High-Level Anilox Performance

The following "dos and don'ts" are a result of many discussions with anilox sleeve OEMs in the U.S. and Europe, as well as with you, the printer/converter user.

• Don't flex a sleeve while placing or removing from the mandrel or storage cart. Aluminum is slightly flexible. Ceramic is not flexible at all, and will crack, breaking the bond to the sleeve.
• Don't subject sleeves to temperatures higher than 130° F for periods longer than a few minutes. Allow the sleeve to cool down slowly. Never leave sleeves in an enclosed unit for periods greater than one hour, overnight, over the weekend, or a long holiday.
• Do wipe out and prevent cleaners, inks, dirt, grease, etc. from spilling and migrating into the interior of the sleeve. This causes difficulty with mounting and demounting from the mandrel. Eventually, this could cause problems with the interior core.
• Don't force sleeves on and off the press by striking the end ring and dead band area with any hard objects. This causes chipping of the ceramic, loosening of the end ring and possibly damaging the bond coat, which would then allow cleaners to seep under the surface.
• Don't use harsh chemicals such as oven cleaners or other similar materials that are not specifically developed for cleaning sleeves.
• Do thoroughly rinse off spray-on, paste, or liquid cleaners from the sleeve; wiping with a wet cloth is not rinsing!
• Do conduct frequent training of your operating personnel.

Implementation of these guidelines will extend the performance and life of your sleeves, insure safe and effective cleaning habits and results, and build a strong and lasting relationship with your sleeve OEM.