ctp solutions thermal platesetter :xcalibur 45 · ctp solutions thermal platesetter:xcalibur 45 ......

CtP solutions

Thermal platesetter

:Xcalibur 45

Combining high quality with exceptional reliability:Xcalibur 45TM is a next-generation, high-speedthermal platesetter that brings today’s commercialoffset and packaging printers the reliable flow of high-quality digital plates they need to staycompetitive. Choose the basic :Xcalibur 45 LE, the economical:Xcalibur VLF E, the efficient :Xcalibur 45 S or the high-speed :Xcalibur 45 XT. Most systems are available in "Elite" models that enable you to achieve the highest quality. With :Xcalibur 45, you get the power of HD-CTP™—High-Definition Computer-to-Plate—a break-through technology that provides ultra-high image quality and unbeatable printability.

:Xcalibur 45 LE

:Xcalibur 45 E

:Xcalibur 45 E Elite

:Xcalibur 45 S

:Xcalibur 45 S Elite

:Xcalibur 45 XT

:Xcalibur 45 XT Elite

:PlateManager

:Job Level Automation

Meeting the needs

of today’s printers

Exceptional quality:Xcalibur 45’s innovative components and state-of-the-arttechnologies combine to create a system of unequaledquality, reliability, and ease of use. The plates you imagewith :Xcalibur 45 perform great on press—with widelatitude, unequaled accuracy, and fewer remakes. So:Xcalibur 45 will get rave reviews from your toughestcustomers—your pressroom staff. And if you need thehighest possible quality, Agfa offers the :Xcalibur 45 Elite– which employs highly tuned optics designed forstochastic screening and other high-end applications.

GLV: unique, patented laser and opticsTo achieve HD-CTP, :Xcalibur 45 images plates in a newway that enables remarkable levels of accuracy. The keycomponent of the optical system is the Grating LightValve (GLV™), a patented component that enablesprecision control of laser energy. During imaging, the laser illuminates the GLV’s ribbons, which modulatethe solid-state laser diode bar to produce individuallyaddressable writing beams. The beams are automaticallycalibrated via on-board sensors to ensure optimal anduniform exposure. Plus, the imager includes automaticcontrols that magnify and focus the imaged spots.

:Xcalibur 45

Grating Light Valve (GLV™), a patented component that enables precision control of laser energy.

Grating Light Valve(GLV)

Swath ofwriting beams

Enlarged view ofGrating Light Valve

(GLV)

HD-CTP : a smarter way to image:Xcalibur 45 produces a multi-beam writing “swath”—or line—of carefully controlled, exceptionally consistentthermal energy on the imaging plane. :Xcalibur 45 canimage contiguous, flawless shapes where single-spotengines can only create dots. Adjacent spots are neveroverlapped, nor are there any voids in the images thatrequire overexposure to hide, as required by somesystems. Instead, :Xcalibur 45 creates extremely accurate,uniform images. You can see this accuracy at themicroscopic level—and on press, with exceptionalprintability and greater process latitude.

IntelliSpot: Better results on pressAgfa’s IntelliSpot™ technology combines the bestelements of Gaussian and traditional spots, creating a new hybrid spot designed for accuracy. :Xcalibur 45

The innovative spot shape of IntelliSpot allows the systemto achieve accurate imaging of contiguous shapes, withoutartificial adjustment to bring imaging areas together.:Xcalibur 45 provides a single, continuous line of carefullycontrolled IntelliSpots.

:Xcalibur 45 Elite: The right choicefor the most demanding applicationsThe precision-engineered, finely tuned imaging system of :Xcalibur 45 Elite provides the highlevel of accuracy necessary for advanced screening and the most demanding applications. You can choose Agfa’s new :Sublima™ hybrid screening technology – which combinestraditional amplitude-modulation (AM) screening and frequency-modulation (FM) screeningto achieve exceptional photographic quality. :Sublima is a simple, reliable, and cost-effectivescreening solution that enables you to meet the growing demand for higher quality – allwithout changing the way you work. And if your operation needs the highest possible quality, :Xcalibur 45 Elite also lets you use :CristalRaster™ stochastic screening for other high-endapplications, such as HiFi and HexaChrome.

images a single, continuous swath of carefullycontrolled IntelliSpots, creating a writing swathconsisting of a variable width line that is 10 micronshigh. The result? Improved printability and greaterprocess latitude on press.

