The Xcalibur 45 (45in or 1,160mm) has been dubbed "HD-CTP" as it employs grating light valve (GLV) technology, which was originally used by Sony for use in high-definition television.

Dave Costa, worldwide marketing director for CTP equipment, said the main benefits of the patented imaging system were "high productivity and excellent image quality".

The system sends laser energy through the GLV, where it is controlled and calibrated. The GLVs micro-shutters modulate

the laser light to produce individually addressable writing beams.

Agfa claims this "swathe" of beams enables fast writing speed at a relatively low drum rotation speed (190rpm), simplifying operation and ensuring long-term reliability.

The Xcalibur 45 outputs 20 plates per hour at 2,400dpi in either manual or automatic operation. It will be available in four configurations: manual, semi-automatic, "job-level" automatic (with a removable plate cassette), and fully automatic.

"The ergonomic design, footprint [236x145cm] and layout all received a tremendous amount of attention," added Costa.

The device is currently in beta tests and is due to ship around a month after Ipex. List pricing will be available at the show. Agfa will also unveil the fourth generation of its Apogee workflow system at Ipex, ApogeeX. It is being marketed under the strap "so advanced its simple".

It features a real-time drag-and-drop interface and is PDF-, JDF- and ripped file-compliant.

The first shipments are due in September.

The pre-press supplier has also signed an OEM agreement with Artwork Systems (AS), which enables Agfa to integrate AS PowerStepper and PowerLayout into ApogeeX for packaging workflow.

Story by Lauretta Roberts