Alphasonics, a supplier of anilox cleaning systems, is presenting a number of new developments at this year’s Labelexpo.  Aimed entirely at the concept of "Control," Alphasonics have further developed their range of equipment along with developing various add-ons and optional extras which give the end user a much tighter grip on the cleaning process. 

Exhibiting for their 23rd consecutive year at the show, they are of the firm belief that what they are presenting this time around is the most comprehensive range of cleaning equipment to have ever been offered to the label printing industry.  Christopher Jones, Marketing Manager, explains, “We as an industry know the importance of the anilox roll in the flexography process.  As a crucial part of the process it is an absolutely necessity to ensure it is in the best condition at all times and to us that doesn’t just mean cleaning – it’s about keeping control of it.  That’s been at the heart at how we’ve looked to develop the kit over the past several years with the belief that we can give 100% volume and therefore, complete control over the press and therefore, the printed output.”

Their latest developments include current monitoring systems, automatic roll reversal for improved cleaning, storage and racking systems and automatic chemical dilution.  In addition, the company will introduce a chemical measurement system - giving the user an accurate indication of the condition of the system’s fluid and when it requires changing.  The aim of this is to allow the customer to get a handle of their consumable costs and to also ensure they are getting the very best from the system. 

After extolling the virtues of controlling the roll with an effective cleaning system Alphasonics have noted a change in approach in many parts of the industry, with some of the larger groups taking the lead in this approach.  The company note that the control element that their systems offer gives five tangible benefits: a vast reduction in waste; quicker make ready and set up times; removing of the need for mediums and pigment enhancers; an improvement in production quality and a much easier monitoring of anilox lifetime across an inventory. 

“Controlling the cleaning system itself, we believe, is the first step to controlling the anilox, which gives you a control over the flexography process. For this reason, it is easy to say there is a fine line between controlling the anilox and increasing profit.  We’re looking forward to showing visitors to LabelExpo just how we can do that for them," Jones says.

Finally, by way of showing the safety of an anilox roll in the system, Alphasonics is running a third anilox cleaning trial of its kind for the full duration of the show.  At the opening of Labelexpo, Alphasonics began cleaning of two 1200lpi rolls in a Megan ultrasonic cleaning system. This will run until the closing of the show three days later and will not stop at any point for the three full days. The aim is to illustrate that Alphasonics cleaning systems do not have the capability to damage a delicate anilox roll – an issue found in some ultrasonic systems.  After the successes of the demonstrations at Alphasonics facility and also at Labelexpo Americas last year they have decided to bring the trial to Brussels to prove the safety of their systems and the control paradigm.  All in all, the cleaning cycles will run for 79 hours, meaning over 900 cleaning cycles will take place with rolls being tested for volume and damage before and after the show.

Alphasonics is also be streaming the trial live to the internet and uploading highlights of their Labelexpo show to YouTube upon completion.