Benefits from today’s anilox rolls include dot gain reduction, improved color quality, and longer roll life

By Tom Polischuk

McPherron—There are still a few market segments that require mechanical engravings. This ink metering technology is limited to rubber metering rolls (rather than doctor blades) and the prospect of achieving reproducible high-quality graphics over long print runs is very limited.

Tougher environmental considerations, in particular stricter plating regulations, will further hinder the growth of mechanically engraved, chrome and copper plated anilox rolls. We predict the continued decline of mechanically engraved rolls.