Platesetters for commercial print applications
Punch Graphix develops, manufactures and distributes UV platesetters under the basysPrint brand name. Like other CtP platesetters, they make the film development stage redundant.

What makes basysPrint platesetters unique is that they work with UV-sensitive offset plates. The basysPrint machines were the first, and until recently the only ones, to use this technology. UV technology has a market share of approximately 5%.

Printers can continue to use conventional offset plates that are still cheaper than the plates designed specifically for other CtP setters. basysPrint technology lowers the threshold for filmless printing, particularly for medium-sized firms printing relatively high volumes, for whom the cost of the plate is key. Because conventional plates are considerably cheaper than the plates used in the other imaging technologies, the more expensive initial investment for the machine can be quickly recouped with high volumes.

basysPrint platesetters are distinguished by their user-friendliness and reliability. They lay the foundation for exceptionally high-quality printing. With the Series 400, 800, 6 and 11 UV-Setters, basysPrint is primarily aiming at the commercial, packaging and book printing markets, as well as at medium-sized and large printing companies. The Series 11 is also suitable for printing large format posters, as are the Series 15 and 16.

In addition to platesetters, the range of products and services also includes system automation and specialist custom proofing and workflow solutions.

Find out more about basysPrint

Platesetters for newspaper printing
In collaboration with Agfa, Punch Graphix develops high-end products for the newspaper segment. 

Punch Graphix manufactures the platesetters and Agfa distributes the equipment worldwide under the Polaris X and ADvantage N brand names. More information on these systems can be found at www.agfa.com.

Polaris X
The first-generation Polaris was developed in 1996 by Strobbe Graphics and has since that time been continually adapted and improved. The Polaris has developed into the undisputed market leader in the top segment of the newspaper market. The latest generation, the Polaris X, processes 290 plates/hour and is distinguished by its reliability.

Advantage N
The Advantage N builds on the success of the Polaris and the Advantage. It is the ideal entry model for smaller newspaper printers. Depending on the model, it can process 75 to 220 plates/hour.

In 2001, Strobbe was one of the first CtP manufacturers to use violet lasers (visible light) in its platesetting units. The platesetters produced for Agfa all apply violet laser light sources.

A long-standing fruitful relationship
Agfa and Strobbe concluded a first exclusivity agreement back in 1996. It was then, trading under the Agfa label, that Strobbe Graphics began production of its highly successful Polaris. Agfa has since been responsible for the sales and marketing of 'Strobbe' platesetters for the CtP newspaper segment. Owing to the success of Polaris, the introduction of a new range of platesetters and the consolidation of the market, Agfa has obtained a global market share in the CtP newspaper segment of more than 50%.