Agfa Graphics

Eastman Kodak Kodak Approval NX thermal halftone proofer supports specialty, corporate and brand colors, including metallics. The system can control density, dot gain and print on actual printing stocks. Matchprint Virtual for InSite proofing software enables SWOP-certified soft proofing on calibrated monitors with consistent and accurate color. PressProof extends monitor proofing to the pressroom utilizing qualified LCD monitors. The Veris ink-jet proofer uses Multi Drop Array technology for true 1,500x1,500 dpi addressability. Color consistency assured by 4D calibration and quality-controlled consumables. ICC compliant. Matchprint Ink-Jet proofing marries drop-on-demand (DOD) imaging with the same software as Veris for color accuracy, enhanced image smoothness, quick calibration

Agfa ColorTune X color management software solutions work in combination with measuring devices to generate accurate, ICC-compatible color profiles. QMS X (Quality Management System) checks the calibration and engine performance of Sherpa proofers in contract proofing applications. Every proofer in the workflow can be calibrated to achieve the same tonal response within predefined tolerances. Alterno color conversion tool broadens the CMYK color spectrum. It enables printers to standardize their presses on a self-defined ink set that extends the color gamut. EFI ColorWise in-RIP color management system provides a range of simple and expert-level tools. A standard component of Fiery color print servers, it includes

Agfa Graphics will introduce an extended assortment of CTP solutions for the commercial and packaging segments at Drupa in May. To provide customers with a wider array of CTP systems, the company recently announced its decision to expand its OEM contract. In October, Agfa announced an expansion of its CTP plate manufacturing plant in Branchburg, N.J to increase its capabilities to produce the full line of Agfa plates in North America. The expansion will enhance production capabilities for its digital plates, including the chemistry-free :Azura, low-chemistry :Amigo, and the PIA/GATF 2007 award winning no-bake, longer-running :Energy Elite plates.

Agfa Graphics announced that it plans to stop the development and production of computer-to-plate equipment in Wilmington, Mass. “This decision is part of our strategy to substantially improve our operational efficiency and competitive position in the highly competitive market of prepress equipment,” says Stefaan Vanhooren, president of Agfa Graphics. Agfa Graphics will continue to distribute total solutions to its customers (including a new range of printing plates, equipment, software and service) and has therefore extended its OEM relationship with one of the main manufacturers of commercial computer-to-plate equipment. The new wider range of innovative platesetters, replacing Agfa’s high-end equipment portfolio :Avalon, will be available

MORTSEL, BELGIUM—January 29, 2008—Agfa Graphics announced today that it plans to stop the development and production of computer-to-plate equipment in Wilmington, DE. “This decision is part of our strategy to substantially improve our operational efficiency and competitive position in the highly competitive market of prepress equipment” says Stefaan Vanhooren, President of Agfa Graphics. Agfa Graphics will continue to distribute total solutions to its customers (including a new range of printing plates, equipment, software and service) and has therefore extended its OEM relationship with one of the main manufacturers of commercial Computer-to-Plate equipment. The new wider range of innovative platesetters, replacing Agfa’s high-end

With $14.65 million in annual revenue, University of Washington Publications Services is the largest university in-plant, according to sales. But until August, it was one of the few big in-plants that had neither a digital color press nor computer-to-plate equipment. That just changed. The Seattle-based operation recently added both a Xerox iGen3 and an Agfa :Avalon chemistry-free CTP system. “Now it’s an all-digital workflow,” proclaims Frank Davis, associate director. “Whether it goes to the pressroom or it goes on the iGen, it’s all digital now.” So far the speed and quality improvements are making a huge difference. “Our designers and customer service reps

ANY ATTEMPT to predict the course of technological development amounts to an educated guess at best. (After all, experts once said that Adobe Photoshop and the Mac would never be acceptable for professional graphic arts applications.) That said, there’s a buzz in the air about three technological developments: printed electronics, security printing and lenticular. Each is still a work in process to a degree, so the exact size and nature of their market potential is yet to be determined. The term “printed electronics” (printing of conductive inks) is being applied to such a range of processes and applications that it’s hard to make

Agfa Graphics cut the ribbon on a new ink-jet demo center in Branchburg, N.J., last month. The Agfa Competence Center will feature two of the company’s new ink-jet printing systems: The :Anapurna M and :Anapurna XL. The :Anapurna XL provides a print resolution of 727x363 dpi and can print up to 98.5˝ wide with borderless printing and dual board printing capabilities. The :Anapurna M has a maximum media width of 63˝ and is capable of both roll-to-roll and rigid substrate printing. The Compentence Center is part of Agfa’s C3 strategy for ink-jet and represents Agfa’s commitment to provide customers with end-to-end services and industrial ink-jet

GRAPH EXPO returned to Chicago last month, bringing printers together from all over the globe. Despite its earlier than usual start the weekend after Labor Day, the four-day graphic arts trade show packed a decent crowd. Granted, opening day attendance thinned noticeably around NFL kickoff time (it was the season opener, after all), but by day two McCormick Place was jammed solid. An impressive 640 exhibitors (including 120+ new ones) spread out across 460,984 net square feet of exhibit space. In-plants interested in wide-format printing or in mailing/fulfillment could go to special sections of the show floor where such equipment was clustered.

FROM WORKFLOW tools and variable data software to CTP and proofing technologies, Graph Expo had enough technology to make any in-plant manager’s head spin. Here are some of the latest products we saw at the show. Computer-to-plate Systems Agfa demonstrated its :ThermoFuse plate technology, including the chemistry-free :Azura plate, which eliminates chemical processing. By significantly reducing liquid waste in the plate creating process, it supports a more environmentally friendly solution. Also shown was Agfa’s :Energy Elite, winner of a 2007 InterTech technology award. The newest addition to the Agfa range of thermal plates, :Energy Elite is a true no-bake plate offering run