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Agfa launches Avatar V-ZH preheat-free chemistry-free violet plate

Agfa Graphics has launched Avatar V-ZH, describing it as a chem-free violet newspaper CtP plate that doesn’t require pre-heating. As well, it boasts a “very high image contrast” after clean-out, allowing a visual image inspection to avoid mix-ups on press, Agfa explains.

Avatar Z-VH is suited for high-quality Arkitex Sublima screening. Using it with Arkitex OptiInk software, the company explains, will result in a more economical use of ink, higher colour fidelity, and improved make-ready time with less paper waste. Other features of the plate include daylight compatibility, high scratch resistance, and robustness on press (run length, dot gain, press start-up). The plate is flexible, as it can be used with either conventional or UV inks for semi-commercial or special applications.

The plates work with all violet CtP units currently in use at newspaper print sites across the world, Agfa says. During exposure, the violet-laser diode triggers the polymerization of the image area. Subsequently, the plate is gummed in the clean-out unit with a dedicated gum, which removes the soft, unexposed non-image areas in an easy and clean way. A LED bar close to the drying section takes care of the final curing of the plate.