Press Release
NEW LASER TECHNOLOGY
When Stork first received the patent for the laser engraved ceramic anilox roll, the rolls were produced with CO2 lasers. Although CO2 technology has improved through the years, the lengthy pulse decay and large spot size limited CO2’s ability to produce consistent engravings. Stork's introduction of YAG anilox rolls in 1996 shattered the line count barrier, allowing for extremely consistent engravings to 2000 lpi. The intense burst of YAG energy was capable of producing high line screen/high volume rolls. However, the cell structure that YAG lasers produce is sometimes leading to premature plugging due to the tubular cell wall and rough cell inner lining. (See Fig. 2)
HQP Fiber Optic Laser Engraving
Fiber Optic laser engraving technology has the ability to produce high line screen engravings without the undesirable cell characteristics of the YAG lasers and to do it consistently. (See Fig. 3) The fiber optic laser engraves cells with a high thermal component creating a vitrified, almost glasslike cell inner lining. The smooth walls and defined cells make for better ink release, easier cleaning, less plugging and improved press room efficiency. Although other companies have tried to duplicate our process, they do not have the same capabilities or experience.
Advantages
· Average 10% to 15% better ink release than YAG
· Easier and Quicker cleaning and maintenance
· Reduced plugging on press during long runs
· Improved Press Room Efficiency
· High line count rolls with unmatched quality and consistency
More details on this technology in our article entitled "Fiber Optic Laser Engraving for Anilox Rolls" in the August 2004 issue of Flexible Packaging Magazine.
Fig. 1 CO 2 Engraving
Fig. 2 YAG Engraving
Fig. 3 Fiber Optic Engraving
For more information, or if you have any questions, call 800-545-7895 (US & Canada) or 414-357-0260