Helical imaging enables seamless, controlled imaging.:Xcalibur 45’s swath of beams moves around the drum and across the plate in a patented helical writing pattern for accurate, continuous imaging that eliminates gaps or overlaps of the writingbeams. By writing to the plate with a multi-beamswath, :Xcalibur 45 can provide exceptionally fastwriting speeds at a relatively low drum rotationalspeed—simplifying operation and ensuring long-term reliability.

Placement of IntelliSpot

Contiguous IntelliSpot

IntelliSpot

The quality of :Xcalibur 45 is even more apparentunder the microscope, where you can see the accurate,sharp imaging provided by our patented imagingsystem and :IntelliSpot™ technology.

Agfa’s new :Sublima™ screening technology =Frequency-Modulation (FM) + Amplitude-Modulation (AM)

That's why we call this combination “XM” or Cross-Modulation.The result? The best of both screening technologies –

and exceptional results throughout.

Simplifying

computer-to-plate imagingHigher productivityWith :Xcalibur 45, you get more than great results everyplate. You get a computer-to-plate solution that makesit easier and faster to create high-quality plates –increasing the productivity of your operation, and the profitability of your business. Its streamlined, small-footprint design is built for fast, easy, and reliableimaging. In an era when you need to achieve maximumproductivity to stay profitable, :Xcalibur 45 comesthrough with a wide range of productivity-enhancingfeatures that speed your entire workflow.

Easy loading and unloading:Xcalibur 45’s unique external drum design enables youto easily load and unload the system. The input transportmechanism includes a patented de-skewing feature thatautomatically pre-aligns the plate as it feeds into thedrum—ensuring accurate loading and registration ofevery plate. And the output area features an optionalexit conveyor that leads directly to an on-line processor.

:Xcalibur 45

Efficient plate pre-stagingFor maximum throughput, :Xcalibur 45 allows users topre-stage a second plate in the input tray so that it willbe automatically loaded when the first plate is imagedand ejected. With :Xcalibur 45, operators will never haveto wait for the first plate to exit the drum before loadinganother plate. This approach reduces plate handlingoverhead and makes the overall system more efficient—so you can make more plates with less operatoreffort. In short, :Xcalibur 45 keeps throughput high andraises your overall productivity.

Easy, safe operation—every jobThanks to its innovative technology, :Xcalibur 45 isextremely easy to use. The operator control consoleprovides an intuitive interface with the system, enablingoperators of all levels to perform key operations. User-friendly icons lead operators through the platemakingprocess. And every element of :Xcalibur 45 is designedfor maximum safety and ease of use for all operators.

Integrated processing:Xcalibur 45 can be configured with efficient, high-quality thermal processors—including the :Autolith-TP85 and TP105. These processors can be configured off-line, or in two different on-lineplacements—directly in-line or through an L-bridge.This flexibility helps you use your existing space to itsfullest advantage by establishing a space-efficient,convenient platesetting operation.

During manual operation, :Xcalibur 45’s design letsyou pre-stage a second plate in the input tray. Oncethe first plate is imaged and ejected, the systemautomatically loads and aligns the next plate.

Getting the best results

on pressPress performanceThe results you get on press are the true measure ofyour platesetter. Agfa complements the :Xcalibur 45with high-quality thermal plates, efficient processors,and the other technologies and components necessaryfor a complete, automated prepress process.

