What are anilox rollers composed of in flexographic printing?

Anilox rollers are vital components in flexographic printing, consisting of a steel or aluminum core wrapped in industrial ceramic (typically chromium oxide powder). The surface of the 

anilox roller is intricately etched with countless tiny pits, known as "cells," which aid in the precise transfer of ink onto the substrate.

Functions of anilox rollers

During the printing process, anilox rollers work in conjunction with the ink delivery system to transport ink onto the paper. Ink is transferred from the anilox roller to the doctor blade and 

eventually reaches the printing plate, which is specially designed to receive and retain ink. Common plate materials include polyester film, photopolymer, and metal.

Exploring varieties of anilox rollers

Print operators select anilox rollers based on the complexity of the expected image. Differential line screens on anilox rollers affect ink flow: higher line screens distribute more ink onto the 

paper but are prone to faster clogging due to their finer nature. Operators adjust ink flow by altering pressure on the anilox roller. Generally, anilox rollers are distinguished by three main 

parameters:

1.Line per inch (LPI): Defines the line density on the anilox roller. However, metric units often use lines per centimeter (LPC), where 1 LPC is approximately equal to 2.54 LPI.

2.Cell angle: Determines the angle of the cells on the roller, recording the shape of the cells and the angle between lines connecting adjacent cell centers in the horizontal direction, e.g., 

60° hexagon.

3.Cell volume (BCM): Specifies the volume of cells inside the anilox roller. In metric units, cubic centimeters per square meter (cm3/m2) are commonly used, where 1 cm3/m2 is approximately 

equal to 1.55 BCM.

Users and suppliers pay attention to these parameters when ordering or handling anilox rollers. Ensuring that the specifications of each printing job match the characteristics of the 

anilox rollers is crucial for achieving optimal printing results.

Choosing anilox rollers wisely

Before selecting anilox rollers, a detailed structure chart outlining basic information for each printing job must be available. This includes printer-specific parameters. Anilox rollers are 

typically identified by line screen density (LPI) and cell volume (BCM) to ensure compatibility during the printing process.