CTP - Computer to Plate
The Murray Pioneer convert to Agfas :N92-VCF Chemistry-free plate technology
Wednesday 13. January 2010 - Agfa Graphics announced today that The Murray Pioneer located in the South Australia Riverland town of Renmark became the first newspaper in South Australia to upgrade their existing Agfa CTP system to use the NEW :N92-VCF chemistry-free plate technology.
The Murray Pioneer and sister company JC Irving have recently made the modifications required to switch their existing :Advantage Xs CTP system to run Agfa’s NEW :N92-VCF chemistry-free violet photopolymer plate. With a simple low-cost upgrade, the existing VPP68 processors have been modified to function as ‘clean-out-units’ eliminating the need for investment in new equipment. With the modifications complete, the processors now run in a closed-loop setup without the need for any plumbing or drainage for waste. The only water required is for rinsing of the rollers when the gum is renewed. This move to chemistry-free means no more developer and replenisher are required and instead, a simple wash-out gum (VCF Gum) is used.
Cost reductions are achieved by the reduction in water usage, reduced waste disposal and the purchase of just one solution, VCF Gum. Processor cleaning is now simplified by means of a rinse with fresh water.
“With :N92-VCF, the newspaper industry can now significantly reduce their costs. Beyond the savings and environmental benefits, violet chemistry free (VCF) offers a far more consistent plate by removing all the processing variables of platemaking. The :N92-VCF plates produce an exceptionally strong image contrast and there’s absolutely no on-press contamination,” said Steve Marshall, Agfa’s Newspaper Manager, Oceania.
:N92-VCF is Agfa Graphics latest addition to the range of photopolymer offset plates for the newspaper industry. Like other violet offset plates, it is sensitised for violet lasers emitting at 405nm but, instead of requiring a chemical developer for processing, :N92-VCF is Agfa Graphics first violet plate designed for chemistry-free operation. :N92-VCF testifies to Agfa Graphics unremitting commitment to the newspaper industry and this plates innovative technology is designed to provide outstanding plate performance with low cost of operation.
The Murray Pioneer is the parent company for a group which includes six newspapers, and a commercial printing company, JC Irving, of Berri. The groups’ newspaper interests include The Murray Pioneer (Riverland), The Loxton News, The River News (Waikerie), The Border Times (Northern Mallee), The Bunyip ( Gawler, Barossa & Light) and The Mid North Broadcaster.
The Murray Pioneer is published twice weekly on Tuesdays and Fridays while all other papers in the group are Wednesday publications and are all printed on the presses at Renmark