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Ultrasonic Anilox Roll Cleaning Systems

Among the many recent improvements in flexographic technology, few are more significant than the ceramic anilox roll. Ceramic anilox rolls don’t wear out, they carry more ink than a comparable cell count chrome anilox roll and, most importantly, permit the use of doctor blades. Gradually, the superior print quality of the ceramic anilox roll is lost as its cell volume is reduced by the buildup of a microscopic film. The lower effective cell volume results in reduced color density and loss of print quality. Other visible effects of the film are light streaks, wavy lines, low color spots and even the streaks that were previously attributed to gear chattering.

Ultrasonic cleaning is now recognized as being the most successful method of removing ink, coatings and adhesives from engraved rollers. However, it is extremely important to select an ultrasonic cleaning system which is specifically designed for ceramic rollers and a system which will clean without damaging the fine screen cell walls.

Ceramic anilox rolls cannot be properly cleaned with conventional mechanical methods. The ceramic cell cavities are far smaller than even the finest brush bristles. Although blast systems can clean coarse anilox rolls, only ultrasonic cleaners can thoroughly and safely clean the fine count anilox rolls being used today.

Sonic Solutions
Sonic Solutions has cleaning systems that can accommodate rolls of varying sizes up to 38” in length. In most cases, gears or bearings do not need to be removed. These outstanding systems are the most user friendly and universally accepted in the marketplace and are available in numerous models and sizes.

Sonic Kleen Cleaning Solution
A big factor in the proper cleaning of a ceramic anilox roll is the cleaning solution. Sonic Kleen was developed specifically for cleaning these rolls. It’s formulated to thoroughly clean the rolls while still being safe and easy to handle. Also, Sonic Kleen does not contain any carcinogens. Available in 6 and 30 gallon and containers. (SS1-06 & SS1-30)

Sonic Kleen Neutralizer
In many localities, it is necessary to neutralize the spent cleaning solution before disposal. Adding powdered Sonic Kleen Neutralizer produces a neutral pH solution with solid ink waste particles. Available in 50lb containers. (SS2-50)

Yellow Magic UV Ink and Varnish Cleaner
Yellow Magic is a fast, easy to use cleaning product for flexographic UV inks, UV varnishes and UV coatings. Yellow Magic is a water-based product, containing only 2.2% VOC’s, 22 g/l. Yellow Magic has a “0” flammability rating. Available in 5 and 55 gallon containers. Yellow Magic works great in Ultrasonic Systems. (B100)

 

Daetwyler Ultrasonic Systems
The finest in ultrasonic cleaning systems for anilox rolls and cylinders and the first system that completely dissipates water and solvent-based inks. Using advances in electronics, combined with state-of-the-art cleaning technologies, this ultrasonic cleaning systems has produced a safer and more efficient method for deep cleaning anilox rolls and cylinders.

The Daetwyler Ultrasonic Cleaning System utilizes Crest Components. Only Crest’s Genesis generator delivers the constant power output necessary for generating the consistent cavitation intensity that promotes consistent cleaning. Crest’s exclusive Tru-Sweep feature ensures uniform cleaning throughout the tank by sweeping the generator frequency +/- kHz, creating overlaping ultrasonic waves. This eliminates the hot spots (excessive, possibly damaging cleaning) and dead zones (little or no cleaning) caused by the unvarying or “standing” waves produced by traditional generators.

The narrow-web Multi-Roll Ultrasonic Cleaning System (pictured) will clean three anilox rolls at the same time and will accept most rolls with a face width up to 20”. Convenient holding racks are positioned on both sides of the cleaning unit.

CR-1
CR-1 is the most widely used ultrasonic cleaning chemical and can be used in any brand of ultrasonic cleaner. Available in 6 gallon containers. (C126)