Process description of Anilox laser cleaning
The development of Lion Lasers’ Anilox laser cleaning technology began with an extensive preliminary investigation, where we determined that contamination could be effectively separated from the ceramic layer of Anilox rolls and sleeves using a carefully calibrated laser technique. This foundational discovery highlighted critical differences in how contaminants and the Anilox base material respond to laser interaction, guiding our focused refinement.
Achieving the right balance required precise adjustments to laser parameters, including power, focus, and wavelength. Our goal was to remove stubborn polymers and inks entirely while preserving the intricate structure of the Anilox cells. This phase involved a long period of testing and fine-tuning, drawing on a variety of advanced technologies and globally sourced, high-quality materials to create a reliable and durable solution.
Though the development process took longer than initially expected, it led to a major breakthrough. The resulting laser system operates with extreme precision, ensuring safe, thorough cleaning without risk of damage, even after hundreds of cycles on a single Anilox sleeve.
The outcome is an innovative, safe, and dependable laser cleaning technology, developed in collaboration with Anilox experts to meet the highest industry standards. The success of the system is confirmed by positive customer feedback, such as from Oerlemans, a valued member of the OPAC Group, who praised the AL1500 (a predecessor of our latest models) as the most effective and safest system available worldwide after extensive testing. This endorsement highlights our commitment to quality, precision, and sustainable solutions, underscoring the value our process brings to the printing industry.
With the Anilox laser Marinus van Kalkeren and co-workers from Oerlemans where able to maintain contamination levels consistently below 5% of volume, even for high liniature sleeves. This by laser cleaning each sleeve at least once a week. This approach ensures ink volume remains stable, transforming printing from an interpretative art to a predictable science. By achieving optimal results on the first pass, Oerlemans reduced setup time, substantial ink savings, minimized material waste, and reliable print quality, enhancing operational efficiency and product consistency.