Anilox Rolls for Corrugators

We make it easy to source new anilox rolls for corrugators.  Also, call in for anilox roll repairs.

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 distributors for anilox roll manufacturers and also roll re-builders.  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 Corrugators are the precision tools that 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 distribution, 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 coated with industrial ceramic and laser‑engraved with microscopic 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 Anilox Rolls

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

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

Quality anilox rolls solve these problems by:

• Delivering consistent ink transfer across long runs.
• Supporting high‑graphic printing for retail and e‑commerce packaging.
• Reducing waste and downtime through 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 fabrication to exact specifications.
• Reconditioning services including plasma coating, chrome reconditioning, and journal repairs.
• Durakote and Dualkote coverings engineered for extended life.

This ensures corrugators 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 coating for durability and precision.
• Cell geometry options: high‑volume cells for solids, fine cells for detailed graphics.
• Balanced roll construction to prevent vibration and ensure smooth operation.
• Resistance to scoring and corrosion that extends service life.

ARC International and other industry leaders emphasize 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 applications:

• High‑graphic retail packaging requiring fine detail and vibrant colors.
• Standard corrugated boxes needing bold logos and scannable barcodes.
• Specialty coatings such as gloss, matte, or protective layers.

By selecting the right cell volume and engraving, converters can optimize rolls for solids, halftones, or specialty coatings.

Maintenance and Best Practices

To maximize roll life and performance:

• Regular cleaning prevents cell plugging and ink buildup.
• Scheduled inspections ensure consistent ink volume.
• Proper storage in a dry environment prevents corrosion.
• Partnering with NRK and The Flexo Factor guarantees genuine reconditioning services and technical support.

1. What Are Anilox Rolls?

Anilox rolls are precision‑engineered cylinders with a ceramic coating laser‑engraved with microscopic cells. Each cell holds and transfers a controlled volume of ink to the printing plate. In corrugated printing, this consistency is vital for maintaining brand quality and meeting customer expectations.

2. Why Corrugators Depend on Anilox Rolls

Corrugated converters face challenges: uneven ink, starch and glue coverage, blurred graphics, and wasted material. Quality anilox rolls solve these problems by:

• Delivering consistent ink, starch and glue transfer across long high speed runs.
• Supporting high‑graphic printing for retail packaging.
• Reducing waste and downtime through durable construction.

3. NRK Expertise in Anilox Rolls

According to NRK Rolls, their acquisition of Ceramco/Printech expanded capabilities to include anilox roll fabrication and reconditioning. NRK provides:

• New roll fabrication to exact specifications.
• Reconditioning services including plasma coating, chrome reconditioning, and journal repairs.
• Durakote 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 packaging requiring fine detail.
• Standard corrugated boxes needing bold logos and barcodes.
• Specialty coatings for gloss, matte, or protective layers.

6. Maintenance and Best Practices

• Regular cleaning prevents cell plugging.
• Inspection ensures consistent ink volume.
• The Flexo Factor guarantees genuine reconditioning services.

7. Why Choose The Flexo Factor

As an authorized NRK agent, The Flexo Factor provides:

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