Mortsel, Belgium - Agfa Graphics announced today the Avalon N8 plate setter series has been updated. The second generation models are visually different from their predecessors and have important changes under the hood. As a result of these changes, the units use less power without sacrificing performance.

"The innovations on the :Avalon deliver clear benefits to our customers," said Marc Op de Beeck, Senior Vice President at Agfa Graphics . "The operating costs are further reduced while the quality of the system remains unchanged. :Avalon N8, is ideally suited for :Energy Elite delivering high run lengths without the need for post baking whilst :Azura TS and :Amigo plates offer more ease of use and additional ecological benefits."

The new :Avalon N8 range comes in various configurations with new productivity specifications. Varying on plate type, imaging speed is up to 12.5% faster compared to the current design. All models now support an extended range of plate sizes between 304x370 mm (12"x 14.6") and 1160x940 mm (45.7"x 37.0") and can handle 0.4mm plates (field option).  A new internal airflow design reduces the risk of imaging head contamination to guarantee optimal imaging quality.

To accommodate the needs of customers serving both sheet fed and web presses, registration punching can be switched ON/OFF. Agfa Graphics' Avalon N8 also takes advantage of a completely new remote user interface called 'Stay in Touch'. It offers email messaging and a graphic user interface for engine data.