"Printing companies will be able to merge all their digital business, be it CTP, direct digital printing or large-format ink-jet," said Agfa Graphic Systems vice president of worldwide marketing Richard Barham.

The co-operation with HP was part of a range of enhancements to the ApogeeX family. The firm also launched a new B1 and VLF platesetter line, Avalon (pictured), a replacement for the Xcalibur range.

Updated lasers, optics and a new GLV head are among the developments, which also include optimising the machine to expose Agfa's processless Azura plate and to render Sublima screening.

The B1 Avalon LF is available in a range of speeds ranging from the 10 plate per hour LE to the 40 plate per hour XXT. The mid-speed XT is capable of producing 23 of the processless Azura plates per hour.

The VLF Avalon is available in eight sizes including the new 83 size, which can accommodate plates for the KBA 205. The first firm to get an Agfa machine in this format was Capital Print & Display in east London. The VLF range is available in four speeds producing up to 23 single plates per hour. It also has the ability to simultaneously expose two smaller plates.

Hybrid workflows capable of driving digital and offset production are a growing trend. Kodak also unveiled its Unified Workflow at the show joining Xerox's FreeFlow, which was launched last Drupa.

HP also added other workflows to the range that can drive the Indigo presses including OneVision Speedflow and Artwork Systems Odystar.

The firm also unveiled an arrangement to sell Seiko I Infotech (SII) low-solvent wide-format printers. The SII products, which are based on piezo ink-jet technology, bridge the gap between its thermal DesignJet range and the super-wide production machines from recent acquisition Scitex Vision.

Story by Barney Cox