Since the introduction of its latest Anapurna wide-format flat-bed printers, Agfa’s position as a major manufacturer within the entry-level and mid-range UV-curable ink-jet market has shown significant growth, according to UK supplier B&P Graphic Systems. The current models within this keenly priced range were introduced during 2007 and, since that time, these machines have been adopted by display producers, sign-makers, screen-printers and digital bureaux throughout the country.

“The Agfa name has always been synonymous with quality products for the graphic arts industry,” states B&P’s Andrew Wilson. “Recognising that the future of wide-format printing is going to see continued growth in UV-curable ink technology, Agfa successfully made the decision to concentrate on the market segment wanting to print direct to rigid substrates as well as on flexible materials.”

The first of last year’s introductions was the well priced Anapurna M which accommodates materials up to 1.6 m in width and caters for rigid and flexible media. This machine has a maximum resolution of 720 x 1440 dpi which means it can handle photographic quality output as well as a broad range of signs and displays. A six-colour printer, it has output speeds of up to 15 square m/hour in poster mode, which is reduced to half this when photographic quality is required.

Not surprisingly, the low cost of the Agfa Anapurna M has made it an extremely popular choice amongst companies wanting to invest in UV-curable ink technology. B&P Graphic Systems says this model is proving to be particularly successful for first-time purchasers of flat-bed printers as well as by those who want to extend their range of services with high quality, durable output onto both rigid and roll-fed media.

Agfa’s Anapurna XL2 complements the Anapurna M and is a 2.5 m wide printer with a maximum resolution of 727 x 800 dpi which, again, prints direct to rigid and flexible materials. This is also a six-colour machine which is targeted at screen-printers, sign-makers and digital bureaux and is designed to output typical applications including point-of-purchase jobs and general displays. Like the more compact Anapurna M, it features borderless printing and productivity can be enhanced with its two-up dual board printing facility. Photographic quality output can be produced at 11 square m/hour but this is increased to 29 square m/hour when in poster quality mode. There’s a factory fitted option of white ink for users who require this additional facility.

For B&P Graphic Systems both these Agfa printers represent quality manufacture from a universally renowned company which has done its home-work in the wide-format display segment and has brought to market two sensibly priced options. The Anapurna machines are robust, versatile and efficient and fit perfectly into B&P’s comprehensive portfolio of products which is highly sought after by any company investing in ink-jet technology.

Wilson continues: “The Agfa Anapurna machines are proving to be extremely popular with first-time users of UV-curable inks as well as businesses who are well versed with using this technology but who want to increase their production capabilities at a modest investment level. These printers are a valuable addition to the range of solutions we offer at B&P, and clearly demonstrate Agfa’s commitment to the wide-format market.”

For further information contact Andrew Wilson at B&P Lightbrigade Group on
01932 568555, e-mail