Agfa to showcase new CTP products at show

16 October 2006

As a major provider of computer-to-plate systems and consumables, Agfa will help to run IPEX PrintCity at April’s IPEX exhibition in Birmingham, UK.

The PrintCity hall (no. 17 - 18) is divided into two main areas - the Virtual Print Factory (VPF) and the main booths of the PrintCity partners. As one of the biggest pre-press vendors at the show, Agfa will occupy an overall floor space of 1133m2, comprising its main booth (no.17 - 241) and a portion of the VPF. Agfa will also co-exhibit with a number of its dealers in the prepress and publishing hall (no. 4).

The Virtual Print Factory

In the Virtual Print Factory area, Agfa will operate a number of CTP engines that will be used to produce plates for PrintCity-specifically printed material. Equipment will include a fully-optioned Agfa Palladio, the newly-released 4-up (B2) flatbed platesetter. It will be paired with an AgfaJet Sherpa 24 4-up contract proofing system. Agfa will also showcase its new Xcalibur X45 semi-automatic platesetter connected to a TP105 processor and Sherpa 43l proofer. Other Agfa CtP engines in the VPF include a fully automated Galileo VXT (with L-bridge) linked to a Sherpamatic proofer as well as an APS 3850 (from the newly-acquired Autologic product portfolio) paired with an LP82 Ultra processor (without punch). All the CtP engines will use the Apogee front end.


The Palladio

Print Solutions Centres

Within Agfa’s main booth area, they will operate two separate “Solutions Centres”. The CtP Commercial Printing Solution Centre will include a VLF Xcalibur platesetter (including the new automation for plate loading) and Autolith TP150 plate processor and one of the new 1440x1440 dpi resolution GrandSherpa 64 proofing systems. Also on show will be an automated Galileo VS 8-up platesetter, a fully-optioned Palladio (with Lithostar LP82 processor), and a semi-automatic Xcalibur X45 (full option with L-bridge). Every engine will use an Apogee Front end. Two mini-theatres will showcase the new Apogee X workflow and Delano web-based job tracking and communication system for managing print related projects.
A separate Solution Centre will cover digital proofing, computer-to-film (including consumables), newspapers, packaging, poster printing, scanning, and APS (Agfa Professional


Plate setter

Support services.
The digital proofing area will be equipped with two Sherpamatics, a Sherpa 2I, GrandSherpa 50, Sherpa 43I and a Sherpa 24. The proofing area will also include a large viewing booth.
Demonstration workstations will be set up for AgfaJet Sherpa QMS (quality control software), ColorTune and the new Dot-for-Dot proofing.
Newspaper solutions include a Polaris II Violet platesetter, with LP82 processor and APS punch + front end. A Phoenix imagesetter and AgfaLine processor are part of the Computer-to-Film and Packaging Solutions. Other highlights include a GrandSherpa 64 for poster printing, APS workstations with network hub and Apogee server, consumables and scanner displays and a consumer area with a digital mini lab. Two further mini-theatres will feature digital proofing solutions and 4-up CtP solutions.

Other Stand Features

Another area of the Agfa booth has been set aside with several meeting rooms and demonstration areas (set up specifically for in-depth Apogee, Newspaper and Packaging demonstrations). The area will also contain a VIP lounge where Agfa’s Australian and New Zealand customers will be welcomed. A number of local Agfa staff will be on hand at the show, including Graphic Systems Oceania General Manager, John Shore, Marketing Manager, Garry Muratore and Business Managers from Australia, Chris Gander and New Zealand, Tere Williams.
The aisle through the main booth area will feature a gallery of panels and plasma screens displaying a series of static and live images highlighting the ‘realism’ of data and images produced with Agfa’s Apogee/digital proofing/output devices.
Summary of Agfa’s New Products at IPEX:
  • Xcalibur 45 8-up CtP external drum platesetter Apogee X at entry level and Series 3 workflow solutions Sherpamatic, Grand Sherpa, ColorTune, QMS & remote proofing systems

  • Dot-for-Dot proofing (technology demonstration)

  • Palladio platesetter, including Sublima hybrid newspaper screening technology

  • Xcalibur VLF platesetter automation Delano web-based job tracking software.


For more information contact Garry Muratore
Ph: +61-3-9279 6300 or
E-mail: garry.muratore.gm@australia.agfa.com