Agfa Launches Drupa 2000 with Multiple CTP Systems - Expanding Product Leadership

At Drupa 2000, Agfa launched a series of new graphic arts products (including equipment and materials) to meet the needs of customers in different businesses, applications and scales. Among them, the new generation of CTP solutions promoted by the company will span all imaging technologies, formats, speeds, print volumes, and quality.

Among all the key products, the two gamma-plate makers, the disposable heat-sensitive and violet-diode (Violet-diode), are the most impressive. They also include special large format platesetters, digital plates, and digital copying systems.

Computer-to-plate scheme

Agfa Galileo Talant
Rinsing-free platemaking system

Agfa's entry into the violet laser light-sensitive system, high-speed thermal imaging system, and ablative thermal system (Thermal-ablative) represents a great technological leap forward. The user can choose the appropriate computer direct plate making scheme according to his own needs.

New models of computer-to-plate systems and supporting plates include:

Galileo Talant is a groundbreaking, no-rinse, computer-to-plate system that uses a streamlined, no-rinse, thermal plate-making process. Talant incorporates thermal ablation technology and Galileo's reliable open-face drum design to eliminate delays and imaging problems caused by rinsing, enabling printers to achieve full-dry plate-making operations. The system uses Agfa's latest Mistral media imaging, the first high-resolution, high-volume, truly free-rinsing plate on the surface. It is an aluminum plate with ablative thermal technology, printing plate type Imaging and printing can be completed in a matter of minutes. It can achieve a high resolution of 300 lpi. It can print more than 400,000 pages without baking, and it is truly easy to operate in a bright room.


The Galileo Thermal S- is an internal drum thermal platemaking machine, Galileo Thermal's high-speed model, with a stronger 15W IO64nm laser and a faster rotating motor (2400o revolutions per minute). The imaging speed is 50% faster than the old model. Photographs using Agfa's Thermostar P971 media can be upgraded to Galileo Talant, a system that does not flush.

Galileo VS and Galileo VXT - Two violet laser inner drum platemaking systems with extremely high productivity. The Galileo violet laser system is based on a reliable, advanced violet laser diode (wavelength 400 nm). This shorter wavelength brings stunning imaging speeds, bringing new levels of productivity and productivity. In addition, its laser heads are extremely low in cost and have a long lifespan, making them ideal for photosensitive technology. Both models use Agfa's latest Lithostar Ultra silver version imaging. The Lithostar Ultra is the most advanced photosensitive plate with three models for different light sources to ensure the best results. Lithostar Ultra is suitable for medium and long print jobs requiring high resolution up to 300 lpi. And it is very convenient to operate under yellow security lights.

X-Caliber VLF - Ultra Large Format (VLF) Outer Drum Thermal Platesetters are reliable, high quality (200+lpi) and high productivity. A high-efficiency multi-beam solid fiber laser (830 nm) was used to image Agfa's Thermostar P970 Thermal Plate. Both systems are available in four formats: 5045"/6050"/7055"/8058".


Polaris 2OO - A plate-making machine for newspapers with two laser heads that can image two plates simultaneously. Up to 235 plates can be output per hour under the IO16dPi. In addition, Agfa also has POlaris 1OO, POlaris 1OOE, POlaris 1OOL and other models. P0aris 1OO can be used with pre-punched or back-punched media, with optional pre-installer. Polaris 1OOE is an economical, entry-level choice. The P0laris 1OOL is a system that can be completely customized for the customer. All P0laris systems can be imaged using high-quality photosensitive resin plates or silver salt digital plates.

Integrated design optimizes performance

Each of the above new systems is a comprehensive computer-to-plate system. The printing plate and the imaging system are perfectly matched to achieve the best imaging results. As the world’s leading manufacturer of digital plates, Agfa’s position is unique and enables the creation of cutting-edge digital plates to complement their direct plate systems. None of the other manufacturers can provide such perfect cooperation.

High-quality digital plate series

In addition to the above-mentioned Lithostar Ultra and Misttra. Agfa also introduced two new digital plates:

Thermolite - A short version (20,000-30,000), non-ablated, flush-free ear-tone version for imaging on a 830-nm direct platemaker. Since it is a phase-change technique based on a drug film, there is no need for evacuation or other imaging processing when sensitized.

N91 Photosensitive Digital Printing Plate - For high quality negative editions printed by newspapers, 2% -98% outlets can be made at 175 lines. Durable coating allows over 1 million prints without baking.

Workflow technology

The core part of each workflow is the Apogee Series 2 - production system based on the PDF file format. Agfa introduced Apogee Create, which allows designers to create PDF files suitable for work activities.

Computer direct film program

The Impower Plus hard-point film series - its specially developed three-layer structure improves the sharpness and stability of hard spots and offers the same advantages as high-temperature fast film cleaning.

Meridian PI5O is Agfa's new generation of traditional media designed for small and medium-sized commercial printers. It is characterized by the ability to increase productivity while ensuring quality. Meridian is the result of Agfa's commitment to combining the advantages of both Howson and Ozasol.

Digital drafting program

The Agfa Sherpa digital inkjet drafting series has added two new models: the 54-inch wide Agfajet Sherpa 54 and the 62-inch wide Agfajet Sherpa 62 large-format digital copying system for contract manuscripts. Six-color drafting capabilities and an advanced color management system ensure accurate color output. With Agfa's Apogee print driver operation, users can easily transition to a high-quality, high-volume digital workflow.

World-class professional services and support

Agfa exhibited not only efficient workflow solutions at the Drupa exhibition, but also demonstrated its outstanding technical support. Each Agfa system can be supported by professional and technical personnel. They continuously provide services and training on system integration, workflow efficiency, etc., leaving customers with no worries.