A move to "chemistry-free" Agfa plate technology is part of a multi-year supply contract at NZME's Auckland print site.
As sole supplier, Agfa Graphics has installed two Attiro clean-out units and two Nela VCPevolution 900 optical punch benders as part of a contract for the supply of N95-VCF violet plates.
Installation of the new systems began this month with the removal of older-style chemical processors and installation of the new equipment. NZME will also move from Agfa's Arkitex Director workflow to the current Arkitex Production system during the contract.
The NZME installation will see the region's first roll-out of the cascade-based Attiro units with the high run length N95-VCF plate, which is rated for both coldset and UV applications. Agfa "chemistry-free" plates have been used in Oceania for more than five years.
Operations manager at the Ellerslie site Russell Wieck says the chemistry-free technology will offer significant savings in terms of reductions in chemistry, waste, water and maintenance, all of which contribute to a significant ROI.
Agfa business development manager Steve Marshall said the company was proud to work with NZME on the technology's introduction.
Pictured: Russell Wieck with the new clean-out and transfer units and (above) the two lines and plate stackers