Integrating the plate with the platesetterAgfa is the world’s leading manufacturer of digitalplates, offering the widest range of plate types andtechnologies in the world. For maximum integration,our engineering team collaborates on all aspects of ourplatesetters and plates. When you choose :Xcalibur 45,you benefit from this synergy, which results in higherquality, greater reliability, and the best possibleperformance on press.

High-quality :Thermostar plates:Thermostar-P970 is a positive-acting plate based on aninnovative thermal technology developed and patentedby Agfa. :Thermostar-P970 provides the long runs(more than 1 million impressions when baked) andextreme accuracy that you need. With :Thermostar,every job you image benefits from a high-resolutionthermal plate that makes it easy to achieve great results.

Wider process latitudeThe end result of :Xcalibur 45’s innovative features andpatented technology becomes clear on press. With:Xcalibur 45, you have more process latitude, enablingyou to create exceptional plates under a wider range ofconditions. Think of HD-CTP as advanced computer-to-plate technology for the real world—where a certainamount of process variance is inevitable.

Better printabilityYour press operators will find that :Thermostar platescreated with :Xcalibur 45 show remarkable printability—making it easier to achieve great results on press. Take a closer look at Thermostar plates created with :Xcalibur 45 and you’ll like what you see. Accurateimaging. Correct registration. And exceptional qualityacross the entire plate.

The end result of HD-CTP is excellent performance on press—enabling your printing operation to get exceptional results,

and to get more jobs done every shift.

Aluminumsubstrate Printing

layer

Thermo-sensitive layer

:Thermostar-P970 consists of an aluminum substrate for rigidity and excellent lithographic behavior,

and a unique coating that includes a thin thermosensitivelayer and a printing layer.

:Xcalibur 45

:Xcalibur 45’s easy-to-use cassette takes thework out of loading the cassette and getting thesystem ready for operation. An optional trolleymakes it even easier to transport cassettes andload them into your :Xcalibur 45—withoutheavy lifting.

:Xcalibur 45 job-level automation brings you a simple, reliable design approach to the challenges of platesetting. With it, you can create more plates with less intervention—freeing your operators to do more strategic work. Smart design keeps operation simple and easy. And should you need a quick remake, it’s easy tomanually feed a new plate through the system—giving you the flexibility to respondto every situation.

A choice of automation levels:Xcalibur 45 enables you to choose manual, semi-automatic, or two fully automatic configurations.Manual loading taps the system’s ability to pre-stageplates. The semiautomatic approach configures manualinput with an on-line :Autolith-TP processor, reducingplate handling. Job-level automation offers an extendedperiod of unattended operation. Or a fully-automatedsystem with a :PlateManager includes a choice ofautomation levels that let you keep 500 plates online.

Choosing the level of

automation you need

Innovative job-level automationAgfa is a pioneer and leader in computer-to-plateautomation. Our advanced automation solutions helpcommercial, packaging, and newspaper printers aroundthe world create plates with less operator involvement,and enable unattended operation. With :Xcalibur 45,you can choose the level of automation that best matchesyour operation’s throughput requirements today, andupgrade easily in the future.

An elegant solution for automationJob-level automation is a popular option for :Xcalibur 45,providing new levels of convenience in a simple, cost-effective, small-footprint solution. A removablecassette lets you keep up to 50 plates (or 25 0.3mm/12 mil plates) online and ready to image. The cassette is easy to load and carefully integrated into the system,ensuring a steady flow of plates to the engine. Since thecassette is removable, you can keep multiple cassettesloaded with the different plate types and formats you need.

Removable cassettes:Xcalibur 45’s job-level automation solution lets you remove the cassette for easy handling when youhave multiple plate sizes. This approach makes plate

loading easier, and lets you keep a second cassette (or more) pre-loaded and ready to use. Because :Xcalibur45 is a thermal computer to- plate solution, high-qualitythermal plates can be handled and loaded in convenientdaylight conditions. And since the automation isdesigned into the top of the engine, no additionalfloorspace is required.

