World Association of News Publishers


Agfa Graphics offers full computer-to-plate autonomy with new Advantage N-PL Engine

Agfa Graphics offers full computer-to-plate autonomy with new Advantage N-PL Engine

Article ID:

19825

Agfa Graphics has added a new member to its Advantage N platesetter family – the Advantage N-PL. With its ability to image up to 3,100 plates continuously at a throughput speed of up to 400 plates per hour, the newcomer takes computer-to-plate (CtP) productivity and automation to the next level.

Mortsel, Belgium, April 25, 2016 – Continuous plate production is made possible by the integrated pallet load module of the Advantage N-PL. This module supports two different plate formats – single plates and panorama plates – and allows printers to have both online simultaneously. The printer either loads two stacks of 1,500 single plates or one stack of 1,500 panorama plates. In addition, an extra 100 plates can be loaded on top.

Advantage N-PL pallet loading happens in daylight.

“The pallet load mechanism is quite simple. When the CtP engine has used up its first stack of plates, it automatically puts the second stack in place to continue plate production”, says Emiel Sweevers, Marketing Manager for Newspaper Engines, Agfa Graphics. “Thanks to this continuous production, we can avoid inconvenient plate leftovers. Moreover, the Advantage N-PL autonomy of more than 3,000 plates significantly reduces the number of necessary production stops and averts manual plate-loading errors such as badly stacked plates.”

White light loading
The pallet load module also enables printers to load new plates under white light circumstances, without interrupting the production process. By inserting a light protection shutter between the empty stack and the online stack, for example, new plates can be loaded through the back or the side of the machine without damaging the online ones with UV light.
   
“The plate stacks are protected by a transport harness until they are moved to the online position inside the Advantage N-PL. That, together with the light protective shutter, allows printers to load a new stack without needing yellow light conditions”, Sweevers explained. “The loading possibilities of the Advantage N-PL also add to the engine’s ability for continuous production.”
 
Pallet load bonuses
The Advantage N-PL’s working process significantly reduces packaging costs. In this way, the engine takes a sustainable and ecological approach to plate production. Another bonus is the possibility to combine the pallet load module with other Advantage N units. The module is available as an upgrade for both the Advantage N-TR HS and the Advantage N-TR VHS.

(http://www.agfagraphics.com)

Author

Michael Spinner-Just's picture

Michael Spinner-Just

Date

2016-04-26 12:10

Press releases fresh from the industry as they reach us. Read more ...

The World Printers Forum (WPF) is an organisation of newspaper printers and suppliers within WAN-IFRA. It promotes the power of print and the sustainability of print production. Read more ...

Publishers and printers around the world have come to expect WAN-IFRA to provide the most up-to-date know-how about production processes, whether it be in prepress, printing, workflow or postpress. Its range of advisory services, trainings, reports and events are unparalleled. Read more ...

WAN-IFRA offers the supplier companies a plethora of platforms to present their valuable products and services to our top-level publishing community, with top-quality exhibitions, events, webinars and workshops, publications, newsletters and more. Read more ...