If you’re concerned about the state of anilox rolls in your production line, you may want to learn how to clean them. You can use ultrasonic cleaning, chemical cleaning, and cold-evaporation. Before cleaning the rolls, you should follow safety procedures and read the MSDS. If you’re unsure how to clean anilox rollers, contact the manufacturer.
Ultrasonic cleaning
If you use water-based inks, you should pre-soak the anilox rolls in an appropriate solution before the ultrasonic cleaning process. Ultrasonic equipment operates at a low voltage and disturbs the cleaning liquid deep in cells. This method is recommended for ceramic rollers with a high line-screen count. Ultrasonic cleaners can clean these ceramic rolls successfully.
Ultrasonic cleaning can be performed on several rollers with a single machine. It is highly safe, effective, and environmentally friendly. The process releases the energy from millions of microscopic bubbles that implode and remove waste materials. It requires very little power, is easy to install, and uses low energy. A few basic precautions can help your ultrasonic cleaning process run smoothly and safely.
Chemical cleaning
If you use solvent-based or water-based inks on anilox rolls, you must clean them with the right anilox roll cleaner. If not, dried ink may build up inside the cell, reducing the amount of ‘fluid’ ink that can transfer to the paper. The resulting print quality may become inconsistent because of the inconsistency of the volume transfer. Regular cleaning of anilox rolls can prevent these problems. A pH-neutral cleaner can be used for cleaning.
To use a chemical cleaner, you must know its pH range. The pH range is 4 to 11.8. The cleaners for anilox rolls should have a pH level of 6.5 or less. Otherwise, the solution can damage the rollers. Using a brush with a chemical cleaner is a safer and more effective option. Steel brushes are better suited for cleaning the rollers than nylon ones. In addition, steel brushes do not scratch anilox rolls.
Cold-evaporation cleaning
In cold-evaporation cleaning of anilox ceramic rolling devices, the liquid emitted by the solvent evaporates without causing any damage to the rolling machine. However, the solvent must be used properly. Too much cleaning liquid can damage the rolling device. This method can be done on multiple rollers at a time. It is recommended that you hire a professional to perform this process. However, cold-evaporation cleaning of anilox ceramic rollers is complicated and requires proper training.
Using the proper brushes to perform cold-evaporation cleaning of anilox ceramic rolling devices is essential. Brushes that are not explicitly made for this purpose can cause damage to sensitive parts of the plate. Contact your manufacturer for recommendations on the right brushes. Once you’ve selected the brushes and tools, it’s time to perform the cleaning. The cleaning procedure is simple but requires using a specially formulated solution for the anilox roller type. It uses baking soda, which is sodium bicarbonate. The cleaning solution is then air-blasted onto the rotating roller surface.
Stainless brushes
To properly clean anilox ceramic rollers, you must use special brushes. Stainless steel brushes are ideal for ceramic rollers, while brass and horsehair brushes are excellent for cleaning chrome and brass rollers. The stainless brushes should have an exact diameter of 500 bristles, ensuring that they do not damage the roller cells. Brushes can have plastic or wooden handles, but the former is better as they do not swell. After cleaning the rollers, you can apply Rejuvenator Gel to remove dried ink.
To clean anilox ceramic rollers, you need to apply a solution that does not damage the coating or metallic parts. For example, cleaning chemicals that contain corrosion inhibitors do not damage the coating or metallic parts of the rollers. But the use of chemicals outside the acceptable pH range can cause ceramic blistering or delamination. To avoid this, you should use the right cleaners. The most common materials for anilox rollers are mild steel and aluminum, while light-weight rolls are aluminum.
Anilox cleaning compound
The cleaning process for ceramic anilox rolls is essential for ensuring high-quality printing. Ceramic anilox rolls are very durable and have a long service life, but clogging slowly reduces the cell volume and printing quality. Therefore, it is essential to clean these rollers to avoid problems thoroughly. One method of anilox roller cleaning is the ultrasonic cleaning process. The cleaning process removes dried ink, coating components, and adhesives from ceramic rollers.
Clean Range is an excellent solution for cleaning anilox rolls. It is designed to clean both hard and soft surfaces without causing damage to the surface of the anilox. The formula contains thixotropic properties, ensuring an even finish. The ultrasonic cleaning process penetrates the pores of the anilox, restoring its like-new condition. In addition, it can clean a wide range of anilox coatings, including ceramic rollers.
