It could handle chemistry-free plates and was aimed at printers wanting a cost-effective machine, says system sales manager at Agfa Graham Russell. Since its launch, there have been 120 installations of the machine in the UK alone.
The Acento works by punching the plates, imaging them on the drum and passing them onto a gumming unit. Here the plates are cleaned and a protective gum, to provide resistance to oxidation, is applied. The plates are then passed to a plate stacker and, because the plates are pre-punched before imaging, they can be immediately mounted on the press.
Different options
There are two versions of the machine: the Acento E and S. Both use an external drum system and are fitted with an 830nm infrared thermal laser. But while the S has 32 channels of infrared laser diodes, the E has just 16. It means the E can image 10 plates an hour, while the S can churn out 20 in the same time, although E system users can retrofit the S system laser if required. Both machines can handle plate sizes of between 324x370mm-830x660mm.
There are three plate-loading automation levels available for the Acento. Users can choose from the Acento L-300, which is able to keep 300 plates online in three cassettes, the L-100, capable of keeping 100 plates online in a single cassette, and the Acento L-50 plateloader, which keeps 50 plates online. Both the L-300 and L-100 have automated slipsheet removal.
A modified version of the machine, the Acento II, was launched in 2006. A new drum balancing system allowed the CTP system to support a wider range of small plate sizes.
Production of the Acento ceased in 2009 with the launch of the Avalon N4-10E and 10S, suitable for 4-up and 6-up B2 plate production. However, Russell says there is a big market for secondhand Acentos from printers who can’t afford to buy new.
Prices tend to depend on the type of deal being made and whether it’s a later or earlier model, adds Russell.
Agfa sells secondhand models direct and machines are also available through independent dealers. The manufacturer has 55 engineers within the UK. Service contracts are available with full warranty, workflow upgraded and care for between one and four years. Spares are available for at least seven years from the end of life of the machine.
Secondhand dealers, such as Hertfordshire-based Marlowe Graphic Services, regularly have used Acentos for sale. A refurbished machine bought direct from Agfa, with workflow, plateloader and warranty, is likely to set you back around £45,000.
SPECIFICATIONS
Speed
Acento E: 10pph
Acento S: 20pph
Min plate size 324x370mm
Max plate size 830x660mm
Resolution 2,400dpi
Plate thickness 0.15–0.3mm
Footprint 1,750x1,030mm
Weight 645kg
Price £45,000 DOC
What to look for service history, general wear and tear
