22 Aug 2023

An Introduction to Flexography and the Role of Anilox Rolls in Packaging Industry

Flexography: A Brief Overview Flexography, often referred to as "flexo," is a printing technique widely used in the packaging industry. It utilizes flexible relief plates to transfer ink onto a substrate, typically paper or film. This process is known for its versatility, speed, and ability to print on a variety of materials. Flexography finds applications in industries such as food and beverage packaging, labels, corrugated cardboard, and flexible packaging.

Understanding Anilox Rollers:

At the heart of the flexographic printing process lies the crucial component known as the anilox roller. The anilox roller is a method used to provide a measured amount of ink to a flexographic (flexo) printing plate. Anilox rollers are cylindrical metal rollers engraved with tiny cells of precise dimensions. These cells act as ink reservoirs, precisely metering the ink to achieve consistent ink transfer onto the printing plate. The term "anilox" originates from the aniline printing process. This process utilized mechanically engraved cylinders carrying an aniline solvent based inks which were fast drying, commonly used in the corrugated market. In the 1930’s International Printing Inks offered a branding of inks for the aniline printing process. Many of these product descriptions ended with “ox”. The term anilox printing was then born and has matured to the common definition today of anilox roller and Flexographic printing.

Key Functions of Anilox Rollers:

Ink Transfer: Anilox rollers play a vital role in controlling the amount of ink delivered to the printing plate. The engraved cells on the surface of the roll store and transport the ink uniformly. The size, shape, and frequency of these cells determine the volume of ink transferred, ensuring precise and consistent color reproduction.

Ink Metering: The precision-engineered cells on anilox rollers help regulate ink flow and control dot formation during the printing process. By carefully controlling the ink film thickness, anilox rollers enable accurate reproduction of fine details, halftones, and smooth gradients, contributing to high print quality.

Compatibility with Various Ink Chemistries: Anilox rollers are available in a wide range of cell volumes and geometries to accommodate various ink chemistries and viscosities. This versatility allows flexographic printers to adapt to various printing requirements, such as printing on different materials with different ink formulations.

Harper Corporation of America: Leading the Industry When it comes to anilox rollers and other flexographic solutions, one name stands out: Harper Corporation of America. With a rich history spanning decades, Harper Corporation has been at the forefront of advancing flexographic printing technology. As a trusted partner to the packaging industry, Harper Corporation offers innovative anilox roller solutions, state-of-the-art engraving technologies, and expert technical support.

Conclusion: Flexography, driven by the remarkable capabilities of anilox rollers, continues to revolutionize the packaging industry. The precise ink metering, controlled ink transfer, and compatibility with various ink chemistries make flexography a preferred choice for many printing applications. Whether it's producing vibrant labels, eye-catching packaging, or intricate designs, the combination of flexography and anilox rollers opens up a world of possibilities.