CTP - Computer to Plate
The Mount Barker Courier in the Adelaide hills switch to Agfa chemistry-free plate technology
Wednesday 12. May 2010 - One of South Australias leading country newspapers, the Mount Barker Courier, has made the transition to chemistry-free plate technology by converting its existing Agfa Advantage CTP line to run the new N92-VCF plate from Agfa Graphics.
Following on from a significant uptake of this technology in the region, The Courier has converted its existing chemical processor to become a clean-out unit eliminating the use of water altogether with no need for chemical developer or replenisher.
The Agfa chemistry-free CTP solution is yet another of its kind to be installed in Australia following a successful roll-out of the technology over the past six months. The system in use at The Courier comprises the :Advantage Xs CTP, a now-converted VPP68 processor and an :Arkitex Essentials workflow.
General Manager of The Courier, Bruce Marston, said that switching to the Agfa chem-free solution was simple.
“The installation was completed within one day and after testing and press trials we were very comfortable in proceeding with this technology” Bruce Marston said.
Agfa’s Oceania Newspaper Manager, Steve Marshall, explained that 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 plate making,” he said.
“The :N92-VCF plates produce an exceptionally strong image contrast and there’s absolutely no on-press
contamination.”
“Since the introduction of Agfa N92-VCF, this plate technology is now running in live production on more than a dozen Agfa CTP devices in this region.
The Marston family, with a strong newspaper heritage and powerful commitment to their local community, have dominated ownership of The Courier for most of its 125-year history.
The Courier has always been a leader in its field with its unheralded number of awards – both in the South Australian and National competitions – is recognition of its quality product The Courier is recognised as the benchmark of country newspapers in South Australia.