Agfa Graphics has introduced its new chemistry-free direct on press Azura TE plate.
The company says that a direct on press workflow shortens time to press and reduces waste. It says that the system requires no processor, no chemistry and no water because the Azura TE plates are cleaned out on press. This lowers energy consumption and reduces maintenance.
Guy Desmet, head of prepress marketing at Agfa Graphics, says, “A direct-on-press plate is ready for use after exposing on the platesetter. On top, Azura TE shows an outstanding image contrast thanks to our patented Thermochromic Dye technology. That makes visual inspection easy and means that dot measurements or plate detection can be done with standard devices. In addition, Azura TE has an excellent daylight stability, which comes in handy if the plates cannot be mounted on the press immediately.”
Agfa claims superior performance with its new plates
Agfa says the Azura TE does not sacrifice on image quality and pressroom working conditions adding that, mounted on the press, Azura TE behaves similarly to a traditionally processed or chemistry-free plate, limiting the variables in press room operations. The plates clean out rapidly and ink acceptance is immediate, both resulting in sellable sheets after only a few copies.
Desmet adds, “A one year field test period all over the globe taught us that Azura TE is compatible with all Agfa and non-Agfa platesetters, a wide range of founts, inks and press architectures. Customers love the ease of use of Azura TE, the gain in system productivity and the quality on press.”
Azura TE is based on the same ThermoFuseTM technology as its predecessors, working with a single-layer water-based coating, containing ink-accepting latex pearls.
