Beyond Darth Vader

Anilox roll laser engraving was developed in the late '70s with the introduction of the CO2 laser. This new laser offered roll engravers a process other than mechanical engraving of anilox rolls. Slater said, "Early production engravings showed initially that the use of laser-engraved chromium oxide had benefits over conventional mechanically-engraved rolls, such as reduced wear, but it was evident that there were some problems that needed sorting out"—such as inconsistency and lack of control. Improvements were made to the CO2 lasers, resulting in a laser that produced a uniform cell structure with consistency, control, and quality ink dispersion.