The thermal negative-working and solvent-resistant plate, which also boasts minimal chemistry use, can be baked, giving a "conservative" possible run length of 500,000.

Unbaked, the plate, which joins the Azura chemistry-free plate in using the ThermoFuse technology, is capable of up to 200,000 impressions.

Mike Loose, Agfa UK plate product manager, said the Amigo would fit between the Azura and conventional plates, and appeal to UV printers "that do the occasional very long run".

He added that the plate's environmental and cost credentials, a result of its low chemicals usage, would also be an attraction.

Amigo uses a wash-out solution in the processor where the developer would normally be, with replenishment rates at around 30-50ml/sqm.

Loose said that compared to standard plates, this would allow printers "five to 10 times the usage before the printer has to change the bath".

Beta tests for the plate have been carried out in Europe and the US, but there are no UK users as yet.

Agfa Amigo factfile
- High resistance to solvents and UV inks

- Bakeable

- Low chemical usage

- Launches in new year

Impressions
- 200,000 unbaked

- 500,000 baked

Resolution and screening
- 200lpi with AM

- 240lpi with hybrid

- 25-micron dot with FM