HarperScientific introduces SleeveWrak double-decker rack

HarperScientific, the printing and coating supplies division of global anilox supplier Harper Corporation of America, has introduced SleeveWrak double-decker rack, a two-tiered vertical storage unit for narrow web anilox and/or plate sleeves up to 30 inches in length.

‘We’ve developed the SleeveWrak double-decker rack to minimize sleeve damage, accommodate both anilox and plate sleeves, and maximize storage convenience,’ said Tony Donato, process & product development engineer at Harper Corporation.

‘Each sleeve is held in position by a pair of specially designed guides and stored vertically, which minimizes compression of the expansion layer of the sleeve. The rack also features a built-in rubber belt that supports the bottom end of the sleeve and keeps the ends from becoming damaged or chipped. Heavy-duty casters mean that the sleeve inventory can be moved over to the press quickly and easily,’ Donato continued.

In addition to the flexibility of storing both anilox and plate sleeves, each rack, which comes standard with 32 pairs of adjustable guides, can accommodate up to 50 narrow web anilox and/or plate sleeves with the addition of further guides.

The rack’s adjustable guides can be moved along a built-in track, which allows for the storage of any ‘repeat’ of plate sleeves. The bottom guide assemblies are designed with universality in mind, so each storage station accommodates either an anilox or plate sleeve: anilox sleeves rest around the lower, larger diameter of the guide, and the smaller round guide that sits atop it accommodates a plate cylinder.

The SleeveWrak double-decker rack is designed for easy loading from either side of the unit: while holding the sleeve vertically, simply tilt the top of the sleeve into the rack and lift it so the upper guide slips into the bore of the sleeve.  Once the bottom of the sleeve is high enough to clear the bottom guide, center the sleeve over the bottom guide and lower until it rests flat.