Identifying and Resolving Anilox Roller Problems

From the first sign to targeted action: prevent quality loss, downtime, and unnecessary damage.

Assess Your Anilox Problem

Recognize the sign, choose the right approach.

Defects on an anilox roller can develop gradually or suddenly. Recognize the signs and act quickly to choose the appropriate cleaning, inspection, or replacement.

Keep an eye on

Keep an eye on

Lime

Round, chalky droplets arranged in horizontal lines.

spots on the anilox roller
Keep an eye on

Spots

Irregular, blurry, or cloudy areas.

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.

Fine scratches on anilox rolls that negatively influence print quality
Take immediate action

Tiger Stripes

Fine, parallel scratches on the rolling surface.

Take immediate action

Score lines

Thin lines running across the print or roll.

Cannot be cleaned

(Under)corrosion

Dull, pitted areas; permanent damage.

Not every problem is the same.
However, acting quickly is often crucial.

Defects on an anilox roller can develop gradually or suddenly. Recognize the signs and act quickly to choose the appropriate cleaning, inspection, or replacement.

Recognizing signs early on.

Ink transfer issues, streaks, color variations, or stubborn contamination can have various causes. Don’t just look at the visible result; also consider the condition of the anilox surface and the cleaning process.

First, identify the cause; then take the appropriate action.

We assess the type of contamination or damage, its severity, and the roll's history. This helps prevent a cleaning effort from merely shifting the problem elsewhere, or a roll that can be repaired from being unnecessarily scrapped.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common anilox roller problems?

When should you call on us?

Please contact us if print quality deteriorates, if cleaning does not yield satisfactory results, or if you suspect that the surface is damaged. An early assessment often prevents unnecessary downtime.

Please include the following, if possible: photos of the roll, a sample of the printed image, the inks used, and the final cleaning steps. This will help us make our initial assessment faster and more accurate.

Are you unsure about the condition of your anilox roller?

We'll help you pinpoint the problem and work with you to determine the best course of action: targeted cleaning, inspection, repair, or replacement.