CTP tends to be a minority choice" says Muratore "We find that the majority of our customers install some form of automation when they spec' out a CTP system."
Utilising a precision imaging head :Avalon produces exceptional tonal accuracy and uniformity from corner to corner, plate to plate and job to job, both with thermal and violet plate technology. The HD (High Definition) imaging head uses a new generation Grating Light Valve, the GLV II. GLV comprises an array of micro-reflectors. These micro-reflectors can bend to reflect the
laser beams with extreme precision, delivering a multiple beam array to the plate surface. Writing to drum-speed ratio is very low thanks to the 512 laser beams produced by the HD imaging head. The low drum rotational speed simplifies operation and ensures long-term reliability.
PlateManager, automation is the key to CTP
Key to Agfa's CTP automation is the :PlateManager which automatically loads plates into the :Avalon saving time and increasing workflow efficiency. It allows uninterrupted plate imaging for hours at a time for maximum throughput, and minimises damaged plates due to extensive handling, utilising up to four plate cassettes which can be loaded or re-loaded without stopping the machine for maximum productivity.
Inside the :PlateManager, multiple plates move quickly from staging
to exposure to development. The :PlateManager senses when one cassette is empty and automatically take plates from the next same-sized cassette while informing the operator that the first cassette needs reloading. The system keeps operators informed of plate conditions via software prompts displayed graphically on screen, as well as special alert lights on the system. The flexibility of the system allows operators to break into the middle of a job for a remake. Simply inserting the plate that is required or dispensing it automatically from one of the internal cassettes.
Hyde Park Press goes green with :Avalon / :Azura system |
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Mark Bloustien, managing director of Hyde Park Press says, "We've been using digital plates for seven or eight years so we've thought about upgrading for a while. A lot of clients are going environmentally-friendly, and in my own mind I like the idea of being chemistry-free. Both of these came together with the availability of Agfa's plates. "With it being new technology and new equipment, we also knew that would guarantee us another six years of problem-free plate making." Based on ThermoFuse technology, the aluminium :Azura plates are imaged on standard thermal platesetters then passed through a compact gumming unit to remove unimaged areas and produce press-ready plates - all without chemistry or water. Where previously an EPA (Environmental Protection Authority) licence was required because caustic residues were produced, going chemistry-free has eliminated that need, says Bloustien. Around 1,500 plates are produced each month - for a five-colour Heidelberg 74CD, and for six and two-colour perfector presses, as well as a two-colour GTO. Print runs average 2,500 but longer 100,000-plus runs are also produced, and Bloustien expects the new plates will handle them all. The :Avalon LF, with its GLV laser, high-definition imaging head and three-pin registration, will ensure its continued high-quality print production. |
