1. ING Panel Discussion –Imaging and Processing Solutions
Don Easley
Newspaper Director of Sales
September 24, 2016

2. Agfa Graphics
The global leader in newspaper solutions
1 out of 2 newspapers worldwide produced with Agfa Graphics technology
More than 3000 Agfa newspaper CtP installations since 1996
Utilizing the latest violet technology
Fast and reliable platemaking
Consistency
Lowest cost of ownership
Largest assortment of CtP plate technologies
Newspaper & Commercial
Violet and thermal
Conventional (developer-based), chemistry-free, DoP plates
Developing cleaner and cost-effective solutions that are easier to operate and maintain
We spent 50 million dollars on R&D and we expect a return on that investment. We have focused on an approach we call Eco³ where the goal is to develop cost effective solutions that are easier to operate and easy on the environment.
A recent study determined that globally 1 out of every 2 newspapers are using Agfa technology and with over 3000 CtP installations since 1996 we are doing everything we can to improve quality and lower costs for our customers.
Violet technology has long been known to provide the fastest engine output at the lowest cost of operation.
That’s not to say we only live in a violet world. We provide a large assortment of Violet and Thermal solutions to the Print community. On the plate side this includes not only conventionally chemistry developed plates but as we are discussing today Chemistry Free and DOP (Developed on Press) plates that offer a more cleaner and cost effective alternative, especially when considering operating and maintenance costs.
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3. Benefits of Chemistry-Free
Violet and thermal imaging systems are established and well accepted in the market
The processing step is the most cumbersome aspect in platemaking
Eliminating the traditional processing step in conventional plate making saves time and money
Two alternative technologies
Chemistry Free and Direct on Press
Benefits of Chemistry Free (violet and thermal)
Stable, consistent plate making
Physical imaging process
Easy to use
Eliminates chemical processing variables
Ecological and Economical
No chemistry or rinse water
Gum consumption reduced 75%
pH neutral gum
Less waste
Small footprint
Space saving COU design
…without any compromise on press !
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4. Violet Chemistry Free Plate

5. Agfa Violet Chemistry Free Solutions for Newspapers
N95-VCF violet chemistry-free plate
Long run length (up to 300K / UV compatible)
Faster roll up
Ecology: pH-neutral gum clean-out
Image Quality – 1 – 130 ABS; 180 Sublima
Productivity: highest sensitivity for maximum plate throughput – up to 400 pph
Advantage N platesetter
CtP solution for small, medium, and large newspapers
Productivity: up to 400 plates/hour
Automation: autonomy of up to 3,100 plates online
World’s best performing newspaper CtP
Attiro VHS clean-out unit
Suitable for use with the fastest CtP – Advantage N VHS
Minimal waste: gum consumption lowest in the industry (75% less than conventional processing system)
Ecology: no use of chemistry or rinse water
Convenience: bath life up to 80,000 ft² (40,000 broadsheets)

6. Agfa Thermal Chem-Free Solutions for Newspapers
Adamas - Thermal polymer chemistry free plate
Excellent image contrast
Demanding newspaper applications
High sensitivity (90mJ/cm²) for fastest thermal platemaking
Outstanding image quality
240 Sublima; 20 micron
Robust plate support runs
Up to 300K sheetfed and heatset web*
Up to 100K coldset web and 50k UV*
Non-ablative
Maximum throughput speed on newspaper thermal engines
* Depending on press conditions
Adamas clean-out unit
pH neutral gum for easy clean-out of the Adamas plate
Low volume tanks ... < 10L
Cascade sections for efficient clean-out
Finishing section for plate protection
Low gum usage … 20 ml/m2
No rinse water
Long bath life  Easy maintenance
Confidential

