Beyond Darth Vader

Compatability

Once the anilox rolls are engraved, ink-release and ink-compatability are key considerations. Jones said, "Since both a CO2 engraved cell and a YAG engraved cell will have the same surface tension because they are formed in the same medium (Chromium oxide), the difference in the way one or the other will react to ink lies only in its surface finish and cell dimension." The YAG laser will have micropores that resulted from the engraving, and these tend to retain more ink than the CO2-engraved cells, which have a smooth innerlining from the cauterization.