The Causes of Anilox Roller Scoring
Common Causes:
Steel particulate | Dried ink | Coating particulate
Scoring occurs when debris becomes trapped between the doctor blade and the anilox roller, leading to costly damage.
Effects of Scoring
Dark lines in print | Gaps in coating | Increased waste
Once an anilox roller is scored, re-engraving is required – resulting in significant costs.
Five tips to minimise anilox scoring:
· No. 1 – Reduce Steel Usage
Eliminate steel doctor blades with TruPoint Edge: Improves pressroom safety. Extends blade life. Protects anilox rollers.
Or combine a TruPoint polymer Edge with a TruPoint polyester blade.
· No. 2 – Implement Magnets
High-strength magnets capture steel particulate before it can cause damage.
· No. 3 – Install a Filtration System
Filtration removes hardened debris during extended production runs, preventing contamination.
· No. 4 – Optimise Setup
Proper alignment and light doctor blade pressure help minimise roller damage:
Set the blade angle between 28-32 degrees. Apply just enough pressure to wipe the roller cleanly. Over-pressurising accelerates scoring.
· No. 5 – Regular Maintenance
Preventative maintenance is key to maximising roller lifespan. Regularly inspect and clean rollers to remove ink and debris before they cause damage.
For further details regarding TruPoint doctor blades, anilox rollers cleaning solutions and maintenance advice, call one of our Technical Sales Managers on: 0118 930 5999