Agfa to Launch Fabric Printing System, Demonstrate Inkjet Engines at SGIA 2013

ELMWOOD PARK, NJ—October 16, 2013—SGIA 2013 attendees will be the first in the world to experience the new Ardeco fabric printing system. The Ardeco makes its global debut, flanked by several other Agfa Graphics printing systems, software, media and more, at booth #2228 at SGIA, being held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL.

Ardeco answers the growing market demand for soft signage and direct printed textile output. As a high-end printing solution for soft signage applications, the Ardeco wide-format (126 inches/3.2 meters) dye sublimation printing system comes in eight or 12 print head configurations and a factory installed inline cold-knife cutting system for producing backlit displays, flags and more.

Attendees visiting the Agfa Pitman booth will also be able to tour "The House of Asanti," named after the new automated wide-format workflow solution. Asanti Suite, making its North America debut at SGIA 2013 and based on the award-winning Apogee workflow solution, is designed for wide-format production. Asanti's workflow optimization enhances all processes, removing the disadvantages caused when having to implement a variety of different tools and options. It offers a complete automated and integrated PDF workflow, drives multiple print devices, and increases productivity for sign and display applications.

"The House of Asanti," Agfa Pitman's new "Application Zone," was built using Asanti workflow. It will feature two floors and six rooms of practical and creative designs—such as fine art, musical instruments, light fixtures, furniture, doors and more—on the walls, windows and floors, all created by Agfa Graphics printing systems and media. Attendees can interact with the House of Asanti kiosk to learn how the many different applications were created and experience how Agfa Pitman technology can help them in their own business.

"From top to bottom, we have the most robust portfolio of inkjet engines, media and software available on the market today," said Deborah Hutcheson, director of marketing, Agfa Graphics, North America. "Technology should enable creativity not hamper it. Our new software and printing technologies can assist the sign and display market in opening the door to new and unique print applications that were once more difficult and cumbersome to achieve. Thanks to these increased efficiencies, enabled by technology, sign and display makers can instead spend their precious time being creative and, ultimately, gain market share."

Several printing systems and products from Agfa Pitman will be making their first North America appearance at SGIA:

• Jeti TitanX FTR—A 122"-wide, high-resolution, production-class UV-four- or six-color plus white inkjet printing system with flat-to-roll option.
• Anapurna M3200 RTR—A 126"-wide high-quality, roll-to-roll UV six-color inkjet printer offering high-quality, flexible signage with a maximum resolution of 1440 dpi.
• Anapurna M2500—A 98"-wide hybrid, heavy duty UV seven-color (CMYK, light cyan, light magenta and double white) inkjet printer designed for rigid and roll media to increase productivity and broaden applications.
• Asanti Workflow—Automating various tasks into a sophisticated PDF-based workflow, Asanti offers sign-makers and display producers the ability to save time and lower costs by eliminating errors and eradicating the need to rework jobs. Asanti workflow is complemented by Asanti Storefront, allowing large-format printers to set up e-stores for both print and non-print products.

Other systems will be on display at the booth, including Agfa Graphics' popular Anapurna M2540 FB and the Jeti 1224 HDC FTR, as well as the Epson Surecolor S50670 and the HP L28500.

In addition, Agfa Pitman is expanding its wide-format media portfolio with introductions of new Duratex polyester-coated Canvas Banner, Duratex Rigid Backlit Film and Duratex PolyFab polyester-coated fabric. The portfolio will also be represented at SGIA with media from 3M, Neschen, Aurora, Lintec, Falcon Board, Korographics, Palram, Elmers, and Gilman Brothers.

Agfa Graphics products and services will be featured in booth #2228 at SGIA, being held October 23-25, 2013, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. For more information, visit www.sgia.org.

About Agfa
The Agfa-Gevaert Group is one of the world's leading companies in imaging and information technology. Agfa develops, manufactures and markets analog and digital systems for the printing industry (Agfa Graphics), for the healthcare sector (Agfa Healthcare), and for specific industrial applications (Agfa Materials). Agfa is headquartered in Mortsel, Belgium. The company is present in 40 countries and has agents in another 100 countries around the globe. The Agfa-Gevaert Group achieved a turnover of 3,091 million Euros in 2012.

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.

Agfa Graphics is a worldwide leader with its computer-to-plate and digital proofing systems for commercial and packaging printing and the newspaper publishing markets.

Agfa Graphics is rapidly developing its position in the new segments of industrial inkjet with comprehensive solutions for various applications such as documents, posters, banners, signage, displays, labels and packaging materials. Its experience in both imaging and emulsion technology has provided the expertise required for developing a complete assortment of high-quality inks.

About Pitman, An Agfa Company
Pitman, An Agfa Company, collaborates with world class manufacturers to provide a diverse offering of the most advanced solutions for the prepress, pressroom, wide-format, newspaper, packaging and commercial printing industries.

Pitman reinforces its customer-focused approach by providing the market with an unmatched distribution network, expert specialists, and unparalleled service excellence.

Together, Agfa Graphics and Pitman deliver integrated and complete solutions tailored to the ever-changing needs of the graphic communications industry, enabling businesses to produce powerful messages and be more profitable.

Source: Agfa.