Mortsel, Belgium – Demand for the digital capabilities of Agfa Graphics' :M-Press has resulted in the introduction of a new model in the :M-Press family. Designated the :M-Press Leopard, it is a new version of the machine which brings its advanced ink-jet technology to display producers who want versatility and high quality at a considerably lower investment point and with the same very low :M-Press variable production cost. Thanks to the new design, :M-Press allows for new applications that require more manual handling.

The new :M-Press Leopard incorporates the same ink-jet shuttle technology as the :M-Press Tiger, enabling users to output the highest quality and speeds at sizes of up to 1.6 x 2,6 m. The Agfa Graphics' UPH 2 (Universal Print Head) greyscale variable droplet technology guarantees precision dot placement for the reproduction of the finest graduations and vivid solid colours. Instant curing ensures jobs are ready for finishing as soon as they have been printed.

Agfa Graphics' :M-Press Leopard utilises a simplified feed system, with manual loading based on the ergonomic concept and proven technology of Thieme's 55 vacuum zoned universal print table. This ensures accurate and fast positioning of the substrate onto the bed, with precise registration pins on both the left and the right side of the bed to make single and double-sided printing easy. Heavy substrates up to 20 kg/m2 can be pushed towards registration pins in the back side of the table. The variable vacuum zones hold the thinnest and most flexible papers or materials completely flat so that they can easily be printed alongside rigid substrates.

Designed for print service providers who look for best in class quality and speed and who require fast change-over between jobs, the :M-Press Leopard is the best fit. The prints are suited for all interior and exterior applications where colour gamut and accurate durability are essential. The machine can work with a broad range of materials in thicknesses of up to 5 cm, and output onto multiple sheets in the same job.

Agfa Graphics' :M-Press Leopard will be launched officially at Fespa Digital. The new production printer joins the company's expanding portfolio of wide-format solutions which ranges from the entry-level and mid-range UV-curable :Anapurna series, through the :Jeti family of industrial units to the high-end :M-Press Tiger.

Agfa Graphics is at Fespa Digital 2011 from May 24th to May 27th, 2010 in the city of Hamburg, Germany, booth B20 in Hall A4