Depending on printing conditions Thermolite Plus is good for runs up to 100,000 impressions. It is compatible with presses such as the Heidelberg Speedmaster 74DI and the Komori Lithrone S40D (formerly Project D) and is suitable for non-alcohol printing.

Dave Costa, worldwide marketing director for CTP equipment, said the new plate was "less scratch-sensitive", which made for easier handling and greater reliability.

Costa added that the introduction of the non-ablative plate was further evidence of Agfas "commitment to processless technology" and revealed the firm was planning to introduce a new processless CTP system in the fourth quarter of 2002. Thermolite Plus is in alpha tests with selected customers and should be commercially available in Q3.

Agfa will also officially launch its Grand Sherpa poster printing system at Ipex.

The piezo-electric ink-jet printer will be available in three widths 50, 60 and 87in and comes with an Onyx PosterShop 5.6 RIP. It can print at 40m2 per hour at 360x360dpi in a 2xCMYK configuration, or at 12m2 per hour at 720x720dpi.

The Grand Sherpa can use either dye- or pigment-based inks in either 2xCMYK or CMYK plus light cyan and light magenta.

Agfa has also introduced new "advanced formula" media for the system, which are available for immediate delivery.

Contact: Agfa 020 8560 2131.

Story by Lauretta Roberts