Consumables
Innovative laser cleaning from Zecher
Friday 23. June 2017 - Installation of a laser cleaning system expands service portfolio
Regular deep-cleaning of operational anilox rollers is of crucial importance when it comes to high- quality printing. According to Zecher GmbH however, conventional procedures remove only part of the accumulated residues concerned. The premium manufacturer of anilox rollers has therefore taken up this challenge and carried out various tests in collaboration with the LaserEcoclean company. The outstanding results obtained have led to the installation of a laser cleaning system at Zechers works in the German town of Paderborn. This new facility further expands the portfolio of cleaning services offered by Zecher. Unlike conventional deep-cleaning methods, LaserEcoCleans innovative laser cleaning gently eliminates all ink and varnish residues. Jörg Rohde, Head of Applications Technology at Zecher GmbH, is convinced by this systems cleaning performance: “Microscopic imaging reveals that the inner recesses of the cells on cleaned rollers are barely distinguishable from those of a brand-new roller. After the cleaning process, the pick-up volume of the anilox roller can once again be used to its full extent, and printers benefit from the same uniform inking performance as before.” They can also be absolutely sure of the reliability of laser cleanings effect on the surface of the roller, which remains wholly unharmed by the cleaning process. “As a relatively low-power laser beam is used, the temperature of the ceramic surface is well below the materials melting point, which prevents any damage to the outside of the anilox roller.”
Laser cleaning is therefore enjoying growing popularity, thanks to both optimised printing performance and the eco-friendly nature of the process itself, which involves no consumables, hazardous waste or harmful chemicals. As this innovative cleaning option meets the increasingly stringent environmental requirements of the printing industry, its role is expected to become more and more significant.
Zecher GmbH is an international manufacturer of chrome and ceramic anilox rollers. With continuous further developments and various innovations in the field of printing technology to its name, Zecher currently counts on over 65 years experience in the manufacture of anilox rollers. Zecher produces more than 12,000 engraved anilox rollers annually at its main plant in the German town of Paderborn.