7. Direct on Press Newspapers and commercial
Agfa was the first manufacturer to offer a proven DOP thermal plate at 2000 drupa
Since the launch of Azura in 2004, Agfa has promoted off press clean-out
Newspapers and commercial
The industry is changing as press manufacturers and operators build experience with DOP and better understand and manage the process
Meanwhile technology keeps evolving and Agfa continues to make improvements versus its current DOP technology
In 2015 Agfa introduced Azura TE
Thermal DOP for commercial sheet fed applications

8. Azura TE - Direct on Press
Azura TE offers the benefits of DOP plus:
Outstanding image contrast
Excellent daylight stability
Up to 24 hours before and after imaging
Fast roll up
The Azura TE while uses;
No chemistry
No gum
No water
No waste to be collected
No energy for dryer
Which is just like all other DOP plates, also improvements in two other areas.
While today newspaper DOP plates offer limited image contrast and daylight resistance (1 – 2 hours)
ATE offers excellent image contrast and DL resistance up to 24 hours before and after exposure for greater convenience
Like all DOP plates a dedicated process needs to be followed.
In the case of Azura TE the start up procedure is
10 revolutions of water / fount solution softens the unexposed coating / non-image area
Followed by 5 revolutions of ink - the tack from the ink removes the unexposed coating and transfers it to the first few sheets
Start up is fast – commercial sheet fed is within 15 – 25 sheets. Web is less as much as 40% faster than other DOP plates.
DOP plates address the goal of removing the processor and chemistry from the equation but there are some points to which some attention should be paid. a a 8

9. DoP Points of Attention
DOP plates are less sensitive (not as fast) as chemistry free or conventional violet or thermal plates. This may impact the number of plates you can image at dead line. This is especially true of faster engines.
Competitive DOP plates have poor image contrast requiring extra attention to be paid to where the plate is hung.
Dedicated founts – manufacturers recommend either their own fount or a mild acid fount making it harder to evaluate other options
The Start up procedure is very critical in order to avoid toning and restart issues
DOP plates are not gummed like a conventional or chemistry free plate making them susceptible to scratching and finger printing
Press maintenance is critical – DOP plates are sensitive to potential fountain solution contamination. More frequent fount and water change over may be required.
In short if something goes wrong the cost and risk is moved out of the plate room and onto the press where costs are higher.
Throughput speed / sensitivity
Image contrast
Unique press procedure
Dedicated plate care products (e.g. founts) are strongly recommended
Different start-up procedure (extra dampening revolutions)
The on press process can not be interrupted
Clean-up must be complete before stopping the press in order to avoid toning and restart issues
Blanket and press cylinders need to be free from roller wash
No gum protection
Less latitude versus a gummed plate
Susceptible to scratching and finger printing
DOP plates may require more press maintenance
Sensitive to fount contamination caused by coating, paper dust, ink, which can change the pH and conductivity of the fount
Frequent fount and water changeover
Not suitable for UV applications (currently)

10. Chemistry-Free vs. DOP for Newspaper
Chemistry Free (Violet and Thermal)
Robust solution for newspapers
Eco friendly
no chemistry or rinse water in platemaking
pH neutral gum
Low gum consumption
Less waste
Gumming the plate protects the non image area
Less susceptible to scratching and finger printing
Fast start up / low start up waste
Clear image on the plate
For easy inspection
No need to adjust bender sensors
Conventional press behavior
No dedicated start up procedure
No threat of press contamination
Fully compatible with all standard pressroom chemistries
Lowest cost of ownership
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Clean out off press provides greater latitude and convenience

11. Conclusion Throughput speed / sensitivity Image contrast
Agfa’s offerings focus on violet systems for the reason of speed and cost efficiency without compromising quality
At this time, Agfa is convinced that a plate cleanout step for violet and thermal offers a wide range of benefits
Agfa recognizes the benefits of DOP
We are currently investigating a DOP solution for newspapers to address current DOP shortfalls
Throughput speed / sensitivity
Image contrast
Daylight resistance
Fast roll up / less start up waste
Stay Tuned!