Quick remakes:Xcalibur 45 job-level automation does not precludemanual plate loading. If necessary, you can manuallyinsert a plate of any size for a fast remake or a rush job.With :Xcalibur 45 job-level automation, you canrespond quickly to changing conditions and priorities—ensuring that your presses will operate at maximumefficiency.

"You can manually insert a plate of any size for a fast remake or a rush job."

Bringing full automation

to your operation

The :Xcalibur 45 PlateManager is designed to make full automation as simple and reliable as possible –bringing powerful benefits to your pressroom and your entire organization. It keeps your plateproduction moving as fast as possible, while freeing up key personnel to do more strategic work. With :Xcalibur 45 PlateManager, you can streamlineyour platemaking operation and ensure that it can meet your changing needs – every job, every shift, for years to come.

A complete automation solutionThe :Xcalibur 45 PlateManager simplifies andaccelerates the entire process of handling, loading,exposing, and processing plates. It builds on Agfa’sunequalled expertise in computer-to-plate automation,and features proven technology – as well as newinnovations designed specifically for the :Xcalibur 45.By adding the :PlateManager, you ensure that your:Xcalibur 45 system can operate at its full rated engine speed, creating plates as quickly as possible. Full automation means more than faster plateproduction. The flexible, smart design of the:PlateManager recognizes the real-world needs of printing operation – such as quick remakes andchanging job priorities. The :PlateManager keeps your workflow efficient under all conditions.

:Xcalibur 45 PlateManager

An attractive, small-footprint designAt first glance, the most noticeable aspect of the:Xcalibur 45 PlateManager is its small size and attractivedesign. Careful engineering provides a complete plateautomation solution that takes up significantly less roomthan some other comparable systems. The :Xcalibur 45PlateManager integrates seamlessly with the :Xcalibur 45engine and your plate processor, creating a completelyautomated platemaking solution. Attention to detailand smart, modern styling create a system that canserve as the showpiece of your prepress operation. It’s a solution that looks great, operates reliably, and enables you to raise profitability.

Intelligent, multi-stage pipelineInside the :PlateManager, an extremely efficient plateproduction pipeline keeps plates moving quickly fromstaging to exposure to development, with multipleplates moving through the process simultaneously.Plates move along special rollers – without evertouching the emulsion. This efficient pipeline isdesigned to maximize production at every stage, saving crucial seconds that can add up to hours and days of increased productivity.

Innovative removable cassettesThe :PlateManager features an innovative four-cassettedesign that gives you the flexibility to keep multipleplate types online at all times. Or you can keep multiplesupplies of the same plate online – including more than 250 12-mil (0.3 mm) plates or 500 6 mil (0.15mm)plates. All cassettes are the same size, and encoded for precise tracking. Plates are stored with the emulsionside down for protection. With the :PlateManager’sremovable cassettes, you can even load and keepadditional cassettes available offline. No matter howyou use them, the :PlateManager’s removable cassettesadd up to greater flexibility and efficiency.

Reloading is easy with :PlateManager’s cassettes. A special track allows you to pull out a cassette andreload it quickly and easily. Cassettes can be loaded orre-loaded without stopping the platesetter – ensuringuninterrupted operation. An optional trolley lets youtransport cassettes and load them offline.

Enabling a “virtual cassette”If you load multiple cassettes of the same plate type, the :Xcalilbur 45 PlateManager senses when onecassette is empty and automatically takes plates fromthe next cassette – while informing the operator that the first cassette needs reloading. This approach creates a “virtual cassette” that never runs out – keeping plate production efficient and continuous.

Fast, easy remakesThe :PlateManager makes it easy to complete the fast remakes that keep your presses operatingefficiently. You can break into the middle of a job for a remake. Then you can either insert the plate youneed manually, or dispense it automatically from the:PlateManager. This flexibility recognizes the changingpriorities of any printing operation.

