Aniloksu

Aniloksu, known in English as anilox roll, is a precision cylinder used in flexographic printing to meter ink. The roll carries a highly regular pattern of microscopic cells that pick up a controlled amount of ink from the fountain and release it onto the printing plate when the plate and roll come into contact. This metering enables consistent ink transfer and print density across a job.

Construction and materials vary by application, but common configurations use ceramic rollers or steel cores with ceramic or chromium coatings to improve wear resistance. The surface is precisely engraved with a pattern of cells, typically arranged in hexagonal or other regular lattices. Engraving is performed by laser or mechanical methods to create uniform cell depths and volumes.

Cell geometry and specifications are central to performance. Ink volume is described in terms of cell depth and density, often expressed as a volume per unit area (picoliters per square centimeter, pL/cm²). The line screen or cell density influences how much ink can be carried and released, affecting color strength and print uniformity. Different products and inks require different cell volumes and patterns, so rollers are selected to match the printing substrate and process.

Operation and maintenance involve using a doctor blade to remove excess ink and keep cells clean. Over time, wear or clogging can alter cell volume and print quality, necessitating replacement or re-engraving. Regular cleaning with appropriate solvents and routine inspection for wear are essential to maintain consistent performance.

Aniloksu plays a central role in packaging, labeling, and other flexographic applications where precise ink control is critical.