At PRINTING United in Las Vegas, Agfa will highlight its latest automation solutions for inkjet print production. The new MAX Bots for the Tauro H3300 and the autoloader for the Onset Grizzly X3 HS are designed to boost efficiency, reduce labor costs, and ensure precision in high-volume printing. Additionally, several of Agfa’s latest inkjet printing solutions will make their North American debut, featuring advancements in speed, quality, and versatility.
“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.
Already known for its high-speed output of up to 9,741 ft²/h, the Tauro H3300 UHS now integrates robotic automation to further increase productivity. The MAX Bots handle substrate loading and/or unloading with up to 150 cycles per hour, enhancing productivity and reducing labor costs. For maximum flexibility in handling both rigid and roll substrates, the dual-robot setup can be paired with the MAX Flex RTR module. This combination is perfect for print service providers managing diverse substrates and applications, optimizing 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-color configuration (CMYKLmLcLk), significantly enhancing the smoothness of light pastel colors and improving gradient transitions. This setup delivers superior print quality, particularly for industries demanding ultra-high quality, such as cosmetics, while also achieving additional ink savings through Agfa’s Thin Ink Technology.
The 7-color configuration, the MAX Bots and the MAX Flex RTR have all been recognized with Pinnacle Awards, highlighting their innovative power.
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 ft²/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, maximizing production efficiency and reducing labor costs.
The Grizzly runs on Agfa’s Onset 560 CMYK+W ink set, offering explosive color 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%, and a fast white ink mode increasing productivity by 40% compared to non-Agfa inks.
