Ben Riches, pre-press operator at Precision Printing, says this plate has boosted the company's eco-credentials and improved product quality
What does the product do?
When exposed on our Acento II Platesetter it creates a press-ready plate with a clearly defined image without the use of a developer.
Why did you choose this particular product?
The Agfa Azura TS is the only plate that can be imaged and kept in daylight ready for use. The plates behave just like any normal plate, so there has been no need to make any adjustment to the press. Also, the combination of the Accento and the Azura provides us with the high volume of plates we require.
Did you look at any other similar products?
Yes. We had been working with Agfa for a few years, but we still looked at all the options. For the reasons stated above, we considered Agfa’s Azura TS ticked all the boxes.
Why did you make the purchase?
We wanted to enhance our ISO 14001 environmental programme.
What features do you particularly like about it?
Platemaking is now clean and automated.
Is there anything that you dislike?
Not really. It does everything Agfa said it would.
Is there anything that you wish it had that it doesn’t?
No. The plates are high quality and user-friendly.
How fast is it?
We have a two-, four-, five-, six- and a 10-colour press all working around the clock and providing plates for these presses is not a problem.
How reliable is it?
Extremely.
What’s the quality like?
Excellent.
How easy is it to use?
Plates are made at the click of a mouse and the press minders treat them just the same as conventional plates.
How much time or money has it saved?
It is difficult to quantify actual costs, but we have saved on the cost of chemistry and water use. Cleaning the gumming unit is done in a fraction of the time it used to take us to clean a processor.
Has it won you any new work?
Customers have noticed the improved quality we get from the machine. They are also keen to know about our environmental credentials. Our company has grown significantly over the past few years and all our suppliers have played a part in our success.
Would you say that it offers value for money?
Definitely. There are no developer costs nor developer maintenance or waste care.
Were there any difficulties experienced during the installation or after?
No.
What about the pre- and after-sale service?
Agfa were patient and put in a great deal of effort to get our business. They have not relaxed after winning it.
Who do you think the product is right for?
Printers who want to improve their environmental credentials, as well as become more efficient.
Under what circumstances would you buy another?
We will have to see what technical developments emerge, but I expect Agfa to still be a major player.
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CONCLUSION
User’s verdict
Speed 4/5
Quality 5/5
Reliability 5/5
Value for money 4/5
Supplier’s response
Mike Loose, plate product manager at Agfa Graphics, says: Precision Printing is typical of the new breed of printers who are seeking environmental accreditation, but demand of suppliers that green products do not impact on quality and performance. In turn, this steers our product strategy as manufacturers. With the extra productivity of Azura TS, Precision has been able to step up a gear while enjoying the environmental benefits of chemistry-free platemaking.
Price Dependent upon size and gauge
Contact Agfa Graphics 020 8231 4929
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