London, UK – 22 February 2006 – Agfa Graphics today announced a violet-laser addition to its :Avalon platesetter range. The new :Avalon LF-Violet incorporates Violet technology into a state-of-the art external-drum platesetter. The new model uses a variation on Agfa's HD imager found in the :Avalon thermal engines with a proprietary imaging technique to provide the high image contrast needed for high-speed violet plates. A range of models using single and multi-diode configurations will be offered. The throughput for the initial models will range from 20 to 30 plates per hour but faster models will be announced at a later date. The system is compatible with Agfa's :Lithostar and :N91V violet plates. :Avalon's Grating Light Valve (GLV) design (from Silicon Light Machines) provides precise beam control of individual beams giving excellent consistency. The :Avalon LF-Violet will be available in a manual plate-loading, semi automatic configuration, and optionally with single-cassette and multi-cassette full automation. Customer deliveries will start in Q3 2006. "Violet technology continues to offer users the lowest cost of ownership due to the low cost and very high reliability of violet lasers, said Ralph Hilsdon, Agfa Graphics worldwide marketing director for Commercial Systems. "Violet gives a higher throughput for a given price compared with thermal." The existing :Galileo range continues to be available. Combined with new :ApogeeX Prime, it provides smaller companies with a cost-effective CtP solution.