The dedicated flatbed machine, which offers six-colour output, is also being pitched at businesses making a foray into UV wide-format technology.

The M2540 FB can print at a maximum speed of up to 42sqm an hour on a bed size of 2,540mm x 1,540mm. It can handle substrates up to 450mm thick and to a 80kg maximum weight.

Agfa has designed the new machine, which completes the Anapurna portfolio of printers, with eleven retractable register pins. The manufacturer said this feature helps accommodate both large and smaller applications such as promotional goods.

According to Agfa the latest Anapurna will appeal to sign-makers as well as firms producing packaging prototypes and goods such as drinks coasters on a range of rigid substrates.

In addition, the machine has an ink consumption of 8.1ml per square metre and offers "excellent adhesion" of UV-curable ink with fast curing, which makes the machine suitable for printing on glass, ceramics and wood.

Willy Van Dromme, director of wide format marketing at Agfa Graphics said the M2540 FB has been designed to feature "everything a user needs when working with rigid substrates".

He added: "The result is a dedicated flatbed printer with a competitive entry level price point, making it the ideal machine for companies who want to print all sizes of applications up to a maximum of 2,540mm in width, with a fast return on their investment."

Last year, Agfa launched the Anapurna M 2050 UV-curable printer and the Anapurna 2500LED at the Fespa trade show.