Anilox Rolls for Corrugators

We make it easy to source new and refurbished anilox rolls for the corrugated industry.

The Flexo Factor team has many years of experience pertaining to all aspects of anilox rolls.  We have expertise in manufacturing, distribution, troubleshooting, and rebuilding anilox rolls.  Consulting services are also available.  We are agents and distributors for manufacturers of new and refurbished anilox.This is the one place to call for anything pertaining to anilox rolls.  We know how to increase the life of rolls, speed up the board feet per minute and how to decrease waste.  We provide the best practices, best equipment and best service.

Anilox Rolls for the corrugated industry are precision engraved that helps  solve one of the biggest challenges in corrugated packaging: achieving consistent ink transfer and high‑quality print at production speed. By controlling ink volume and and ensuring consistent ink release , these rolls help corrugated converters reduce waste, improve board feet per minute, and deliver sharp graphics that meet today’s demanding packaging standards.

What Are Anilox Rolls?

Anilox rolls are precision‑engineered cylinders plasma coated with the most advanced chromium oxide ceramic and laser‑engraved with with state of the art technology to achieve a perfectly engraved geometric pattern of cells. Each cell is designed to hold and release a specific volume of ink, starch, or coating. In corrugated printing, this precision ensures that every box, barcode, and graphic is printed with clarity and consistency. Without reliable anilox rolls, converters face blurred images, uneven coverage, and costly rework.

Why Corrugators Depend on quality Glue & metering  Rolls and anilox

Corrugated converters operate at high speeds, often producing thousands of boxes per hour. The challenges they face include:

• Uneven ink, starch, or glue coverageleading to poor adhesion or print defects.
• Graphics that fail brand standards, especially in retail packaging.
• Excessive waste and downtimecaused by roll wear or improper ink transfer.

Quality engraved and matched rolls solve these problems by:

• Delivering consistent ink transferacross long runs.
• Supporting high‑graphic printingfor retail and e‑commerce packaging.
• Delivering consistent glue weights and thicknesses
• Reducing waste and downtimethrough durable construction and reconditioning options.

NRK Expertise in Anilox Rolls

National Roll Kote (NRK) expanded its capabilities through the acquisition of Ceramco/Printech, adding anilox roll fabrication and reconditioning to its proven polyurethane and rubber roll lines. NRK provides:

• New roll fabricationto exact specifications.
• Reconditioning servicesincluding submerged arc welded stainless steel, plasma coating, chrome reconditioning, dynamic balancing and journal repairs.
• Durakote and Dualkote coveringsengineered for extended life.

This ensures that every type of corrugated press can maintain peak performance without costly replacements, while benefiting from NRK’s decades of expertise in roll technology.

Technical Advantages

Anilox rolls offer several technical benefits:

• Laser‑engraved ceramic coatingfor durability and precision.
• Cell geometry options: high‑volume cells for solids, fine cells for detailed graphics.
• Balanced roll constructionto prevent vibration and ensure smooth operation.
• Resistance to scoring and corrosionthat extends service life.

It is well known in the print industry  that anilox rolls are the “heart of the flexographic press,” delivering precise ink volumes for every substrate.

Applications in Corrugated Printing

Anilox rolls are used in a wide range of corrugated print applications:

• High‑graphic retail packagingrequiring fine detail and vibrant colors.
• Standard corrugated boxesneeding bold logos and scannable barcodes.
• Specialty coatingssuch as gloss, matte, or protective layers.

By selecting the right cell volume and engraving, converters can achieve exceptional solids, halftones, or specialty coatings.

Maintenance and Best Practices

To maximize roll life and performance:

• Regular cleaningprevents cell plugging and ink buildup.
• Scheduled inspectionsensure consistent ink volume.
• Proper storagein a dry environment prevents corrosion.
• Partnering with NRK and The Flexo Factorguarantees genuine reconditioning services and technical support.

1Durakote and Dualkote coverings for extended life.

This ensures corrugators can maintain peak performance without costly replacements.

4. Technical Advantages

• Laser‑engraved ceramic coating: Provides durability and precision.
• Cell geometry options: High volume cells for solids, fine cells for detailed graphics.
• Balanced roll construction: Prevents vibration and ensures smooth operation.
• Resistance to scoring and corrosion: Extends service life.

5. Applications in Corrugated Printing

Anilox rolls are used in:

• High‑graphic retail packagingrequiring fine detail.
• Standard corrugated boxesneeding bold logos and barcodes.
• Specialty coatingsfor gloss, matte, or protective layers.

6. Maintenance and Best Practices

• Regular cleaning prevents cell plugging.
• Inspection ensures consistent ink volume.

7. Why Choose The Flexo Factor

As an authorized NRK agent, The Flexo Factor provides:

• Direct access to NRK’s anilox roll and engineering technology.
• Technical guidance for selecting the right cell volume and engraving.
• Fast delivery and responsive support for all printers and converters.