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Plymouth, MA. January 5, 2010.  Flexo Concepts has teamed with Nilpeter to install a MicroClean™ System in the press builder’s Cincinnati, Ohio demo center.  The unit is being used to clean anilox rolls between press demonstrations and confirm the equipment’s viability as an anilox cleaning method for the narrow web industry.

Flexo Concepts donated the MicroClean model 48 in a move to prove the system’s ability to effectively and safely clean line screens of up to 1,400 lpi without damaging the anilox engraving.  This model, designed for narrow web applications, can accommodate rolls up to 34” long and 11” in diameter.  Like all MicroClean models, it is able to safely clean anilox sleeves as well as rolls with journals.

In order for Nilpeter to demonstrate the full potential of its printing presses, the anilox rolls need to be cleaned during press trials so ink densities can be maintained.  John Coleman, Nilpeter’s Print Services Manager, has been impressed with MicroClean’s ability to thoroughly clean both UV and water-based inks from rolls with line screens ranging from 150 lpi to 1,400 lpi.  He says that the unit has also been used to clean plasma-coated idler rolls with great results.  ”We have seen many instances where the machine was able to remove stains where ultrasound and conventional methods were not successful.”

The MicroClean System runs completely without water or chemicals and as a result is able to safely clean the company’s sleeve-style anilox rolls in addition to its traditional shafted anilox rolls.  The plastic media particles are small enough to reach the bottoms of the anilox cells and thoroughly sweep out the dried ink or coating without harming the cell wall structure.  Mr. Coleman reported that, “After two anilox roll audits, not only were our rolls cleaner, but we have had no reports of cell wall damage.”  In addition to its effective cleaning power, safety to the roll and versatility, the machine’s enclosed cabinet design is an important feature:  “Right away I was impressed by the fact that the area around the unit remained clean and absent of dust.”  Overall, Mr. Coleman is pleased with the addition of the MicroClean unit to the new technology center and said he will continue to recommend this cleaning method for maintaining an anilox inventory.

Headquartered just outside Copenhagen, Denmark, Nilpeter manufactures narrow web printing equipment for the label and package printing industries.  Nilpeter’s innovative, high performance printing solutions cover all printing processes, widths, substrates and markets.  The company’s new Cincinnati Technology Center is used to showcase solutions to everyday pressroom needs.  Another objective of the center is to educate the industry on methods of producing high quality printing not just by utilizing Nilpeter presses, but also by demonstrating pressroom techniques, supporting equipment and products.

This model 48 represents the fourth machine placed in the field to promote the effectiveness of the technology and for demonstration purposes.  J.M. Heaford installed a model 72 in Altrincham, England last year, and two units are being maintained by flexographic educational centers in Appleton, Wisconsin and Sunne, Sweden.  Flexo Concepts also maintains a model 160 in its Plymouth, Massachusetts headquarters for demonstrations and a roll cleaning service.

To learn more about the benefits of MicroClean for narrow web applications, visit www.flexoconcepts.com.  To contact Nilpeter for an equipment demonstration at the Cincinnati location, please email sales@nilpeter.net.

About Flexo Concepts
Headquartered in Plymouth, Massachusetts, Flexo Concepts manufactures MicroClean™ dry media anilox cleaning systems and TruPoint™ plastic and composite doctor blades. All products are designed to improve print quality and reduce operational costs for flexographic and offset printers. Flexo Concepts maintains distribution locations in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. For more information about the company and its products visit www.flexoconcepts.com.