Alphasonics records positive roll cleaning trial results

Alphasonics concluded its continuous five-day roll cleaning trial last week, with Troika Systems describing the tested rolls as being ‘much cleaner with better defined cell surfaces and no damage had been caused as a result of the Alphasonics cleaning technology’.

Alphasonics records 'indisputable' roll cleaning trial results

Alphasonics organized and staged the test program in an effort to address ‘industry myths’ about the relationship between ultrasonic cleaning and anilox roll damage.

Six rolls in total, three brand new and three with existing superficial end damage, were cleaned with Troika Systems using its AniCAM tool to inspect the rolls, both before the test and at the conclusion of the five-day trial. Prior to the start of the trial, the rolls were found to have no discernable damage to their walls or cells.

For the cleaning, an Alphasonics Megan with Alphaclean3 fluid ran more than 1,300 cycles, approximate to five years’ worth of cleaning.

Jon Jordan, Troika Systems sales director, said: ‘Following the test of 1,304 cleaning cycles the rolls were removed from the Alphasonics cleaning system, dried and then retested and I found the cells were much cleaner with better defined cell surfaces and no damage had been caused as a result of the Alphasonics cleaning technology.’

A full time-lapse version of the trial will be available online shortly.

Christopher Jones, Alphasonics marketing manager, and UK and Ireland sales manager, said: ‘We have provided indisputable proof that Alphasonics’ equipment simply cannot damage anilox rolls.  Again, the reason we did this is to put a stop to hearsay that our equipment could do this.  We’ve distanced ourselves from poor examples of ultrasonic equipment and proved the reliability of Alphasonics equipment. 

‘Personally, I’m delighted with how the trial has gone and the results we’ve been able to achieve.  However, I’m not surprised. We’ve said all along that roll damage simply could not occur with our technology and we’ve proved that. Giving access to customers around the world through a fully transparent and open trial was just a perfect way to do it.’