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Workflows => Agfa Systems => Topic started by: Farabomb on April 06, 2016, 11:35:33 AM

Title: Avalon B8 24S
Post by: Farabomb on April 06, 2016, 11:35:33 AM
Has anyone had any experience with this machine? AGFA dropped a proposal on us and I asked for a used screen machine and this doesn't really look like it. I really don't want to change workflows but it might get us close to the modern age.
Title: Re: Avalon B8 24S
Post by: Ear on April 06, 2016, 11:56:07 AM
I don't know about that unit but it sure looks like a Screen.

Mine says it's a Fuji Luxel T-9000 but is really a Screen 8600.
Title: Re: Avalon B8 24S
Post by: Ear on April 06, 2016, 11:58:01 AM
Look at the new Screen Platerite Niagara. Looks pretty close that "Avalon".

(http://www.screenusa.com/images/products/PT-RNiagara_CMYK.jpg)
Title: Re: Avalon B8 24S
Post by: Farabomb on April 06, 2016, 12:08:15 PM
I was expecting a PTR with a different loading system. Now I reading the proposal and trying to figure out what all this BS means.

One thing that pisses me off, the prop is all low res, looks like shit and I can't even read the specs on some of the pages. You are a graphics company and your proposal looks like shit? That really doesn't look good.
Title: Re: Avalon B8 24S
Post by: Joe on April 06, 2016, 12:13:27 PM
Quote from: Farabomb on April 06, 2016, 12:08:15 PMI was expecting a PTR with a different loading system. Now I reading the proposal and trying to figure out what all this BS means.

One thing that pisses me off, the prop is all low res, looks like shit and I can't even read the specs on some of the pages. You are a graphics company and your proposal looks like shit? That really doesn't look good.

I wouldn't worry about that. Kodak can give you a nice glossy brochure but it will cost you a half million dollars.
Title: Re: Avalon B8 24S
Post by: Possum on April 06, 2016, 12:19:56 PM
Just download the PDF. All those glossy brochures we used to print are now online these days.
Title: Re: Avalon B8 24S
Post by: Farabomb on April 06, 2016, 12:22:25 PM
Their company logo is low res FFS.

I have to figure out if this includes a RIP and not just a TIFF catcher. If not, the price is a bit nutty.
Title: Re: Avalon B8 24S
Post by: Joe on April 06, 2016, 12:27:48 PM
Quote from: Farabomb on April 06, 2016, 12:22:25 PMI have to figure out if this includes a RIP and not just a TIFF catcher. If not, the price is a bit nutty.

Don't be surprised if it doesn't include the RIP...or the Tiff catcher!
Title: Re: Avalon B8 24S
Post by: Farabomb on April 06, 2016, 12:41:00 PM
For $80k+, it should be the whole deal.

But you know it isn't. Looking at it they have another processor included. We just got one a year ago and it's broken more in that year than the kodak and fuji ones I had combined. It eats fuses for the brushes on average one every 4 months. But it's a FREE! unit. Sure it is. And a FREE! stacker that I don't need.

Under Apogee platemaker LE there is AP platemaker LE and AP raster preview. Then ML 150 Gen 9 Server TKS apogee. I'll assume that's the TIFF catcher and only the catcher.

Title: Re: Avalon B8 24S
Post by: Joe on April 06, 2016, 12:57:17 PM
Yep that is an HP server which is probably the tiff catcher. 80K probably wouldn't even get you a demo of the Apogee workflow. They priced it to us at $160K and that was 7 years ago. I doubt if it has gotten any cheaper.
Title: Re: Avalon B8 24S
Post by: Ear on April 06, 2016, 01:24:55 PM
Yeah, 80k is entry price CTP, no workflow. Try double, and then some, for a good refurb, with loader, stacker and a decent workflow.
Title: Re: Avalon B8 24S
Post by: DCurry on April 06, 2016, 01:28:00 PM
I used to run an Avalon N8, which was a Screen device. It was very nice. We got that (new), the gummer unit (AzuraTS plates) and the Apogee workflow for around $150k about 6 or 7 years ago.
Title: Re: Avalon B8 24S
Post by: Ear on April 06, 2016, 01:32:49 PM
The Screen units are good workhorses. Thermal diodes are relatively cheap, if they do fail, and very little maintenance. I get 100+ plates per day out of my 8-up with no problems.
Title: Re: Avalon B8 24S
Post by: Farabomb on April 06, 2016, 01:48:29 PM
Exactly what I was thinking. I'm pretty sure we got the prinergy EVO for a steal back when Kodak was in deep shit. We asked AFGA to get close to Kodak's price and they laughed.

I still think even with all the discounts and drop in plate price the $80k is a bit high. I think the last used platesetter we saw was 15-20k.  It probably didn't come with a TIFF catcher but I think I can get one for under $60k.

I still have to deal with the old system and needing to upgrade all the computers in house but with the other interest the boss has I might be able to swing that.

Thanks for all the info guys.