Quicker, more efficient cleaning systems may be just a phone call away.

Every printer has some type of clean up procedure for its anilox rolls. No matter how simple or complex, whether daily or only when a problem occurs, everyone is always looking for a better way to save time and reduce the risk of damaging an expensive roll.

By working with your cleaning supplier you can develop a diagnostic approach to specific problems. I like to use the analogy of a doctor-patient relationship. A doctor will determine the symptoms of a problem by conducting tests and asking pertinent questions in order to provide the proper medication or treatment to cure the ailment. By following this approach, your supplier can survey each individual application and offer an effective cleaning solution for your anilox rolls.

An example of such a diagnostic approach for cleaning was conducted at a bag plant in Louisville, KY. The company had the reputation of being involved and understanding the importance of a clean and well-maintained anilox roll. Their method of changing and cleaning anilox rolls consisted of using a crane system to pull out dirty rolls, which were then sent a soda blaster and replaced on press with backup rolls. Effectively, the press downtime spent to clean each roll was equal to the time spent using the crane. Once off press, the rolls were wiped down with a liquid solution before being soda blasted. I would highly recommend this practice, as it reduces the amount of necessary soda blasting and helps preserve the life of the ceramic coating on the anilox roll.

The only problem in the system lied in the solutions being used to wipe down the aniloxes: specifically hazardous materials such as isopropyl alcohol, Mek and acetate. Unfortunately, the person who implemented the cleaning system at this particular plant was not aware that there are non-hazardous liquid solutions that clean and perform the same way as many of the above cleaners. After consultation, we were able to provide safe solutions, not only for pre-cleaning of aniloxes, but also for cleaning photopolymer plates and ink spots on the press and floor.

Another example of better cleaning solutions through communication can be found at the very same plant. The customer also had two presses where the anilox roll was difficult to reach, providing only limited working space for the operator. By listening to his needs, we were able to provide him with an on-press cleaner that effectively cleaned 94 percent of his cell volume.

Unfortunately, not all printers have the luxury of a crane system for rotating their heavy anilox rolls. However, by taking a diagnostic approach and understanding your individual capabilities, your cleaning supplier will be able to provide an effective cleaning method, in many cases, one that will allow the maintenance to be performed right on press. In many cases, effective cleaning can be accomplished using a simple liquid solution and an anilox brush.

The value of a clean, well-maintained anilox, and its effect on print quality cannot be understated. It is important to have a cleaning supplier that understands the many variables that exist in flexo printing and how they interact with each other. By conducting a diagnostic examination of these variables, your supplier will be able to recommend the best cleaning agent for your particular needs, and thus maximize your print performance.

For more information on this product, please contact: info@teamflexo.com

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