The Avalon N4, which replaces Agfa's Acento series, is available in two versions – the Avalon N4-10E and the faster Avalon N4-10S. Both models can image plates up to 660x830mm.

Belgian-based Agfa said that the Avalon N4 was ideally suited to work with its Azura and Azura TS chemistry-free plates, which are based on its Thermofuse techology.

The term 'chemistry-free' has been called into question recently by rival manufacturer Fujifilm, which has rebranded all of its chemistry-free plates as 'low-chemistry'.

Fujifilm Europe marketing communications manager Graham Leeson argued that the term was "misleading" as, according to him, nearly all chemistry-free plates require some sort of chemistry.

However, Marc Op de Beeck, vice president of sales and marketing at Agfa Graphics, hit back at the Fujifilm-initiated debate over 'chemistry-free'.

"There are lots of discussions about the chemistry-free terminology, we know," he said. "But you should ask our customers, they really understand what chemistry-free means."

The Avalon N4-10E can image 11 4-up plates per hour, while the N4-10S, to which it can be upgraded, can image up to 21 4-up plates per hour.

The Avalon N4 series comes with an optional in-line punching system and can be extended with a range of plate loaders for maximum convenience and automation.