Keeping your equipment clean and in good operating order is essential to quality web printing. So it’s no surprise that press operators and managers are looking for ideas on how to make cleaning equipment easier, faster and more efficient.

This can be even more of a challenge for narrow web presses.

Here we explore ideas on how you can clean one component of your narrow web press faster, simpler and more effective.

Standard Narrow Web Press Anilox Roll Cleaning

There are a number of ways to clean your narrow web press and many start by specifically addressing the anilox roller:

• Chemical Cleaning – A standard for most anilox cleaning operations. Always remember to practice caution by wearing the proper PPE and be sure to not overexpose the anilox to these chemicals as it could degrade the surface prematurely. Use the proper brush to work the cleaning agent into the anilox cells: stainless steel for ceramic rollers, brass for chrome-plated rollers, and nylon or horsehair for stainless rollers. 
• Ultrasonic Cleaning – While virtually hands-free, take care and limit the time of your ultrasonic cleansing as too much exposure to the vibrations can cause damage.
• Laser Cleaning – A laser beam ablates the residue from the cells of the anilox roll so the cells  are back to near original volume for greater color matching and enhanced print repeatability.

What About the Rest of the Press?

You are likely very familiar with cleaning your anilox roll using one or all of the press cleaning ideas we have described so far in this article.  However, what about the rest of the press components? 

One of the easiest ways to keep your equipment clean is by using drip trays and paper ink pan liners. They work to protect your print stations, floors, and surrounding areas which gives you the opportunity to perform faster cleanings over traditional methods. In general,

disposable drip trays and ink pan liners make cleaning everything else on the press a much easier process.

If you are ready to streamline your press cleaning process, contact our team today for more information about the right tools for your business.

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Phone: 970-874-2852