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

By Tom Polischuk

Mike McPherron, North American sales manager - printing, Praxair Surface Technologies—Innovations in laser engraving technology have unquestionably helped contribute to the advancement of flexographic printing. As recently as two to three years ago, the majority of flexible packaging printers were using 600 and 800 screen anilox engravings for their higher end graphics and process printing requirements. Today, many converters are now utilizing 1,000, 1,200, and even higher screen counts to improve their process printing and provide superior graphics. The rapid development and acceptance of digital plate processing technology has fueled the drive for higher screen counts and top quality graphics.