Current Cleaning Methods for Cylinders: Pros and Cons

Presented by Jeff Paduano, Anilox Roll Cleaning Systems, Inc.

Many changes have occurred over the last several years on how to best clean cylinders and rollers. This discussion will cover current challenges converters are facing in this important area, including the difficulty in removing today's unique coatings, achieving a sustainable plant environment, worker safety, and ensuring whatever cleaning process is adopted does not harm the roll's surface or engraving.

The talk will delve deep into several cleaning technologies in use today: Sodium Bicarbonate Cleaning; Chemical Wash Systems, Ultrasonic Systems, and Laser Cleaning. Extra time will be spent educating the audience on Laser Cleaning as it has quickly gained popularity over the last several years. Important information such as laser scan types, laser safety, laser energy and how it relates to pulse frequency will be explored in detail.

The discussion will also feature a few case studies and examples on how these cleaning processes have been successfully implemented at plants.

The session will conclude with some universal recommendations and shared best practices.