Agfa Palladio ticks all the boxes at Chrysalis Printing

Agfa Graphics might be well-known for its market-leading CTP technologies  at the big end of town, but it is also providing CTP solutions for smaller printers via its national network of dealers.

"We have a history that goes back decades with  some of these dealers," said Peter Munro, one of Agfa's better known plate specialists who has responsibility for many of the NSW, ACT and QLD dealers.

"Back in the analogue days our dealer network moved a lot of CopyProof, CopyRapid and SuperMaster products to the smaller printers, many who operate in remote and areas. As the industry moved to digital processes, it meant that our dealers too had to start to offer products suited for the smaller end of the digital market, our CTP solutions that include the Palladio and violet plate technologies such as LithoStar and N91v make a perfect fit."

Port Macquarie-based Chrysalis Printing turned to one of Agfa's long-time dealers, Lanart Graphics when looking to update an aging Dolev 4-press.

"Living in Port Macquarie we are away from instant assistance those in the city have become accustomed to, therefore a good support base is important when selecting a technology," said Peter Simmons of Chrysalis (pictured below).

"My first contact with Agfa via Graham King of Lanart was very positive I had a prompt reply and everything promised to me arrived the following day; this gave me confidence in the company's ability."

Simmons said that when the CTP system was purchased, he was continually kept informed of its progress and when the equipment arrived three Agfa technicians were in attendance, and spent four days with the team to ensure that things went smoothly.

"These actions confirmed that the support base was there.  When the equipment was up and running the first plate determined the greyscale and the second plate was on the press printing, we were also supplied with the proofing option which was equally impressive, I had been battling with a previous proofing option for two years and never satisfied with the result. The Agfa proof was matched on the machine to our astonishment the very first time," he said.

"The Palladio II is producing a very high standard in a plate, its speed of production and repeat position of the plate on the machine is perfect very time. We are extremely happy with the product."