Coating Residue Raises Anilox Surface Tension and Affects Coat Weights

The anilox roll delivers a precise volume of coating to the blanket to achieve an exact coat weight on the sheet.  If coating residue accumulates in anilox cells, the surface tension of the roll is altered and proper coat weights cannot be achieved.

Surface tension is defined as the "intermolecular force of attraction between adjacent molecules."  In simpler terms, it's the tendency of a material (coating in this example) to transfer from one surface (anilox roll) to another (blanket and/or sheet).  Surface tension is measured in dynes/cm and is predetermined for coatings and press rollers according to the printer's specifications.

In the coating delivery system, dyne levels for each component should be progressively higher and remain static throughout the system.  If the dyne levels change in any part of the process, coatings will not transfer effectively and coat weights will suffer.  Traces of dried coating in anilox cells can raise the dyne level of the roll and prevent it from releasing the proper volume of coating to the blanket.

An anilox cleaning and maintenance program will keep anilox cells free of coating residue and ensure that the surface tension of the roll is sustained.  Frequent system flushing and manual cleaning will prevent coating build-up, and occasional deep cleanings will remove dried coating deposits from anilox cells. 

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