Pressroom
Laserclean sharpens focus on Brazil with anilox cleaning technology debut at ExpoPrint ConverFlexo 2026
Friday 20. March 2026 - Dutch specialist Laserclean will present its laser cleaning technology for anilox rollers and sleeves, highlighting improved print consistency, lower operating costs and more sustainable pressroom operations.
A sustainable laser cleaning technology, designed to deliver repeatable colour quality and long-term low operating costs, will be introduced to Brazil’s flexographic printers at ExpoPrint / ConverFlexo 2026, as engineering specialist Laserclean makes its debut at the show.
The Netherlands-based company specialises in laser cleaning systems that remove polymer and ink contamination from anilox rollers and sleeves used in flexographic printing, without risk of damage to the ceramic surface.
Visitors to the Laserclean stand (Av. K, Rua 18, Booth 060, Expo Center Norte, São Paulo, 24 – 28 March 2026) will be able to learn how the technology works through technical presentations and video demonstrations by company founder and CEO Martin de Wit.
Thorough cleaning overcomes surface tension challenge
According to Mr. de Wit, maintaining properly cleaned anilox rollers remains one of the most overlooked factors affecting print consistency.
“Converters often focus primarily on cell volume when evaluating anilox performance,” he explains. “But surface condition is equally important. When polymer residues accumulate inside the cells, the difference in surface tension between the anilox roller and the printing plate is reduced. Ink transfer becomes unpredictable, and printers compensate by adjusting ink formulations or press settings when the real issue is the condition of the anilox.”
Laser cleaning addresses this challenge by removing residues directly from the microscopic cells of the roller using controlled pulses of light energy. The contamination is vaporised while the ceramic surface reflects the laser energy, preventing damage to the anilox.
Laserclean has specialised in laser-based anilox cleaning for more than two decades, with systems installed worldwide across corrugated packaging, labels and flexible packaging operations.
The company’s laser method avoids the complexity of scanner-based systems by combining a rotating roller with a precisely controlled laser beam that moves across the anilox surface.
In addition to static cleaning systems, Laserclean also offers lightweight mobile units designed for in-press cleaning, allowing converters to avoid removing heavy rollers used in wide-web corrugated presses. A typical cleaning cycle takes around 30 minutes for a 1.2m anilox sleeve, after which the roller can return immediately to production.
“By simplifying the mechanical movements involved in the cleaning process, the system delivers reliable, repeatable results while minimising the risk of surface damage,” says De Wit.
Sustainability and lower operating costs
Beyond print quality benefits, laser cleaning also offers significant environmental and operational advantages compared with traditional cleaning methods.
The technology requires no chemicals, produces minimal waste and consumes very little energy – approximately 800 watts during operation. The laser source itself has an operating life of around 30,000 hours, providing many years of service before replacement is required.
The only regular consumable is the periodic replacement of filtration elements that capture the removed residues. In most installations this represents operating costs of around €2,000 per year.
By ensuring thoroughly cleaned anilox rollers, converters can also reduce the need to adjust ink recipes or prepare excess ink during press setup, improving efficiency and reducing waste.
Laserclean’s product portfolio includes both offline and inline laser cleaning systems designed for different printing applications. The ALCS 1000SF system is developed for narrow-web label printing, while the ALCS 1700-2300SF range supports sleeves and medium-sized rollers used in flexible packaging presses. For larger rollers used in wide-web and corrugated printing, the ALCS 2500 and 3500SF systems provide high-capacity offline cleaning. The mobile ALCS 5000 system enables inline cleaning directly on the press, allowing heavy rollers to be cleaned without removal from the machine.
Growing presence in Latin America
Laserclean has been expanding its presence in Latin America in recent years, with installations already operating in several countries across the region, particularly in the corrugated packaging sector. To strengthen local support, the company has recently appointed the São Paulo-based agency RLG as its regional representative.
Visitors attending ExpoPrint will be able to meet the Laserclean team, discuss their anilox maintenance challenges and learn how laser cleaning technology can improve printing consistency and reduce operating costs. Video demonstrations of the cleaning process will be presented at the stand throughout the exhibition.
De Wit will also present a technical talk on the principles of laser cleaning and its benefits for anilox maintenance at a breakfast session organised during the show.