With the launch of the Advantage N Essentials, Agfa Graphics now offers a series of low-cost engines “that take computer-to-plate (CtP) technology for newspaper pre-press back to its essence.” According to the degree of automation that printers need, they can choose between the semi-automatic Advantage N-eSA or the fully automated Advantage N-eTR.
The Advantage N Essentials platform is built on the philosophy of Advantage N, but is a more basic series of CtP engines for newspaper applications. As such, it completes the Advantage N Platesetter family by offering newspaper printers a more affordable option. Although the series takes a more basic approach to CtP, it still provides printers with the same user-friendliness, reliability, and high-end results that they’ve come to associate with Agfa Graphics.
The new Advantage N Essentials series supports several plate-loading mechanisms, various plate throughput speeds and different levels of autonomy. Printers can choose several optional features such as mirrored registration or a display – to adjust the CtP engine to their particular needs. By making a platesetter series that focuses on the essence of CtP, newspaper printers have more ease of use and minimized operating levels – without reducing the range of choices. Extra features can be added at any time.
Advantage Essentials contains a new, vertical imaging head and comes in two different throughput speeds (50 or 100 pph). The Advantage N-eSA offers “the most cost-effective solution whenever limited levels of automation suffice,” said the OEM. Both plate loading and positioning are done manually, yet plate processing is an autonomous mechanism. The Advantage N-eTR, for example, offers printers full automation. It automatically loads plates from an internal, transportable cassette that can hold up to 500 plates.
