Hampton Printing goes chemistry free

Print Solutions GreenPrint

Bristol based Hampton Printing has invested in a completely new pre-press system from Agfa Graphics. In addition to an Avalon N8-80 XT platesetter, a new Apogee 9 workflow and a double sided large format digital printer that produces backed up proofs on uncoated and coated stock to Fogra 39L and 47L standards respectively, the company has also made the switch to chemistry free printing with Agfa's Azura TU high performance plates.

Hampton’s environmental credentials are impressive. Since being approved for ISO 14001:2004 registration in 2007, the company has made tremendous progress in reducing its impact on the environment and continues to make improvements year on year aided now with this comprehensive re-vamp of its pre-press studio. Hampton currently holds numerous ISO, FSC, PEFC and Carbon Emission accreditations.

‘With the adoption of Agfa's Azura TU plate it has been estimated that we will reduce our water usage from 24,000 litres per year to just 125 litres and replace 2400 litres of developer, which had to be collected and disposed of as chemical waste, with 400 litres of a washout gum solution. All the indications are that we will achieve these savings as we are already seeing significant benefits in these areas, not only in terms of our environmental impact, but also in reducing our costs,’ explained Chris Cooper, managing director at Hamptons.

‘We have continually invested in the latest technology across our business, including multi-format Heidelberg presses, finishing equipment and prepress systems. For some time we have wanted to move to chemistry free plate processing but we had to be sure that we could continue or improve on the quality standards that our customers require. With chemical free processing we are now confident of plate consistency of less than 1% variance over any period and this consistency is just as important as achieving the initial exacting standard. We looked at the alternative systems available but Agfa understand the complexities of our business and we know that we can trust and rely on them when required.’

Praise for the system was echoed by Nigel Davis, senior pre-press operator: ‘The gumming unit is much easier to keep clean saving us a great deal of time and Apogee 9 is proving a valuable asset as a totally continuous workflow. This is the third CTP system we have had from Agfa and each time we are amazed at the advancement in technology.’

Nigel Davis (left) and Chris Cooper.