Agfa, a global leader in inkjet printing solutions, announced that it earned four prestigious Pinnacle Product Awards, presented by PRINTING United Alliance. The awards celebrate outstanding products that drive advancements in quality, capability, and productivity within the printing industry.

Agfa has a track record of excellence in inkjet solution development. Since its first submission in 2014, it has been granted no less than twenty Pinnacle Product Awards. Arnaud Calleja, Vice-President Digital Printing Solutions at Agfa, commented: “The fact that we can once again take home multiple awards reaffirms Agfa’s position as a technological frontrunner in the area of digital printing. Our inkjet solutions help printing companies worldwide expand their print application scope, increase production efficiency, and lower the cost of manufacturing. Automation and versatility are prioritized in our product development process, as is low ink consumption. These awards pay tribute to the dedication and hard work of our teams. We are extremely honored to receive this recognition.”

The Onset X3 HS is a heavy-duty page-wide flatbed inkjet printer, running on Agfa inks and driven by Agfa’s Asanti workflow software. It is capable of 24/7 printing on a wide variety of substrates at production speeds of up to 1450  m²/h (15,600 ft²/h) and features advanced automation options, from semi-automatic loading to full robotic automation. The Dual Flex is a unique, fully automatic solution that enables printers to transition seamlessly between lay table loading and dual robot automation.

Full automation is reached with the dual robots, from pickup to placement on the print bed and stacking of the prints. The dual robots also offer an optional ‘flip to print’ mode for double-sided print requirements without manual intervention. By adding automation to an Onset X printer, companies can significantly boost productivity and cost-efficiency.

Incorporating Agfa’s patented Thin Ink Layer technology, Agfa’s UV inks for the Onset printer boast proven ink reduction – up to 30% compared to non-Agfa inks. This offers print service providers significant cost savings given the high-volume output and 24/7 deployment of many Onset X printer series.

In addition, the Onset 560 inks deliver exceptional print quality. A key highlight is the expanded color gamut, particularly the ability to match popular yet challenging spot colors such as Pantone 485C, on standard matte paper in gloss mode – an achievement previously limited to solvent inkjet systems.

The inks adhere well to a variety of substrates, including materials like polypropylene and acrylics, for both indoor and outdoor applications. Their GREENGUARD Gold certification assures compliance with chemical emission limits and makes them suitable for use in areas with strict air quality regulations such as schools and healthcare facilities. The certificate underlines Agfa’s commitment to offering printing systems that are safe and environment-friendly.

Print service providers can benefit from increased flexibility with the Flex RTR system for the Jeti Tauro H3300 series. As it doesn’t need undocking when transitioning from rolls to boards or sheets – the input and output tables simply attach over the roll system – printer uptime is increased. The system was developed to match the one-pass printing mode on the Tauro H3300 UHS LED – reaching a printing speed of up to 905 m²/h (9741 ft²/h).

The module has a compact footprint and is user-friendly: a single operator can effortlessly load media with the simple push of a button. The Flex RTR can handle both single- and dual-roll printing and features an integrated camera system for accurate double-sided printing.

Agfa’s Avinci CX3200 dye-sublimation system is a best-in-class, high-performance textile printer that meets the ever-growing demand for soft signage and printed interior décor applications. At speeds of up to 250 m² (2691 ft²/h), this 3.2 m printer produces vibrant colors and deep blacks.

Printing both directly to textile and to transfer paper maximizes print service providers’ application scope, as the former is perfect for e.g. see-through flags, while the latter is ideal for super-sharp backlit prints as well as for stretchy fabrics.

The printer sports unique features for convenient single-operator use with efficient media handling and fast changeovers. The Avinci 110 inks have obtained the OEKO-TEX® ECO passport, indicating that they are free of any hazardous components and can be utilized for eco-friendly textile manufacturing.

At Printing United (Atlanta, GA, 18-20 October), Agfa will be demoing the Onset X3 HS with ¾ automation running on Agfa inks, the hybrid Jeti Tauro H3300 UHS LED with Flex RTR system and camera for double-sided printing, and the hybrid Anapurna H3200i LED in dual-roll mode. All systems are available for worldwide delivery, along with matching workflow software and inks.