March 18, 2008 -- Agfa Graphics announced today that it will introduce the :Avalon N system of Computer-to-Plate (CtP) imaging engines at drupa 2008. The new, powerful, thermal CtP engines are available in 8-up and VLF formats with a variety of plate sizes and plate-per-hour capabilities. The platesetters will be commercially available at drupa where they will be demonstrated for the first time. drupa, the worldwide graphic communications trade fair, will be held 29 May through 11 June in Düsseldorf, Germany.

"This new series of platesetters improves upon the success of the :Avalon and brings a new level of quality, flexibility and reliability to CtP," said Ralph Hilsdon, CtP Marketing Manager for Agfa in Mortsel, Belgium. "When combined with our proven advances in workflow, consumables and service, our customers can be assured that they will benefit from the most productive and reliable CtP systems in the entire professional marketplace."

The :Avalon N 8-up range, accommodates plate sizes up to 1160x940mm (45.6x37-inches), and has throughputs ranging from 8 to 50 plates-per-hour. It uses a new-generation imaging head featuring 1024 beams that is based on GLV (Grating Light Valve) technology. Agfa first introduced GLV imaging technology in 2002, and it has been used in thousands of CtP system applications worldwide.

The VLF version currently has three available engines, the :Avalon N16, N24 and N36. Plate sizes range from 1470x1154mm (57.8x45.4-in.) for the N16; 1750x1400mm (68.8x55.1-inc.) for the N24; and 2100x1600mm (82.6x62.9-in.) for the N36. All the new models support internal punching and are available with manual or fully automatic plate loading with one or multiple plate cassettes. All models also include automatic paper sheet removal.

They are also fully compatible with Agfa's :Apogee workflow and with Agfa's range of thermal digital plates and processors including the chemistry-free :Azura, low-chemistry :Amigo and no-bake, long-run :Energy Elite plates.

Two additional models, the :Avalon N40 and N48, are designed to support the new 80 and 96-page web presses. The N40 and N48 will be available later in the year.