An option for manual loadingThe :Xcalibur 45 PlateManager is designed for reliableoperation, shift after shift, year after year. Should the:PlateManager need to go offline, you can continue to feed plates manually into the :Xcalibur 45 – ensuringcontinuous operation. Manual loading also enables fast remakes, or lets you load unusual plate formats.With :Xcalibur 45 and the :PlateManager, you can beconfident that you will have a steady flow of plates to the press under all conditions.

Automatic slipsheet removal:PlateManager automatically removes sliphseets and deposits them into a special wire retaining basket,which holds more than a hundred slipsheets. You can reuse them to protect plates during transport,or recycle them.

The :Xcalibur 45 PlateManager makes it easy to achieve fully automated plate production. It complements your :Xcalibur 45 system with a full range of smart automation features, plus the reliable operation you need. And the entire system – platesetter, processor, and the :PlateManager – is extremely compact, saving space as well as time.



Maximum plate size 1130 X 820 ( 44.5 x 32.29”)Cassette capacity up to 50 plates (0.4 mm)

Minimum plate size 450 x 290 (17.7” X 11.4”)Cassette capacity up to 133 Plates (0.15mm)

Maximum cassettes • holds up to four cassettes at one time• manages up to 16 cassettes

Number of plates Gauge # Plates 4 cass.online: ________________ _________ _______

0.15 mm (6 mil) 133 5320.20 mm (8 mil) 100 4000.30 mm (12 mil) 66 2640.40 mm (16 mil) 50 200

Throughput High throughput keeps the Xcalibur 45 running at top speed, regardless of plate size

Options •extra cassettes•Cart (trolley for transporting cassettes)

Flexible configurationWith the :PlateManager, you can also position theprocessor on the left or right of the system, dependingon the layout of your facility. In either case, the smallfootprint design lets you use your limited space asefficiently as possible.

Keeping the operator informed:Xcalibur 45 and the :PlateManager keep operatorsinformed of progress and conditions via softwareprompts displayed graphically on screen, as well asspecial alert lights on the system. So while the:Platemanager reduces the time operators spendcreating plates, it keeps them informed and aware of all conditions – letting them monitor the :PlateManagerat a glance.

The :PlateManager’s removable cassettes make it easy to keep multiple plate types online, or to keep multiple cassettes of the same plate type available. This flexible approach lets you tailor the system to meet your specific plate requirements.

:Xcalibur 45S :Xcalibur 45S Elite

830nm infrared thermal with GratingLight Valve (GLV)

450 x 250 mm (17.72 x 9.84”) processor dependent

1160 x 820 mm (45.66 x 32.29”)processor dependent

0.15 – 0.40 mm (0.006 – 0.016”)

ManualJob Level:PlateManager

:Autolith-TP85 off-line or on-line with:Universal Plate Conveyor (UPC):Autolith-TP105 on-line

1200 and 2400 dpi

:Xcalibur 45S:Agfa Balanced Screening 200 lpi:Sublima 240 lpi*

:Xcalibur 45S EliteAll above screens:Sublima 340 lpi*:CristalRaster*21 micron

20 plates/hour

www.agfa.com

Complete computer-to-plate

solutions

:Xcalibur 45 is the latest proof of Agfa’s leadership incomputer-to-plate systems and plates. Our platesetterportfolio includes our industry-leading :Galileo family of violet-laser solutions, the :Xcalibur VLF very largeformat platesetter, the :Palladio 4-up violet-laser platesetter,and our :Polaris family of platesetters for newspaperproduction. Agfa’s range of computer-to-plate solutions isunequaled—including internal and external drumsystems, high-speed flatbed systems, visible-light andthermal imaging technologies, and more. This widerange enables you to match your throughput demandswith the right platesetter, format, imaging technology,and level of automation.

