PRINT ’01, Chicago, Illinois – September 6, 2001 – Agfa introduced a duplex digital proofing system, the SherpaMatic. The 43-inch digital proofing system has a built in alignment mechanism that automatically turns the paper over in exact alignment for precise, unattended two sided proofing. Agfa includes 100-gm dual-coated imposition proofing media with the SherpaMatic. Agfa’s new duplex proofing system uses multi-density piezo electric technology for contract quality proofing. It prints at 720 x 720-dpi resolution, and a faster 360 x 360 dpi resolution. The SherpaMatic prints with error-diffused screening and uses six colors-CMYK plus a light magenta and a light cyan to achieve a wider color gamut. The two extra colors also soften highlights for better rendition of difficult colors such as flesh tones . The SherpaMatic’s unique realignment system ensures precise hair-point registration of the back to the front. This feature makes it possible to produce high-quality mock-ups for presentations or project samples, as well as imposition dummies. A specially designed sensor system prevents the media from telescoping. The 43-inch width SherpaMatic also offers the flexibility of printing in landscape orientation, which can save time and paper waste. Because the SherpaMatic uses a very efficient piezo inkjet system, it conserves ink with no loss in quality. This makes the system cost efficient to operate and maintain. "Duplex printing is a capability many of our customers have identified as a need,” said worldwide marketing director Willy Van Dromme "Ad agencies, prepress shops or printers can proof and create dummies for clients or to check imposition and finishing options.” Agfa demonstrated the SherpaMatic with the Apogee PrintDrive bitmap server. Apogee PrintDrive output manager lets users view and adjust digital films as single pages or full imposed flats, or flats, then manage their output to proofers, platesetters, and other devices. In complement to the SherpaMatic duplex capability, PrintDrive handles flat positioning (work and turn and work and tumble workflow) for accurate proofing of signatures before final output. The SherpaMatic prints a 30 x 40-inch duplex form at 360 dpi in less than 15 minutes. "The SherpaMatic 43 is an ideal imposition proofer,” said Geert Zelck, worldwide marketing manager for proofing systems. "It prints from dual-sided coated roll media and delivers ready to use fully imposed backed up sheets. It is a true proofing workhorse for the demanding CtF and CtP workflow.”