Agfa To Unveil Advanced Automation Solutions for Inkjet Print Production at PRINTING United

Agfa will highlight its latest automation solutions for inkjet print production at PRINTING United in Las Vegas. The new MAX Bots for the Tauro H3300 and the Autoloader for the Onset Grizzly X3 HS are designed to boost efficiency, reduce labour costs, and ensure precision in high-volume printing.

“At Agfa, we’re dedicated to offering a portfolio of powerful, innovative solutions that meet every printing need,” says Deborah Hutcheson, Agfa’s Director of Strategic Business Development for Digital Print North America. “The MAX Bots and Grizzly Autoloader exemplify how automation can transform high-volume production, reducing costs and boosting efficiency. We look forward to discussing these advancements at Printing United and demonstrating how print service providers can make our inkjet printing beasts work for them.”

Agfa’s Printing United stand will focus on the following inkjet printing solutions:

Jeti Tauro H3300 UHS with MAX Bots – World Debut

Already known for its high-speed output of up to 9,741 sqft/h, the Tauro H3300 UHS now integrates robotic automation to increase productivity further. The MAX Bots handle substrate loading and unloading with up to 150 cycles per hour, enhancing productivity and reducing labour costs. The dual-robot setup can be paired with the MAX Flex RTR module for maximum flexibility in handling both rigid and roll substrates. This combination is perfect for print service providers managing diverse substrates and applications, optimising throughput for superior ROI. The back-to-front camera on the MAX Flex RTR guarantees accurate double-sided printing.

The Tauro H3300 UHS will be shown in a new 7-colour configuration (CMYKLmLcLk), significantly enhancing the smoothness of light pastel colours and improving gradient transitions. This setup delivers superior print quality, particularly for industries demanding ultra-high quality, such as cosmetics while achieving additional ink savings through Agfa’s Thin Ink Technology.

The 7-colour configuration, the MAX Bots and the MAX Flex RTR have all been recognised with Pinnacle Awards, highlighting their innovative power.

Onset X3 HS with New Autoloader – World Debut

Agfa will show the new Autoloader for the Onset Grizzly X3 HS flatbed inkjet printer. Designed for high-volume graphics and packaging jobs, this advanced Autoloader with a six-second cycle time keeps pace with the Grizzly top speed of 15,000 sqft/h (281 beds/h). It can handle up to four sheets simultaneously, with substrate thicknesses ranging from 0.1 to 50 mm. When paired with an unloading robot, this setup enables 24/7 operation, maximising production efficiency and reducing labour costs.

The Grizzly runs on Agfa’s Onset 560 CMYK+W ink set, offering explosive colour strength and an extended gamut that captures even challenging shades such as Pantone 485C. This UV ink set enhances print quality with improved dot gain control, sharper edges, and more detailed image rendering. The ink’s superior quality is matched by its cost efficiency, with Agfa’s Thin Ink Layer technology reducing ink consumption by up to 22 per cent and a fast white ink mode increasing productivity by 40 per cent compared to non-Agfa inks.

The new Grizzly Autoloader and the Onset 560 inks have received Pinnacle Awards.

In addition to the new automation solutions, the following inkjet printers will showcased:

The Jeti Condor RTR5200 is a roll-to-roll inkjet printer with an impressive 205-inch wingspan, setting new standards for speed (up to 7,233 ft²/h) and image quality. It handles a variety of flexible substrates, supporting up to three rolls simultaneously. With field-upgradable light colours, white, and clear options, the Condor offers extensive design flexibility and multiple media handling solutions. It also features a range of automation options that streamline the printing and finishing process, enhancing efficiency.

The Jeti Bronco H3300 is a powerful addition to Agfa’s high-end UV LED inkjet printers. With a width of 130 inches, this hybrid printer handles a variety of sign and display jobs in six colours plus white, with optional primer. Its independent dual-roll printing capability and continuous board feeding system make it a productive workhorse. Initially offered with two rows of print heads, the Bronco can be field-upgraded to a four-row version, making it a future-proof investment that enhances productivity and ROI.

The Anapurna Ciervo H3200i LED is being commercially released at the expo. This 6-colour + white hybrid printer, with a width of 126 inches, represents the evolution of the Anapurna family, which has been a staple in the industry for over 20 years. The Ciervo is designed for versatility, tackling a wide range of print jobs with enhanced print quality and productivity – boasting a 70 per cent increase in speed in Production Mode compared to its predecessor. Its continuous board feeding capability allows efficient printing on up to four boards simultaneously, making it ideal for printing companies looking for agility and performance.

All printers at the stand are driven by the latest version of Agfa’s Asanti workflow software, an all-in-one print production hub that automates the entire process, saving time and money. The software’s browser-based Production Dashboard provides insights into production metrics and interfaces with MIS/ERP systems for optimised operations. 

Visitors to the Agfa stand can explore an inspiring range of inkjet print samples, as the printers will be running a variety of rigid and roll substrates, including corrugated, fabric and block-out banner materials. These samples highlight the versatility and exceptional print quality of Agfa’s printers.

Agfa’s industrial inkjet experts will also be present at the stand to discuss Agfa’s industrial printing solutions, including the SpeedSet Orca 1060 for the packaging market, the InterioJet for laminate décor paper printing, the Alussa for leather decoration, as well as Agfa’s UV- and water-based inks for dedicated industrial applications.