Agfa Graphics today introduced two new high-speed platesetters for the high-volume newspaper market. The :Advantage N PL HS (Pallet Load, High-Speed) and the :Advantage N TR HS (Trolley Load, High-Speed) both run at speeds up to 350 plates per hour, 50 plates more than the :Advantage N. :Advantage N PL will be available for demonstrations at the Agfa Graphics stand at drupa (Düsseldorf, Germany May 3 – 16, Hall 8A).

The :Advantage N PL HS, a completely new design, can hold up to 6,000 plates in a fully-automatic setting – two pallets of 3,000 plates each. The system employs a unique and patented process that pre-separates the plates and slip sheets in the plate stack before plate loading. Regardless of temperature fluctuations, RH issues or long storage periods, the pre-separation process avoids plate and paper jams due to plates or slip sheets sticking together in a plate stack. Agfa’s patented auto slip sheet removal process offers less downtime with no paper jams and an efficient procedure for emptying the slip sheet into the “dump area.”

Thanks to the increased speed, both systems can extend newspaper publishers’ editorial and advertising deadlines, giving them the ability to deliver the latest news and last-minute offers to their daily readers. The increased speed will also help newspaper publishers replace multiple, slower CtP engines with fewer, faster ones. This would result in savings on new CtP investments and other costs, such as processing equipment or punch and bending machines. Fewer CtP engines also results in increased floor space.

The :Advantage N TR HS features a trolley to transport plates from safelight environment to the CtP imager. This gives customers who cannot switch to yellow safelight in the room where the CtP device is installed, the flexibility to

more easily and efficiently load the plates in a separate yellow safelight environment.

“With these new systems, Agfa Graphics again shows its commitment to the newspaper industry by offering state-of-the-art CtP technology that meets the requirements of the premium level newspaper market segment. Like all segments in the newspaper industry, the high-volume segment is also looking for improved production efficiency, cost savings and automation. With Agfa Graphics, newspaper publishers have a company with expertise in hardware, complete workflow solutions and consumables, covering the entire pre-press production area,” said Emiel Sweevers, marketing manager for Newspaper Engines, Agfa Graphics, worldwide. “Agfa Graphics’ goal is to continue to develop solutions that enable our customers to effectively meet the current market challenges head-on and win.”

The :Advantage N PL HS and the :Advantage N TR HS will be shipping at the end of the third quarter.