Prepress

Complete Agfa prepress for Metaprint in Heerenveen, Netherlands

Thursday 17. June 2021 - The core of the investment is a thermal VLF (Very Large Format) computer-to-plate engine from Agfas Avalon N range. This platesetter can handle printing plates up to 2900 x 1350 mm and achieve a maximum throughput speed of 70 B1 plates per hour.

Metaprint’s parent company in Estonia has previously worked closely with Agfa. Patrick Jansen, managing director Metaprint Netherlands explains: “In Estonia, Agfa had already proven to be a reliable partner, who, like us, considers ecology to be of paramount importance. It was therefore a logical step to consult them for the expansion of our production in the Netherlands.”
At Metaprint, the Avalon N is fed by a skid loader. The Avalon N VLF range is available in different levels of automation for commercial and packaging printers.
Ecological printing plate production
An Arkana 125 processor with Energy Elite Eco printing plates provides time-saving plate processing with minimal consumption of chemicals. Thanks to Agfa’s patented gum cascade system, in which the gum both cleans the plate and protects it with a finishing layer, the Arkana no longer needs water to rinse the plate.
Ronald Koenen, key account manager at Agfa: “The Arkana produces up to 50% less waste compared to other systems on the market. In addition, its long bath life significantly reduces maintenance frequency, while the clean chemistry used in the system reduces maintenance time. Arkana makes a perfect combination with the Energy Elite Eco printing plate.”
Jansen explains: “Ecology is very important to Metaprint We are ISO14001 certified and are constantly looking for the latest ecological solutions throughout the entire packaging production chain that have the smallest possible environmental impact. We do this because we are convinced that sustainable business pays off, and also because our customers attach importance to it. As our partner for prepress, Agfa can optimally support our strategy in the field of sustainability.”
“We are convinced that sustainable business pays off. As our partner for prepress, Agfa can optimally support our strategy in the field of sustainability.” Patrick Jansen,managing director Metaprint
Integrated workflow
Metaprint also chose Agfa’s integrated workflow solution Apogee for this investment. “With Apogee, Metaprint manages every phase of the production process from a single user interface,” says Koenen. “Even jobs that consist of several parts are easily processed. The latest version offers new tools, improved performance and a unique cloud-based solution.”