The new machine, revealed this morning, reaches speeds of 400 plates per hour, 50 plates per hour higher than the Advantage N TR HS.

Named the Advantage N TR VHS (TR VHS stands for 'trolley load, very high speed') Agfa said the machine would allow publishers to extend editorial and advertising deadlines without sacrificing quality.

The Advantage N TR VHS features a trolley to transport plates from safelight environment to the platesetter. Operators should find it easier to load the plates in a separate safelight environment when switching to safelight conditions is not possible in the room where the CTP device is installed, the company said. 

The platesetter will also allow newspaper publishers to replace multiple, slower CTP engines with fewer, faster units. 

Emiel Sweevers, marketing manager for Newspaper Engines, Agfa Graphics. “With these new systems, Agfa Graphics again shows its commitment to the newspaper industry by offering state-of-the-art CTP technology that meets the requirements of the premium level segment in the newspaper market.

“Everyone in the industry is also looking for automation, improved production efficiency and cost savings. This is not different in the high-volume segment. We are dedicated to newspapers and can be an ideal partner for them.

“Our goal is to continue developing solutions that enable our customers to effectively meet the current market challenges head-on and win.”