An anilox roll is a hard cylinder, usually constructed of steel or aluminum and coated with industrial ceramic, whose surface contains millions of microscopic dimples called cells. These cells scoop up ink from a reservoir and transfer a strictly controlled film of it to the raised image areas of a flexographic plate. The cell volume dictates exactly how much ink is laid down, making the anilox the heart of the flexo inking system.
Heard on the job
We need to swap the anilox for a higher cell count before we run this process color job.
Insider tip
Treat anilox rolls like glass. A tiny scratch from a rogue doctor blade will show up as a continuous streak on every printed impression.
Also heard as
- anilox roll
- anilox roller