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Tiger Stripes

Tiger Stripes appear as fine, parallel lines or scratches on the surface of the anilox roller. They are often visible under oblique light or in areas with heavy ink coverage.

Fine scratches on anilox rolls that negatively influence print quality
Tiger stripes on an anilox roller
Anilox roller with differential treatment (gray stripes)
How does it arise?
  • Contact between the doctor blade and the anilox roller due to doctor blade pressure, misalignment, or trapped debris.
  • It can also be caused by other contaminants such as resins, paper dust, and binders.
What to do.
  • Perform additional manual cleaning to remove any remaining deposits.
  • Check for physical damage. If there is visible damage, consider repair or restoration.
How to use it?
  1. Apply Flexoclean Anilox Aftercare directly to the affected area using a sponge.
  2. Let it soak briefly, then scrub gently.
  3. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
  4. Dry the surface with a clean, dry cloth.
Cleaning Process & Results

Visible improvement after targeted manual cleaning. Any lines that remain may indicate physical damage rather than dirt.

Recommended Product

Flexoclean Anilox Aftercare

Specialized cleaner for periodic manual cleaning. Use with a suitable Flexoclean sponge or pad.

Flexoclean Anilox Aftercare

Always wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when using cleaning products.

Tip — Do the tiger stripes keep reappearing after cleaning? Check the squeegee alignment, wear, and press settings. Prevention is just as important as cleaning.

Related issues

Keep an eye on

Keep an eye on

Lime

Round, chalky droplets arranged in horizontal lines.

Keep an eye on

Starch

A dull, tough layer that reduces cell volume.

Keep an eye on

Aluminum

Dull, grayish streaks or a metallic sheen.

spots on the anilox roller
Keep an eye on

Spots

Irregular, blurry, or cloudy areas.

act immediately

cannot be cleaned

Take immediate action

Score lines

Thin lines running across the print or roll.

Cannot be cleaned

(Under)corrosion

Dull, pitted areas; permanent damage.

Are you unsure about the condition of your anilox roller?

Please contact us if the print quality deteriorates, if cleaning does not yield satisfactory results, or if you suspect that the surface is damaged. We’ll help you pinpoint the problem and work with you to determine the best course of action: targeted cleaning, inspection, repair, or replacement.

Please include the following, if possible
Photos of the roll
An example of the printed image
The inks used
The final cleaning steps

This allows us to make the initial assessment faster and more targeted.