Laser engraved anilox rolls

Then came the advent of laser roll engraving. Manufacturers now used multi-gas CO2 lasers to vaporize inking cells into rolls fabricated with a new chromium oxide ceramic surface. The lasers were more accurate devices and could create sharper, more consistent cell structures. In addition, the ceramic was harder than chrome. Thinner steel doctor blades could be used to wipe excess ink from the cylinder face with less wear and cell volume loss.