Newspaper takes advantage of new CTP system

Adelaide newspaper, the Mount Barker Courier, converts its existing Agfa Advantage CTP line to run the new N92-VCF plate from Agfa Graphics.

Following on from a number of local uptakes in the region, The Courier has converted its existing chemical processor to become a ‘clean-out unit’ eliminating the use of water altogether with no need for chemical developer or replenisher.

According to general manager of The Courier, Bruce Marston, switching over to the Agfa chemical-free solution was simple.

"The installation was completed within one day and after testing and press trials we were very comfortable in proceeding with this technology," he said.

Agfa's Oceania newspaper manager, Steve Marshall, believes that with :N92-VCF, the newspaper industry can now significantly reduce their costs. "Beyond the savings and environmental benefits, violet chemistry free (VCF) offers a far more consistent plate by removing all the processing variables of plate making," he said.

"The :N92-VCF plates produce an exceptionally strong image contrast and there's absolutely no on-press contamination. Since the introduction of Agfa N92-VCF, this plate technology is now running in live production on more than a dozen Agfa CTP devices in this region.”