:Xcalibur 45

Argentina (Paraguay and Uruguay),Tel.: +54 11 4958 5767Australia, Tel.: +61 3 9279 6300Austria, Tel.: +43 1 89112 3290Belgium, Tel.: +32 3 450 9866Belgium Direct Export, Tel.: +32 3 444 7120Brasil, Tel.: +55 11 5188 6444Canada, Tel.: +1 416 241 1110 4053or 877 753 2431 toll free

Caribbean and Central America,Tel.: +305 2135311Chile (Bolivia, Peru),Tel.: +56 2 360 7600China, Hong Kong, Tel.: +852 2555 9421Colombia (Ecuador),Tel.: +57 1 425 2790Czech Republic, Tel.: +420 2 6610 1623Denmark, Tel.: +45 4326 6766

Finland, Tel.: +358 8878 319France, Tel.: +33 1 4732 6905Germany, Tel.: +49 221 5717 0Greece, Tel.: +30 1 570 6500Hungary, Tel.: +36 1 212 1540Ireland, Tel.: +353 1 450 6733Italy, Tel.: +39 02 3074 220Japan, Tel.: +81 3 5704 3140Korea, Tel.: +82 2 2262 4200Luxembourg, Tel.: +352 442 0441

Malaysia, Tel.: +603-7953 5800Mexico, Tel.: +52 55 52 767600Netherlands, Tel.: +31 70 413 1211New Zealand, Tel.: +64 9 443 5500Norway, Tel.: +47 67 06 88 00Poland, Tel.: +48 22 572 3940Portugal, Tel.: +351 21 414 6700Singapore, Tel.: +65-6214 0110South Africa, Tel.: +27 11 921 5911Spain, Tel.: +34 93 476 7600

Sweden, Tel.: +46 8 793 0100Switzerland, Tel.: +41 1 823 7111Taiwan, Tel.: +886 2 2516 8899UK, Tel.: +44 20 8231 4929USA, Tel.: 800 227 2780 toll freeVenezuela, Tel.: +58 2 12 263 6344

© Copyright 2003 by Agfa Corporation. All rights reserved. Printed in Belgium.AGFA, the Agfa rhombus, Xcalibur, Intellispot, Sublima, CristalRaster,Thermostar, Galileo, GLV, Palladio and Polaris are registered trademarks of Agfa-Gevaert N.V. Autolith is a trademark of Dupont de Nemours andcompany. All other brand and product names may be service marks, trademarks,or registered trademarks of their respective owners. All product specifications are subject to change without notice. Appearance ofequipment ordered may differ from that equipment shown in photographs.

NF1ZS UK 200309

Imaging system

Minimum plate size

Maximum plate size

Plate thickness

Plate Loading

Processor

Resolutions

Screening Technology

*optional screening

Plates per hourat 2400 dpi(1030 x 800 mm plate/ 40.5 x 31.5")

:Xcalibur 45LE


450 x 250 mm(17.72 x 9.84”)processor dependent


0.15 – 0.40 mm (0.006 – 0.016”)

ManualJob Level


1200 and 2400 dpi

:Xcalibur 45LE:Agfa Balanced Screening 200 lpi:Sublima 240 lpi*

10 plates/hour

:Xcalibur 45E:Xcalibur 45E Elite




0.15 – 0.40 mm (0.006 – 0.016”)



1200 and 2400 dpi

:Xcalibur 45E:Agfa Balanced Screening 200 lpi:Sublima 240 lpi*

:Xcalibur 45E EliteAll above screens :Sublima 340 lpi*:CristalRaster*21 micron

15 plates/hour

:Xcalibur 45XT :Xcalibur 45XT Elite




0.15 – 0.40 mm (0.006 – 0.016”)



1200 and 2400 dpi

:Xcalibur 45 XT:Agfa Balanced Screening 200 lpi:Sublima 240 lpi*

:Xcalibur 45 XT EliteAll above screens :Sublima 340 lpi*:CristalRaster*21 micron

25 plates/hour(may vary by screen type)

(*) With Thermostar plates. Throughput may vary based on plate type.

92“ (234 cm) 57“ (145 cm)

53“ (1

35 cm

)

32“

(81 c

m)

ctp solutions thermal platesetter :xcalibur 45 · ctp solutions thermal platesetter:xcalibur 45 ......

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