Proprietary construction process provides consistent performance
The knock on some anilox sleeves had been the comparatively short amount of time they would hold their tolerances during normal running. MECA Solutions, LLC, solved that issue with a proprietary construction process that delivers consistent performance and long-term value for flexographic printers.
MECA Solutions engineers developed a process that features metal and composite components for its anilox sleeves. A carbon fiber version of MECA Solutions’ anilox sleeves features enhanced vibration absorption properties that are particularly effective when running at high press speeds.
“We have a climate-controlled Lean Manufacturing cell within our facility that specializes in anilox sleeve manufacturing,” explains Jamie Morales, sleeve plant production manager at MECA Solutions. “This ensures we can deliver exceptionally high-quality sleeves for customers across North America with lead times of only two weeks.”
Anilox sleeves provide reduced changeover times
Anilox sleeves offer several ergonomic advantages compared to conventional steel anilox rolls due to their reduced weight. Key among those are ease of handling for press technicians and speedier changeovers that dramatically reduce make-ready times.
MECA Solutions, which also serves offset printers as a VSOP sleeve manufacturer, produces sleeves that hold up well to the heat generated by high-speed presses. Its proprietary material displays superior performance compared to aluminum-based sleeves that deteriorate at high temperatures.
“Once the press crew mounts sleeves to air cylinders, the processing steps are virtually the same as they are for conventional anilox rolls,” Morales says. “The engraving process is identical as well, which is why a growing number of printers are adding anilox sleeves to their inventory.”
About MECA Solutions
MECA Solutions is North America’s premier manufacturer of high-precision cylindrical products for the printing and web handling industries. Included in MECA’s product offering are flexographic print sleeves, heat transfer rolls, carry rolls, mandrels, coating rolls and other specialty roller products. MECA utilizes a variety of materials such as steel, aluminum, carbon fiber and other substrates to manufacture its precision products for the industrial printing, coating and web converting industries.
For more information about MECA Solutions’ design and manufacturing capabilities, contact Jamie Morales; Phone 920-336-7382, email: [email protected] or visit https://www.mecagb.com/.
View original article on anilox sleeves here.
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