In response to ultrasonic anilox roll damage claims, a unique experiment was carried out by Alphasonics. Beginning Sunday, May 25, a continuous roll cleaning trial was streamed online, live from the company’d manufacturing facility for 24 hours a day over the course of five days, with no breaks. Watched by a combined audience of 607 viewers, the trial employed Alphasonics’ Alphasound and Enhanced SuperSweep technologies, designed to give viewers full access to the equipment along with behind the scenes access to their production facility.
Three brand new 1,200 lpi 400 lpi ex production anilox rolls were used, supplied by some of the biggest and best names in anilox roll production including Pamarco Global Graphics and Inometa. Coming in at the equivalent of around five years worth of cleaning, the trial was continuously captured around the clock by four cameras. Three separate live discussion and Q&A sessions also took place, addressing questions fielded via the Internet and social media from those looking to find out more about the trial and the technology.
The rolls were independently inspected before and after the trial by Troika systems, who verified that all rolls were undamaged and would be perfect for full production. Results were taken during a final live broadcast, with viewers being given full access to the measuring process with results revealed as they happened. Alphasonics have since published the roll measurements from Troika online. Alphasonics equipment has been put through an unobstructed and exhausting test, proving their equipment does not cause anilox damage.
The idea behind the trial was to undeniably prove the link between Alphasonics equipment and anilox damage to be no more than a myth. Controlling ultrasound correctly ensures anilox rolls can remain safe, and while Alphasonics cannot speak for other ultrasonic suppliers, they are safe in the knowledge that their technology and their capabilities simply cannot be questioned when anilox safety is considered.
Ensuring the printer receives the full picture is what has driven the company. Dispelling links to anilox damage therefore gives printers access to technology that can have a positive impact on production quality. Regularity is the key factor to ensure guaranteed results from the press. Therefore, an anilox cleaning method needs to be flexible enough to use regularly but at the same time, capable of delivering on cleaning results time after time.
Alphasonics are confident they have proven their equipment to be capable of this, and have put a few myths to bed in the process.