Includes AgfaJet Media And Suite Of Software Solutions To Address Specific Requirements for Packaging Ridgefield Park, New Jersey – March 11, 2002 – At IPEX, April 9-17, 2002 in Birmingham, England, U.K. Agfa will introduce the Grand Sherpa proofing system for package printing. Packaging-specific versions of Agfa quality management software (QMS), ColorTune Pro color management software (CMS), Apogee PDF Proofer RIP with ABS Screening and AgfaJet Media allow Agfa’s Grand Sherpa to produce proofs for the packaging market, including contract proofs, mock-ups, digital overlays and die line cutting proofs. The Grand Sherpa comes in 50-, 64- or 87-inch formats to accommodate a wide variety of packaging applications. The Grand Sherpa represents Agfa’s new generation piezo-electric inkjet printers. It offers true 1440 x 1440 dpi resolution, the capacity for up to eight multi-density inks and variable dot size, with the smallest drop being 5 picoliters. The Grand Sherpa can print up to 40 sq. meters per hour at 360 x 360 dpi in a 6-color configuration. It can also print up to 12 sq. meters per hour at 720 x 720 dpi, making it the fastest machine in its price class. Dot Simulation Error-diffused screening, in conjunction with color management, provides continuous-tone contract color. However, halftone dot reproduction is important for simulating the look and feel of the final print and predicting moire patterns. Agfa’s Dot simulation option in the packaging-specific Apogee Proofer RIP uses special techniques to achieve a combination of high-quality screening and color for images, spot colors, solid process colors, and text. By simulating the actual dot pattern, users can predict subject as well as color moire. Because ABS is optimized for the Sherpa, color integrity is maintained to deliver contract quality. Quality Management for Packaging A new version of Agfa’s QMS includes support for media typically used in packaging applications. Agfa's Quality Management Software was designed to assure identical tonal behavior on multiple Agfa Sherpa inkjet proofing systems, to verify ongoing accuracy of output from any Sherpa at any location and to identify the cause of a variation between proof and press output for total quality control. ColorTune Pro for Packaging ColorTune Pro allows users to create packaging output profiles for proofing. The packaging-specific version has extra modules to create proofer profiles with different AgfaJet materials. Improved profile editing tools allow users to quickly fine-tune proofing parameters to match their specific needs. In combination with the Grand Sherpa’s multi-density ink and high resolution, the Apogee PDF Proofer RIP can match more than 85% of the PANTONE Spot colors using ColorTune Pro. AgfaJet Media For Packaging Agfa provides a complete package proofing solution with AgfaJet media: For contract proofing: AgfaJet Digital Proofing Base (ADPB): 165 gr resin-coated photograde media for contract proofing. For mock-ups/prototypes: AgfaJet Premium Vinyl : self-adhesive, water resistant, 310 gr/m2 AgfaJet Self-adhesive photograde material, 275 gr/m2 For die line cutting proofs: AgfaJet UFF (Universal FrontPrint Film): dimensionally stable polyester in 4 mil and 7 mil For Digital Overlays AgfaJet Digital Overlay: print ABS screened separations for CMYK and a separate error diffused output for Pantone and custom colors. Availability Agfa will begin shipping its proofing solution for packaging in Q2 of 2002 with upgrades for existing customers. The ABS option will be offered separately.