If your business uses flexographic printing, you’re probably familiar with anilox rolls. These cylindrical tools transfer ink from the fountain to the printing plate using small indents called anilox cells. The number of cells on a roll varies and determines how much ink is transferred. One of the most important things you can do to protect the quality of your product is to keep these cells free of residue, but cleaning anilox rolls can get complicated. Before diving in, learn about the various considerations that impact cleaning.
1. Know Why You Clean
Put simply, rolls that aren’t cleaned properly produce sub-par products. When a roll collects residue, it can’t transfer the appropriate amount of ink to the printing plate. The anilox cells become clogged, which decreases their capacity to collect ink and leads to uneven volume distribution across the roll. Ink debris also increases surface tension. If this occurs, some of the ink sticks to the roll instead of transferring to the printing plate. If you don’t use anilox cleaners, you could face reprints, wasted materials and loss of labor or time.
2. Develop a Cleaning Schedule
If you want to optimize your flexographic printing, consider developing a schedule that takes into account various cleaning needs. While your rolls don’t require daily deep cleans, taking a few minutes each day to remove residue with a cloth and cleaning fluid prevents ink deposits from hardening and clogging cells. Even with daily wipe-downs, some residue usually remains. To remove build-up, scrub your rolls with a brush and cleaning product every week or two, ensuring that the brush you use is appropriate for the surface of your anilox roll. Every couple of weeks, consider deep cleaning with a chemical bath or similar process that loosens and removes stubborn residue.
3. Use High-Quality Cleaners
Once you have a cleaning schedule in place, it’s important to select high-quality cleaning products that remove debris without compromising the anilox roll. Before selecting a product, make sure it is compatible with your roll’s surface material and core. When it comes to your daily cleaning fluid, avoid multi-purpose cleaners. If your product isn’t designed for anilox rolls or removing ink, you’ll waste time and effort repeatedly wiping down your rolls. For weekly scrubbing, look to a paste or a cream cleaner to physically break-up the ink deposits that remain despite daily cleaning. Many businesses rely on periodic chemical baths to deep clean anilox rolls effectively. However, some people prefer to use chemical-free methods. Regardless, select a product that targets your specific needs, whether that is water- or solvent-based.
With regular and effective cleaning, you can ensure high-performance printing and extend the life cycle of your anilox roll.
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