The Best Practice of anilox inspection management and maintenance R ecognising the huge financial benefits of ‘total

1. The Best Practice of anilox inspection management and maintenance Recognising the huge financial benefits of ‘total anilox management’

2. The financial benefits: Example: • 9 jobs a day on 3 (8 colour) presses = 22,264 colour changes per annum • If 20% require ink adjustment to achieve density at 20 minutes per adjustment = 1,500 hours of wasted production time • 1,500 hours x €400 per hour press cost = €300,000 per annum

3. Proof of the benefits: Richard Rosenberger •SolocupUSA We purchased 5 AniCAM units for 5 of our Flexographic plants. We justified both a cleaner and an AniCAM for each plant individually. When you consider what it takes to check color there is a significant savings in understanding your volume and making the appropriate changes to the ink set before it ever gets to press. We produce over 170,000 color changes a year. The demonstrated savings for us is over $500,000 annually. I think by the end of the year the savings will be $1,000,000 in substrate and press time. Unsolicited comments found on Linkedin April 2012

4. Recommended Best Practice includes : • Setting and agreeing the anilox specifications with your supplier • Using anilox inspection regime for historical roll analysis, inventory refurbishment and replacement planning • Evaluating and optimising the cleaning process to maximise press efficiency through anilox condition and volume awareness

5. Total Anilox Management: Initial receipt & regular inspection of anilox rolls • Work with your anilox manufacturer to agree the general and profile specifications needed for volume, screen count and angle • Inspect each roll on receipt for screen count and angle, also……. • Measure volume laterally along the roll and at 120 degree points around the roll to ensure it is within the specification agreed with the manufacturer. • Ensure the volume closely matches the agreed specification and your other rolls to reduce the need for ink adjustment.

6. Total Anilox Management: Maintain the cost savings with a proven cleaning regime The following is a recommendation: • After each colour or ink change clean and inspect the roll. • Every 2-3 months inspect each roll laterally and at 120 degree points to ensure the roll is being cleaned correctly;if out of specification review your cleaning process and/or consumables • Ensure the volume closely matches the original specification;if not it could indicate wear which will increase the need for ink adjustment; • If out of specification consider replacement or refurbishment of the roll, but avoid using it on press.

7. Total Anilox Management: Why: To make considerable cost savings in manufacturing (make your own calculation of possible savings) How: By defining agreed specifications with the anilox and cleaning manufacturers and qualifying the results by measurement with Troika AniCAM with Anilox QC When: On receipt of new rolls and on a regular basis to check cleaning using the Anilox QC and Management System from Troika Systems Ltd Troika Systems Limited:info@troika-systems.com +44 1793 766 355