Executive Forum: Anilox Roll Engraving

Skellie—Fiber Optic lasers with multi-hit and modulated beam technology. This technology produces a smoother, consistent cell with improved ink and coating release characteristics.

Dreger—The biggest problem with high-surface-tension, laser-engraved ceramic anilox rolls is that they lose their high surface energy over time. This is due to additives like poly-waxes silicones, and Teflontm particles that are in the inks attaching themselves to the engraved surface. The low surface tension (non-wetting) of theses materials comes across as lower ink volume delivery. Thus, many customers feel their rolls are wearing out too rapidly. Due to the chemical resistances and malleability of these materials, chemicals soaking and grit blasting doesn’t work. The only way to really get rid of the film is with laser cleaning of the roll—literally vaporizing off the poly-wax, silicones, and Teflon. ... Work is being done to improve the surface finish of the engraving to reduce the attachment of these small particles of ink pigments, poly-waxes, silicones, and Teflon to the cell walls.