Page 114 - Training 2019

INTRODUCTION:
Why are ink filters a very important part of the printing process? Firstly, to remove any
foreign particles that should not be in the ink. This can range from normal items like paper
dust and dried ink to items like plastic, paper, foil and even wood splinters. Secondly, to
remove metal filings from doctor blade wear.

Gravure printing cylinders and Flexo anilox rollers are an expensive investment for all
printing companies. The customer can use a brand-new gravure cylinder or anilox roller for
the first time and it can get scored or damaged.

Ink filters are the one important item that is normally neglected and can be a huge cost
saving investment. This is a vital part of cylinder and anilox care and maintenance. Just like
the protective blanket we supply the filter plays a huge roll in keeping the cylinder and anilox
in a pristine working condition.

WHAT CAUSES FLEXO ANILOX DAMAGE?
Anilox damage is caused through various areas of neglect on the printer’s part. Bad
housekeeping including dirty chamber blade units, dirty pipes and working area that is not
clean. Another area is the ink that is not filtered and has foreign particles in it. This leads to
the partials been lodged between the doctor blade and anilox roller. This can lead to scoring
marks, which renders the anilox roller useless. Dry ink that is not cleaned of machine that
falls into the ink. Doctor blade wear. Where does the metal filings go? Paper dust that affects
the ink and gets lodged under the blade causing waste.

WHAT CAUSES GRAVURE CYLINDER DAMAGE?
Gravure image is engraved into the surface of a gravure cylinder. The doctor blade oscillates,
and this helps to prevent scoring on the cylinder. While the doctor blades oscillating on the
cylinder, there is wear that takes place on the doctor blade. The ink that the gravure cylinder

INK FILTERS TRAINING MANUAL 2
Updated - 24 June 2019