"Every industrial revolution brings along a learning revolution"
Alexander De Croo, Belgian politician
The cleaning of anilox rolls is a topic for flexographic printing industry, since the transfer of inks made by the anilox to the plate which is considered by many as the heart of the flexo printing press.
When the anilox surface is engraved, the cells geometry is calculated to transfer a precise amount of ink, therefore the cleaning of the anilox rolls is vital for the correct ink transfer.
to obtain exceptional printing quality, it is necessary to preserve the quality of the cell geometry of anilox over its lifetime.
The cleaning methods
In the years several cleaning methods have been developed:
- mechanical cleaning (sodium bicarbonate blasting, high pressure water blasting, blasting in general): this is probably the most simple, unexpensive and unefficient cleaning system. The dimension of the bicarbonate granules or other materials is not capable to enter the smallest cells, and so the cleaning efficentcy is poor.
- chemical: this solution is quite efficient, but exposes the operator and the chemicals. Moreover it involves the matter of managing the waste of chemicals or their recycling, many of these chemicals can also be severely aggressive to anilox and can cause blistering
- ultrasonic systems: with this solution the vibrations generated by the piezo-electric sensors are impacting the ink, coating or dirt breaking down the chemical composition of the ink. The efficiency of this solution in time decreases, since the ultrasonic waves need a perfect clean washing chamber. In addition even with this solution the managing of these chemicals, and their recycling or waste should also be considered, again many of these chemicals are extremely aggressive and can cause blistering depending on its chemical composition.
- Moreover ultrasonic involves the problem of the cavitation (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cavitation) that makes the ceramic bond layer detach from the anilox base which is mostly made from steel or aluminum, if exposed to these chemicals can also cause blistering over time.
Anilox laser system is a newly developed application that is probably the future for anilox cleaning, since it is able to restore the cells blocked up with ink over inefficient washing solutions mentioned above
The laser: how does it work?
The laser beam works on the principle of the ablation: the ink or coating on the anilox surface is evaporated due to the temperature generated by the laser energy.
Since the dirt basically becomes ashes, this solution is the most sustainable cleaning method: simply the vapors are absorbed by the air suction filter.
In this way no chemicals or water is need or required, thus making it extremely environmentally friendly compared to the other options listed above.
Is the laser safe?
Many flexo printers are showing concerns about the efficacy about the use of laser technology to clean anilox rolls & sleeves.
As the same lasers are used to engraved the anilox cells, how can a laser beam simply clean without damaging the ceramic cell? The answer is that the anilox laser cleaner is calibrated to work with the right laser parameters (frequency, power, etc.) so that it is a proven safe technology, without damaging the surface of the roll.
This systems is also safer for the operators, as they don't need to manage any chemicals.
Advantages of SysTec’s solution
SysTec has recently introduced to the market the new anilox laser cleaner, CLEANING LIGHT BEAM, that offers many interesting advantages:
- Deep cleaning: it removes any kind of ink, coatings, varnishes etc
- Restores cell volume of anilox rollers/sleeves with greater efficiency
- Laser cleaning ensures the highest printing quality, consistently over the anilox lifespan
- Maintains the value of the investment in the time (anilox rolls, printing press)
- Suitable for anilox sleeves, rolls and also rotogravure metal rolls
- Works with efficiently with all cell geometry types of engraving
- Easy operator interface
- No water, chemicals or granulates required
- Most sustainable cleaning method
- This laser cleaning solution maintains your anilox investment, ensuring you obtain the maximum lifespan
