Anilox roll cleaning is one of the most important processes for maintaining high quality flexographic printing. Even a small accumulation of ink, varnish, or adhesive in the anilox cells can reduce the amount of ink transferred, affect color accuracy, and lead to additional production costs.
Therefore, regular maintenance of anilox rolls becomes an integral part of modern flexographic printing processes.
To offer professional solutions in this area, we present Apex 360 Cleaning Series – a specialized line of cleaning products designed for anilox rolls, printing plates, ink chambers, and other flexographic printing components.
Why is anilox roll cleaning important?
The anilox roll controls the amount of ink transferred to the printing plate. When anilox cells become clogged with ink, varnish, or adhesive residues, their effective volume decreases, and ink transfer deteriorates.
This can lead to:
- uneven color intensity;
- increased spoilage;
- more frequent print adjustments;
- longer setup times;
- higher ink consumption;
- shorter anilox roll lifespan.
Regular anilox cleaning helps maintain maximum cell volume and ensures a stable printing process.
Daily and periodic anilox roll cleaning
Effective anilox maintenance usually consists of two stages.
Daily cleaning
Daily cleaning is performed after production and is designed to remove fresh ink residues.
Special cleaners are used for this:
- Apex Daily Clean
- Apex Pro Clean
- Apex GTT Cleaner
- Apex Plate Clean WB
- Apex Plate Clean SB/UV
These products help prevent ink buildup in anilox cells and maintain stable ink transfer.
Periodic deep cleaning
Over time, more difficult-to-remove deposits accumulate in the anilox cells.
In such cases, the following are used:
- Apex Multi Clean
- Apex Heavy Duty Clean
- Apex Acid Clean
Deep cleaning helps restore maximum cell volume and improve anilox roll performance.
Specialized cleaning solutions for flexography
Not all contaminations are the same. Therefore, Apex has developed solutions for specific problems.
Tiger Stripe problem removal
The Tiger Stripe effect can affect the uniformity of ink transfer.
Apex Tigerstripe Clean is designed to remove these contaminants from anilox rolls.
Limescale removal
Limescale and mineral deposits often form in water systems.
Apex Limescale Clean helps effectively remove these impurities.
Starch-based adhesive cleaning
Starch-based adhesives used in corrugated board production can accumulate in equipment.
Apex Starch Glue Clean is designed for effective removal of these accumulations.
Cleaners for washing systems and equipment
Lipnus also offers cleaning products for automated systems:
- Apex Machine Clean
- Apex Parts Clean
- Apex Ultrasonic Clean
- Apex Heating Tank Clean
These products are intended for washing machines, ultrasonic systems, heating tanks, and other flexographic printing equipment.
How to choose the right anilox cleaner?
The most suitable cleaning solution depends on:
- the type of ink used;
- the condition of the anilox;
- cleaning frequency;
- equipment used;
- production intensity.
Different processes may require different cleaners, so it's important to choose a solution based on the specific situation.
Apex 360 Cleaning Series now available in Lipnus assortment
From now on, you can find the entire Apex 360 Cleaning Series product line in the Lipnus assortment.
We offer:
- anilox roll cleaners;
- printing plate cleaners;
- cleaners for UV, solvent, and water-based inks;
- cleaning products for washing systems;
- specialized flexography cleaning solutions.