Agfa Gevaert  workflow  product launch  printing - digital 
Agfa had flown in two Apogee X experts from Belgium for the show to expound the virtues of the new workflow. Agfa describes Apogee X as an enabling technology for automation. Marketing manager Gary Muratore said, "Smarter printers recognise that they nee to transition to become digital manufacturing businesses, with a digital file going in one end of their production unit and print coming out of the other." Agfa saw a high level of interest in Apogee X, indicating the way that the Australian print industry is embracing the need to think in digital concepts as against pure mechanical engineering. Apogee X is not limited to Agfa products, it can operate as the workflow in virtually any environment. Agfa was also highlighting its Sherpa proofing products and its CTP systems. On the stand was an Xcalibur 45 eight-up system, and the company was promoting its new Palladio four-up and two-up metal platesetters, both of which are visible light systems. Mr Muratore says that smaller printers are facing increasingly complex work, shorter runs and need to maximise efficiency of staff, which is why Agfa is seeing such strong interest in Palladio. No operator is needed for the fully automated system, and it will pump out 20 plates an hour.