Agfa to Unveil Advanced Automation Solutions at PRINTING United

At PRINTING United in Las Vegas from Sept. 10-12, 2024, Agfa will highlight its latest automation solutions for inkjet print production. The new MAX Bots for the Tauro H3300 and the autoloader for the Onset Grizzly X3 HS are designed to boost efficiency, reduce labor costs, and ensure precision in high-volume printing.

Additionally, several of Agfa’s latest inkjet printing solutions will make their North Ameri-can debut, featuring advancements in speed, quality, and versatility.

“At Agfa, we’re dedicated to offering a portfolio of powerful, innovative solutions that meet every printing need,” says Deborah Hutcheson, Agfa’s director of strategic business development for Digital Print North America. “The MAX Bots and Grizzly Autoloader exemplify how automation can transform high-volume production, reducing costs and boosting efficiency. We look forward to discussing these advancements at Printing United and demonstrating how print service providers can make our inkjet printing beasts work for them.”

Agfa’s Printing United booth will focus on the following inkjet printing solutions:

• Jeti Tauro H3300 UHS with MAX Bots – World Debut
Already known for its high-speed output of up to 9,741 ft²/h, the Tauro H3300 UHS now integrates robotic automation to further increase productivity. The MAX Bots handle substrate loading and/or unloading with up to 150 cycles per hour, enhancing productivity and reducing labor costs.

The Tauro H3300 UHS will be shown in a new 7-color configuration (CMYKLmLcLk), significantly enhancing the smoothness of light pastel colors and improving gradient transitions. This setup delivers superior print quality, particularly for industries demanding ul-tra-high quality, such as cosmetics, while also achieving additional ink savings through Ag-fa’s Thin Ink Technology.

The 7-color configuration, the MAX Bots and the MAX Flex RTR have all been recognized with Pinnacle Awards, highlighting their innovative power.

• Onset X3 HS with New Autoloader – World Debut
Agfa will show the new Autoloader for the Onset Grizzly X3 HS flatbed inkjet printer. Designed for high-volume graphics and packaging jobs, this advanced autoloader with a six-second cycle time keeps pace with the Grizzly top speed of 15,000 ft²/h (281 beds/h). It can handle up to four sheets simultaneously, with substrate thicknesses ranging from 0.1 to 50 mm.

The Grizzly runs on Agfa’s Onset 560 CMYK+W ink set, offering color strength and an extended gamut that captures even challenging shades such as Pantone 485C. This UV ink set enhances print quality with improved dot gain control, sharper edges, and more detailed image rendering. The ink’s superior quality is matched by its cost efficiency, with Agfa’s Thin Ink Layer technology reducing ink consumption by up to 22%, and a fast white ink mode increasing productivity by 40% compared to non-Agfa inks.

The new Grizzly Autoloader and the Onset 560 inks have both received Pinnacle Awards.

• Jeti Condor RTR5200 – North American Debut
The Jeti Condor RTR5200 is a roll-to-roll inkjet printer with a 205-inch wingspan, setting new standards for speed (up to 7,233 ft²/h) and image quality. It handles a variety of flexible substrates, supporting up to three rolls simultaneously.

• Jeti Bronco H3300 – North American Debut
The Jeti Bronco H3300 is an addition to Agfa’s high-end UV LED inkjet printers. With a width of 130 inches, this hybrid printer handles a variety of sign and display jobs in six colors plus white, with optional primer

• Anapurna Ciervo H3200i LED
The Anapurna Ciervo H3200i LED is being commercially released at the expo. This 6-color + white hybrid printer, with a width of 126 inches, represents the evolution of the Anapurna family, which has been a staple in the industry for more than 20 years.

All printers at the booth are driven by the latest version of Agfa’s Asanti workflow software, an all-in-one print production hub that automates the entire process, saving time and money.