Chicago, IL (Graph Expo) – October 15, 2006 (Booth #4218) – Agfa Graphics announced today that the new violet-laser addition to its :Avalon platesetter portfolio, the :Avalon LF Violet, is now available in North America.  The new :Avalon LF Violet incorporates violet technology into a state-of-the art external-drum platesetter. The new model uses a variation on Agfa’s HD imaging head found in the :Avalon thermal engines with a proprietary imaging technique to provide the high image contrast needed for high-speed violet plates.

The system uses plates such as Agfa’s :Lithostar Ultra LAP-V up to 45.7" x 32.2" in size. The :Avalon LF Violet is available in a manual plate-loading, semi-automatic configuration. A single-cassette or multi-cassette option for full automation is also available.

“Agfa’s complete line of :Avalon thermal and violet platesetters offers users the most potential in their prepress environments,” said Agfa’s Susan Wittner, director of marketing, North America. "For example, our thermal line of :Avalon CtP systems gives users the ability to run our chemistry-free :Azura plates, our low-chemistry :Amigo plates, as well as traditional thermal plates such as :P970. Our new violet systems will also be able to run our chemistry-free violet plates when they become available."

Agfa’s line of :Avalon platesetters is the most complete line available on the market today. Users can choose from a variety of platesetter sizes, up to VLF (very large format), speeds and laser types (thermal or violet). Each :Avalon uses the latest GLV II™ (Grating Light Valve™) technology from Silicon Light Machines™. The GLV II modulates the laser to generate multiple imaging beams, which can be individually controlled for accurate imaging consistency and stability. New calibration algorithms allow for smoother images and more sophisticated remote diagnostics capabilities for easier service.

About Agfa
The Agfa-Gevaert Group is one of the world’s leading imaging and information technology companies. Agfa develops, manufactures and markets analog and digital systems for the printing industry (Agfa Graphics), the healthcare sector (Agfa HealthCare) and specific industrial applications (Agfa Materials).
Agfa's headquarters are in Mortsel, Belgium. The company is present in 40 countries and has agents in another 100 countries throughout the world. The Agfa-Gevaert Group achieved a turnover of 3,308 million euro in 2005.

About Agfa Graphics
Agfa Graphics offers integrated prepress solutions to the printing industry. These solutions comprise consumables, hardware, software and services for production workflow, project and color management. Computer-to-film, computer-to-plate and digital proofing systems have earned Agfa Graphics a worldwide leadership position in the commercial and package printing and the newspaper publishing markets.

Agfa Graphics is rapidly expanding its offerings in the growing digital inkjet market. Its experience in both imaging and emulsion technology has provided the expertise required for making an assortment of high-quality UV and solvent-based inks. Joint development and manufacturing partnerships with industry leaders expand its technological reach and allow the company to develop comprehensive digital solutions for printing posters, banners, signage, displays, labels and packaging materials.

Product and company information can be found on Agfa’s home page on the World Wide Web at: www.agfa.com.