Executive Forum: Anilox Roll Engraving

Dreger—Mechanical-engraved anilox rolls are limited to about 500 cells per inch. Close packed 1,500 cells per inch are now common for ceramic-coated laser-engraved anilox rolls which are used for high screen process printing. Originally laser-engraved ceramic anilox rolls were five times more expensive than mechanically engraved rolls and could only be justified on a much-improved lifetime of such rolls, or where improved printing quality was needed. The price of laser-engraved ceramic rolls has come down considerably. When roll wear, wet-ability, dot gain, and corrosion are not problems, mechanical-engraved rolls can still compete. Unfortunately, environmental and regulations for hexavalent chromium emissions (cancer causing) during chrome plating have increased the cost of mechanical-engraved rolls.