Agfa’s chemistry-free newspaper CTP bundle includes the Advantage N-TR XXT platesetter, N94-VCF chemistry-free plates and the high-speed VXCF85 clean-out unit.

The configuration, which debuted at the Vienna trade show, is billed as a high-volume, heavy-duty system that Agfa said was “the only CTP system available for the newspaper market that offers continuous, unattended monitoring and reporting of all engine operating parameters”.

The Advantage N-TR XXT features an IR webcam installed inside the engine, which provides operators with live, online monitoring of the plate handling, preventing unexpected production stops. The platesetter can output up to 300 plates an hour.

Agfa’s N94-VCF plate is designed for newspaper printers and coldset printers and is rated for run lengths of up to 200,000 impressions. The VXCF85 clean-out unit uses a pH neutral clean-out solution and is capable of matching the Advantage N-TR XXT’s output speed.

Emiel Sweevers, marketing manager Newspaper Equipment at Agfa Graphics said the package was aimed at newspaper printers that are exploring opportunities in the “semi-commercial [print] market and therefore need to match higher print quality standards”.

Meanwhile, Agfa has expanded its commercial CTP offering after signing an OEM agreement with violet CTP manufacturer FFEI and has been selling a violet version of its Avalon N8 platesetter, the Avalon VN-8 – for use with Agfa’s Azura-Vi plate – in Europe since the start of the summer.

Koni Neuhofer, business manager pre-press for Agfa Oceania, said the the products are available in Australia and New Zealand and that the first VXCF85 unit for the region will be installed at Davie Bros in Hobart later this month.

Davies Bros are the printers of the Hobart Mercury.

This article originally appeared at printweek.com

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