The aim of this research was to investigate the ink release characteristics of anilox rolls. This was successfully achieved by the development and use of experimental and analysis methods. Techniques were developed using white light interferometry for accurate user independent characterisation of single ani lox cells. An experimental trial printing UV curable ink onto a non-porous film substrate using banded C02 and Y AG laser engraved anilox rolls was designed and undertaken. Optical print densities and physical printed dot geometries were used to quantify the ink released for various print parameters. The Y AG anilox roll released a higher percentage of ink than the C02 anilox at comparable volumes and cell profiles. As the cell volume and depth-to-opening ratio increased the percentage of ink released from both anilox rolls decreased. The optimum ink release was found at a depth-to-opening ratio of20%. The percentage of ink released from both rolls was dependent on plate coverage, screen ruling, speed and anilox to plate engagement. As plate coverage increased, the percentage of ink released from the anilox roll decreased. As plate screen ruling increased, the percentage of ink released from the anilox roll increased. Increasing press speed decreased the optical print density due to a reduction in ink transfer. Increasing anilox to plate engagement had variable effects on the printed samples and subsequent release from the anilox. Increasing engagement increased the optical print density and physical dot area. Physical dot volume was increased for the first engagement increase, but then decreased at the highest engagement. A method was successfully developed and tested using white light interferometry and a printability tester for the direct measurement and quantification of fluid within a cell, pre and post printed. Results for the percentage ink released were comparable to those obtained from the experimental trial and were also dependent on plate coverage and engagement force.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:642846 |
| Date | January 2007 |
| Creators | Cherry, John Allen |
| Publisher | Swansea University |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
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