Agfa has announced that the grating light valve (GLV) technology † already in use in Agfa’s popular Xcalibur 45 8†up thermal CTP platesetters † has now been added to the Xcalibur VLF (very large format) thermal platesetter and is now shipping. Agfa says it was the first company to apply the GLV, which was originally designed for use in highñdefinition televisions (HDTV), to the prepress and printing markets.
Agfa first introduced the printing world to the GLV when the Xcalibur 45 8†up platesetter was launched at Ipex 2002. Following the success of Xcalibur 45, Agfa decided to put the technology, from Silicon Light Machines, into its larger cousin, the Xcalibur VLF. The VLF can image plates as large as 2030mm x 1475mm.
The GLV is at the heart of a breakthrough, patented HD†CTP (high†definition computerñtoñplate) imaging system. It uses an efficient multiñbeam swath to image in a continuous exposure. Agfa says the accuracy and stability of the imaging system ensure exceptional imaging quality and reliability.
All Xcalibur VLF models, the Xcalibur VLF S (standard speed) and the Xcalibur VLF XT (high speed) are now equipped with GLV technology.
The laser source in the Xcalibur VLF is directed to the GLV, where it is carefully controlled and calibrated. The GLV’s microñshutters modulate the laser light to produce individually addressable writing beams. This swathe of beams ensures a fast writing speed at a relatively low (115rpm) drum rotational speed ñ simplifying operation and ensuring longñterm reliability.
The VLF can image plates as large as 203 x 147.5 cm (80 x 58 inches) and as small as 56.5 x 45.0 cm (22.2 x 17.7 inches). The VLF also accommodates standard Agfa workflows, as well as other workflows, using Apogee PrintDrive. Remote diagnostics are available with Odyssey, Agfa’s remote diagnostics system.
