IPCO STEEL BELTS POWER AGFA’S ‘GAME CHANGER’

Agfa is a global leader in imaging technology and IT solutions with over 150 years of expertise. The company has incorporated an IPCO stainless steel conveyor belt with a vacuum system. This belt ensures precise sheet positioning at speeds of up to 150m/min. The SpeedSet 1060 inkjet press has become the fastest digital-packaging press available. The press is capable of printing 11,000 B1 sheets/hr with quality similar to offset.

Agfa’s SpeedSet 1060 inkjet press is redefining digital-packaging printing with its groundbreaking speed and precision. A crucial factor in this innovation is IPCO’s stainless steel conveyor belt. This steel belt is a key enabler of the press’s ability to print 11,000 B1 sheets/hr. IPCO’s technology ensures exceptional stability and precise sheet positioning. It allows Agfa to push the boundaries of high-speed, high-quality digital printing. 

Agfa’s Digital Printing Solutions division is dedicated to advancing inkjet printing across multiple industries. Agfa provides high-quality inkjet printers, inks, software and services. As a result, its customers are offered best-in-class productivity, sustainability and cost efficiency.

One of the company’s latest innovations – the SpeedSet 1060 inkjet press – is set to transform the packaging-printing market. This press combines the robustness of an offset press with the flexibility of inkjet technology. It was first showcased at Agfa’s Cambridge facility. The SpeedSet 1060 demonstrated its ability to handle short-run packaging needs with unprecedented speed and efficiency.

“The press is capable of printing 11,000 B1 sheets/hr”

As digital-printing technology advances, the need for higher press speeds and enhanced print precision becomes paramount. To set a new industry standard, Agfa needed a conveyor system that could maintain stability at extremely high speeds. It also needed to ensure precise sheet positioning for consistent print quality. In addition, it was required to handle a variety of substrates, from folding cartons to micro-flute materials.

Traditional plastic belts lack the stability and vibration control required for such a high-speed application. A new approach was needed.

“Material waste is minimised through precise sheet positioning and optimised ink usage”

Agfa partnered with IPCO, to integrate a stainless steel conveyor belt into the SpeedSet 1060. This steel belt was manufactured with perforations for use with a powerful vacuum system. It ensures precise positioning of each sheet as it moves under the printheads.

IPCO steel belts offer several advantages. They are proven to generate up to six times less vibration than plastic belts, ensuring superior print accuracy. The steel belts also enable speeds of up to 150m/min without compromising print quality. The belt ensures predictable sheet positioning. This is crucial for Agfa’s high-resolution inkjet technology. In addition, stainless steel provides longevity, reducing downtime and maintenance.

“The SpeedSet 1060 inkjet press has become the fastest digital-packaging press available”

The SpeedSet 1060 inkjet press is the fastest digital-packaging press available today. This breakthrough of speed, accuracy and consistency has been made possible, in part, by IPCO’s stainless steel conveyor belt. 

Matt Brooks, Head of Packaging at Agfa, comments, “The SpeedSet is a game changer in the packaging-printing market.” He continues, “With its killer speed of 11,000 B1 sheets/hour, it is simply the fastest digital-packaging press around.” Brooks concludes, “The use of a steel belt was an important factor in achieving this ground-breaking performance.”

The SpeedSet 1060 press enables packaging converters to increase efficiency by streamlining workflows and reducing production bottlenecks. Set-up times are reduced, enabling faster transitions between print jobs and shorter lead times. Material waste is minimised through precise sheet positioning and optimised ink usage. This leads to cost savings and sustainability benefits. The SpeedSet 1060 press offers reduced per-unit costs compared to traditional offset printing. By accommodating a wide range of substrates, the SpeedSet 1060 enhances flexibility. It is ideal for diverse-packaging needs on substrates from folding cartons to micro-flute materials.

“The SpeedSet 1060 press offers reduced per-unit costs”

By partnering with IPCO, Agfa has successfully pushed the boundaries of digital-print technology. Both companies are setting a new benchmark for speed and precision in the packaging industry.