Flexo Concepts launches new MicroCleanT models

Flexo Concepts, manufacturers of MicroCleanT anilox cleaning systems and TruPointT plastic and composite doctor blades, has announced the addition of two new MicroCleanT models, 60 & 90, to provide sizes well-suited to the mid-web and wide-web sleeve markets. Both models are available with a dual-gun for faster cleaning, SmartDrive for quicker set-up and adaptors for anilox sleeves.

In recent years, the flexographic industry has seen a dramatic increase in the use of anilox sleeves to enhance quality and gain production efficiency. Printers are turning to this technology to run faster speeds with tighter tolerances and reduce set-up times. At the same time, operators are enjoying easier handling, operation and storage due to their light weight.

As sleeve technology becomes more common, the industry has been challenged with finding safe and effective methods for cleaning. Chemical cleaners often contain high pH levels which can penetrate the porous ceramic coating, corroding the aluminum underneath and damaging the sleeve's inner core. For this reason, sleeve manufacturers typically recommend avoiding chemical and ultrasonic cleaners because they require the sleeve to be submerged during deep cleaning. Dry cleaning with plastic media is widely recognized by industry experts as the safest method of deep cleaning anilox sleeves.

The MicroCleanT System is a an off-press anilox cleaning machine which uses specially designed plastic media to gently remove dried inks and coatings, restoring cells to their original volume. This method is claimed to be effective at cleaning a wide range of line screens repeatedly without damage on both traditional anilox rolls as well as sleeves. The system uses dry plastic media and is ‘one of the few safe and effective methods of cleaning anilox sleeves available today’, according to a statement. The plastic media is recyclable, making MicroCleanT the ‘lowest cost per-roll cleaning method of any presently on the market’.

Flexo Concepts has modified its full MicroCleanT line to accommodate sleeves and traditional anilox rolls. All models are now available with an optional sleeve adaptor kit to enable sleeves to fit easily into the cleaning system.

Greg Howell, COO, commented, ‘We pride ourselves on responding quickly to changes in the industry. It's exciting to be able to provide solutions specific to this growing need, and we anticipate a positive response in the marketplace.’