Exploring the factors affecting the transfer of ink from anilox rollers

Network surface finish

This indicator is very important when using metal anilox rollers. In addition to the clear, uniform and smooth surface of the cell, a layer of chromium is also required. On the one hand, the surface hardness of the anilox roller is improved; on the other hand, the network hole is lubricated and ink release is easy. The early ceramic anilox roll was very poor in surface finish due to technical conditions, and its surface was rough under high magnification magnifying glass. Unevenness affects both ink release and ink blocking. At this time, ceramic anilox roller cleaning fluid and cleaning equipment have emerged.

Some units now apply high-tech such as ion implantation and nanotechnology to change the performance of ceramic layers, making previously looser ceramic molecules denser, thereby improving the surface finish and service life of the cells. If the surface finish of the cell is poor, the amount of ink transferred by the anilox roller will be reduced, which will affect the quality of use of the product. Some units also printed the same batch of products before and after printing. The printing plates, inks, and base materials were all the same. There was still color difference, which was caused by the decrease in the amount of ink transferred after the anilox roll was clogged. During the flexographic printing process, the amount of ink transferred by the anilox roller varies with the printing speed. The speed of the single scraper system is slow, and the amount of ink transfer is large; the double scraper closed system is the opposite, the speed of the single scraper system is fast, and the amount of ink transfer is small. If a single doctor blade system is used, if the ink is darker, the amount of ink transferred should be reduced, the number of lines of the anilox roller should be increased, or the hue of the ink should be adjusted.