Supplies
Anilox Kit
An anilox kit gives the press crew a fixed reference for roller condition, BCM choice and cleaning result before ink goes to substrate. On South African flexo work, that matters most when the same job moves between water based and solvent systems, or between film and corrugated stock.
Roller checks before ink-up
Our Anilox Kit page focuses on the rollers, cell volumes and cleaning checks that affect ink transfer on South African flexo jobs. It helps packaging teams match anilox selection to the plate, ink and substrate already planned for press.
Start with the image area, ink type and expected laydown, then compare that to the engraved cell volume on the roller. Inland sites around Johannesburg often deal with fine dust on guards and sleeves, while Durban humidity can change how residue releases during wash-up. Those conditions affect how often teams verify transfer and inspect plugged cells.
Use the kit before production settings are changed, not after colour has drifted across the reel. A quick microscope view, volume record and cleaning comparison sheet can show whether the issue sits with the anilox, the plate, or the ink mix. That prevents unnecessary plate changes when the roller is the real fault point.
Contents for cell-volume control
A useful kit for this work normally centres on anilox identification, cell inspection and wash verification rather than general consumables. Teams need a way to log line screen, BCM, wear pattern and cleaning outcome so the same roller is not guessed at differently on the next run. Clear records matter when repeat packaging work returns months later.
Match the kit notes to the roller in use, then cross-check against the plate specification and ink system before press start-up. Keep the reading with the job record so operators can compare transfer on repeat work without relying on memory. Name your press and the job on it, and we will put together the consumables for the run.
- BCM and line count logged correctly
- Plugged cells spotted before colour variation
- Cleaning result recorded against roller ID
Ink transfer under SA conditions
Converters in Gauteng, Durban and Cape Town do not all run the same wash routines or storage conditions for rollers. Older equipment may carry inconsistent metering pressure, and that can mask an anilox problem as a plate or viscosity problem. Export packaging work also needs tighter repeatability because reprints must match previous batches with less tolerance for drift.
Coastal air can leave rollers needing closer cleaning control, especially where water based inks dry into the cells between stoppages. Dry inland conditions make contamination checks more important around the press and sleeve area. During load-shedding planning, crews should note whether long pauses changed the transfer reading after restart.
Operated by Astros Marketing (Pty) Ltd from 2 Makro Place, Sunnyrock 1401.
Details to send with enquiries
Send the anilox specification, substrate, ink chemistry and the defect you are seeing on print. Good references include dirty-cell photos, roller engraving details and the target density or coverage. That information makes it easier to compare whether the selected volume suits solids, text, coating or fine reverses.
Record roller volume, line screen and cleaning method in the job file while the setup is still on press. Those notes help buyers and production staff link the chosen anilox to repeat work, especially when the same pack format moves between shifts or sites.
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