Agfa’s recent showcase of its new printing machines at the Agfa stand was a testament to the company’s technical prowess and strategic vision. The introduction of two flagship models—the Jeti Tauro H3300 XUHS and the Onset Panthera FB3216—highlighted Agfa’s commitment to speed, efficiency, and sustainability in the digital printing industry. These machines, along with other innovations, demonstrate Agfa’s ability to meet customer demands for faster production, reduced energy consumption, and seamless automation.
Jeti Tauro H3300 XUHS: Speed and Versatility
The Jeti Tauro H3300 XUHS is the largest and most powerful model in the Tauro series, designed for high-speed production with a maximum output of 1,280 m² per hour. This is achieved through a 12-row print-head carriage and UV-LED curing, which reduces energy consumption by approximately 60% compared to traditional mercury-lamp systems. The machine’s automation capabilities are a standout feature, with the MAX Flex roll-to-roll module allowing operators to switch between rigid boards and 3.3-meter rolls without stopping production. Additionally, dual MAX Bots can handle up to 150 load cycles per hour, ensuring continuous media flow across multiple shifts. The Jeti Tauro H3300 XUHS also offers advanced features like primer, varnish, and extended-vacuum modes, making it suitable for corrugated and specialty substrates.
Onset Panthera FB3216: Precision and Automation
The Onset Panthera FB3216 is a true-flatbed printer designed for high-precision applications. With a 3.22 × 1.6-meter table and a top throughput of 1,514 m² per hour, it is a powerhouse in the flatbed niche. LED curing ensures high-gloss finishes and expands the range of heat-sensitive media that can be used. The bed-wide print bar eliminates bi-directional artifacts in a single pass, ensuring consistent print quality. The Onset Panthera FB3216 also offers a range of automation options, including loaders, lay-tables, and robots, enabling everything from manual one-off jobs to fully automated, double-sided printing with 1 mm registration accuracy. The machine’s capabilities were so impressive that two Italian buyers reportedly competed for the first production slot.
Strategic Coherence and Customer Focus
Agfa’s strategy goes beyond raw speed and technical specifications. The company emphasizes a holistic approach, integrating press, inks, workflow, and service into a single, coordinated package. This ensures that every aspect of the printing process runs smoothly and efficiently. Mike Horsten, Global Marketing Manager for Digital Printing Solutions & Chemicals, noted that customers increasingly demand faster production with lower energy consumption and a single point of responsibility. Agfa’s approach addresses these needs by providing a comprehensive solution that is both high-performing and sustainable.
Sustainability and Efficiency
Sustainability is a key focus for Agfa, as evidenced by the integration of Asanti 7, the company’s workflow software, into every live demo. Asanti 7 uses intelligent nesting to minimize off-cuts and includes a sustainability tracker that calculates the CO₂ footprint of every job. This tracker is integrated with Dataline’s MultiPress MIS/ERP system, providing customers with valuable insights into their environmental impact. Additionally, Thin-Ink-Layer algorithms further reduce ink consumption, contributing to both cost savings and sustainability.
Other Highlights from the Agfa Stand
Agfa’s stand also featured other notable innovations, including:
- Anapurna Ciervo H2050 and H2500: These models celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Anapurna family, offering output speeds of 133 m²/hr and 169 m²/hr, respectively.
- SpeedSet Orca 1060: This machine produces up to 11,000 B1 sheets per hour using water-based inks, making it ideal for folding-carton and micro-flute applications.
Future Developments
While Agfa remains tight-lipped about specific future plans, Horsten hinted at exciting developments on the horizon. The company plans to introduce two more devices before the end of the year and further integrate its single-pass technology into packaging applications. The overarching goal is to expand Agfa’s product range while maintaining a focus on speed, efficiency, and sustainability.
Conclusion
Agfa’s latest innovations underscore its position as a leader in the digital printing industry. The Jeti Tauro H3300 XUHS and Onset Panthera FB3216 exemplify the company’s ability to combine speed, precision, and sustainability in a single package. With a focus on automation, energy efficiency, and customer-centric solutions, Agfa is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of the printing industry. As the company continues to innovate and expand its product offerings, it remains committed to delivering high-performance solutions that keep production swift, lean, and environmentally responsible.
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