Evolux: the laser cleaning of aniloxes evolves

ULMEX inaugurates Evolux, the innovative concept for laser cleaning of aniloxes, designed to be integrated into printing processes by applying automated predictive maintenance logics for each individual roller.

Designed and engineered by ULMEX R&D department, Evolux is the exclusive solution that represents a turning point for the Padua-based company, known internationally as a supplier of components, consumables, equipment, spare parts and services for flexo and rotogravure printing.

Twenty years of experience in printing processes, combined with the expertise of ULMEX technicians in the field of lasers, has led to the creation of a new generation machine, which has become an integral part of the company’s production cycle.

As Alessio Polastro, sales director of ULMEX Italy, explains:

«Our technology is characterized by a series of unique pluses. On a global level, it is the first integrated cleaning and control solution capable of effectively and efficiently managing the cleaning of the entire anilox fleet, applying automated predictive maintenance logics for each individual anilox».

Technological heart: pulsed fiber laser source.Unlike other types of lasers, which can be adjusted only in terms of power, the pulsed fiber laser is extremely flexible and allows you to calibrate the frequency and characteristic of the pulse itself, creating customized cleaning programs.

This allows Evolux to remove not only inks, but also more difficult residues such as lacquers, adhesives and silicones, whether solvent, water or UV based. Once started up via the integrated 21” touch screen monitor, the cleaning process takes place quickly, silently and entirely automatically, without any need for operator control and always with the guarantee of maximum effectiveness.
Among the many pluses of the Evolux laser, in fact, is the auto focus laser beam that cleans each individual cell with equal intensity and energy, ensuring homogeneous results along the entire roller table.

Completing the Evolux process are two equally innovative optional tools, specifically designed to increase performance.
First of all, the 3D microscope, for the first time directly integrated in the machine: a novelty that completes the cleaning process because, in addition to checking the outcome, it allows to examine the volume, depth and geometry of the cells of each anilox, providing important data for the control of their life cycle.

All the information collected is managed by the proprietary D.A.M. (Dynamic Anilox Management) software.
Designed and programmed directly by ULMEX, D.A.M. makes it possible to process data relating to the entire anilox fleet of a company in just a few clicks, calculating in advance when the flow rate saturation has been reached. In this way it is possible to evaluate from time to time whether to proceed with the cleaning or to plan the regeneration, optimizing time, costs and print quality.

Evolux in the field. The Evolux 1700 and 2100 models are already available for personalised testing at the ULMEX showroom in Padua, respectively for anilox up to 1700 and 2100 mm, to which other models for tables of different sizes will soon be added. 

«Right from the very first demonstrations we organized, this new laser cleaning concept has been a great success» says Angelo Maggi, ULMEX Italia’s Managing Director «as have the first installations carried out both in Italy and abroad. All the customers who have already implemented Evolux in their production process are appreciating the tangible and measurable results. In particular, the effective restoration of the entire available capacity of the anilox after a wash, within certain limits defined by the machine software, translates into improved printing quality guaranteed over time, without resorting to expensive regenerations in advance».  

According to ULMEX, laser is the future of anilox cleaning, offering the right compromise between efficiency, quality, reduced maintenance and environmental sustainability.