It’s unanimous—and it’s no surprise! One-hundred percent of Flexographic Technical Association printer members participating in a recent anilox roll flash poll tell FLEXO Magazine that it is “…an essential process element of flexographic print.” Again, standing in unison, each and every one says, “Consistency of the anilox engraving is a key contributing factor to predictability and repeatability of all print jobs.
Commenting on ideal cell geometry for the majority of their respective plant’s printing applications, nearly 71 percent of the sample audience opt for 60 degrees. Approximately 10 percent select 30 degrees. Seven percent list 45 degrees and the remaining 12 percent choose “other.”
What Factors Influence Your
Selection & Purchase of Anilox Rolls?
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Printers taking the anilox roll flash poll note certain information is critical when accurately specifying and matching an anilox roll for coating applications. When rating multiple choices, top consideration goes to percent solids, according to 43 percent of respondents. Thirty percent look to “dry or wet weight”; 14 percent to “ream size” and another 14 percent to “weight per gallon.” A resounding 46 percent choose to evaluate all of those characteristics in specifying the correct anilox roll for the job.
Similarly, 59 percent of printers in the query indicate channeled engravings are ideal for specialty applications. Eighteen percent also find them a good match for combination printing and eight percent for process printing. Some 26 percent believe channeled engravings meet all of those needs.
According to 32 percent of flash poll participants, scope readings are the most consistent method for measuring anilox roll volume. Interferometry places second at 30 percent. Liquid comes in third at 27 percent, followed by Capatch at 11 percent. Respondents report porosity can certainly affect the engraving of anilox cells and cell volume. Thirty-five percent see a strong impact in the area of ink release, while 33 percent cite “premature wear.” Next comes “consistency” at 25 percent and later, “volume/bcm” at 13 percent. The single largest portion of the sample, 45 percent, reports all of those variables are influenced by porosity.