WHO WE ARE

Pamarco is a global leader in manufacturing high-precision anilox and gravure rolls and sleeves for the packaging, printing, and specialty coating industries. With decades of experience and a presence in key markets worldwide, we understand the critical role that roll performance plays in achieving consistent print quality, productivity, and cost efficiency. Approximately one-third of our business addresses flexographic applications for paper and film, another third supports corrugated box production, and the remainder focuses on specialty coating technologies. This balanced portfolio enables us to continuously innovate and tailor solutions for diverse substrates, inks, and operating conditions

WHY PAMARCO ANILOX ROLLERS MATTER

Anilox rollers are the heart of any flexographic printing operation. They meter the exact volume of ink or coating transferred to the plate, directly affecting color density, consistency, print sharpness, and waste reduction. At Pamarco, we delve deeply into every aspect of anilox technology

Cell Geometry & Engraving Technology

• We offer a wide spectrum of cell configurations (e.g., hexagonal, trilobal, or novel proprietary shapes) and line screens (measured in lines per inch or lines per centimeter) to suit specific ink types, substrate porosity, and print resolution requirements
• Our state-of-the-art laser engraving systems deliver repeatable, uniform cell depths and volumes across the roll surface, ensuring consistency from proofing to full production
• Advanced cell designs can improve ink transfer efficiency, reduce dot gain, and optimize ink laydown for high-definition graphics or heavy solids, depending on the application

Volume Precision & Measurement

• Ink volume (commonly expressed in billion cubic microns per square inch or BCM/in²) is critically controlled. We provide precise metering from very low-volume rolls for high-resolution printing to higher-volume rolls for heavy coatings or specialty applications
• Our measurement services—using optical profilometry and gravimetric methods—verify cell volume, depth, and uniformity. Regular roll audits help clients maintain consistent output and identify when refurbishment is needed

Materials & Coatings

• We produce rolls with robust ceramic coatings or alternative surface materials suitable for varied ink chemistries, including water-based, solvent-based, and UV-curable systems. Ceramic-coated anilox rolls resist wear, chemical attack, and scratching, extending service life.
• For gravure or specialty coating sleeves, we offer tailored substrate materials and surface finishes to optimize performance and longevity under high-speed or abrasive conditions.

Customization & Specialty Solutions

• Pamarco’s technical team works closely with each client to analyze their process: substrate type, ink/coating viscosity, press speed, environmental conditions, and quality targets. Based on this analysis, we recommend or custom-engineer specific cell patterns, line screens, and volumes
• Specialty rolls for niche applications—such as textured coatings, microtexturing for anti-slip surfaces, or unique functional coatings—are developed through iterative prototyping and testing in our in-house lab or via pilot presses.
• We also support variable-data or short-run operations by offering quick-change sleeves and smaller-diameter rolls where appropriate.

Refurbishment & Lifecycle Management

• Over time, cell walls can become worn, clogged, or damaged, leading to inconsistent print or coating defects. Pamarco provides expert refurbishment services: measurement, cleaning, recoating or re-engraving, and final verification. This extends roll life and optimizes total cost of ownership.
• We help clients establish preventive maintenance schedules, combining cleaning protocols (see “Anilox Cleaning Solutions” below) with periodic inspections and volume requalification.

Technical Support & Consultation

• Our team of application engineers and print specialists collaborates with your production, R&D, and maintenance teams. We offer on-site or remote consultations, troubleshooting assistance, and training workshops on best practices for anilox handling, storage, and cleaning.
• We gather data from press trials and quality measurements to recommend continuous improvements—whether adjusting cell geometry, modifying ink formulations, or refining press settings to achieve target densities and reduce waste

MARKETS SERVED

We serve a broad array of markets where precise ink or coating metering is essential:

• Flexible Packaging: Films, laminates, pouches requiring high-definition graphics, variable ink densities, and diverse substrate combinations.
• Coating & Laminating: Applications such as barrier coatings, adhesive laminations, and functional coatings where uniform layer thickness and adhesion are critical.
• Offset Coating: Specialty offset applications that use anilox metering in post-press or inline coating processes.
• Narrow Web: Label and tag printing requiring frequent job changes, high-resolution imagery, and fast make-ready.
• Corrugated: Printing and coating in the corrugated box industry, involving higher-volume rolls for heavy paste labels or specialty coatings to improve box performance.

Specialty Coatings: Decorative finishes, tactile coatings, anti-slip layers, barrier and functional coatings (e.g., antimicrobial, UV-protective) where precise metering ensures efficacy and material savings.

HAND PROOFERS & PROOFING SOLUTIONS

Accurate pre-press proofing reduces waste and shortens makeready time. Pamarco’s hand proofers offer flexible, reliable solutions:

• Standard Flexo Proofer
  A proven 2-roll construction designed for ease of use in color matching and proof approval. Provides consistent impression and uniform ink transfer during press setup. Cost-effective and industry-standard quality.
• Quick Change Flexo Proofer
  Based on the standard proofer, this version allows swift anilox roll swaps for fine-tuning proofs. Eliminates the need for multiple handles or extensive cleaning between proofs. Ideal for operations with frequent color or substrate changes.

Rotogravure Proofer
 Tailored for gravure processes: delivers direct anilox impressions on a wide range of substrates in a controlled environment. Integrated doctor blade metering and consistent impression pressure ensure that gravure proofs accurately reflect full-scale press behavior. Simple to set up and clean, it accelerates approval cycles for gravure jobs

ANILOX CLEANING SOLUTIONS

Maintaining optimal cell volume and preventing clogged cell walls is essential for print consistency. Pamarco offers a suite of cleaning products and tools:

• EZ-Clean Scrubbers
  Air-powered scrubbing units engineered for efficient mechanical cleaning of ceramic or chrome-coated rolls. Designed for both on-press and off-press use, they reduce manual labor and downtime. Consistent cleaning action maximizes roll life and print quality.
• PRS Scrubbers
  A brushed variant of the EZ-Clean system, compatible with a variety of liquid cleaning agents. Provides gentle but effective removal of dried ink or coating residues. Choose stainless steel brushes for ceramic rolls or brass brushes for chrome rolls, ensuring compatibility and avoiding surface damage.
• Anilox Cleaning Plate (Patented for Corrugated Industry)
  A unique, plate-like cleaning tool that installs as easily as a printing plate. Engineered for preventive maintenance: it restores cell volume by gently abrading residue buildup without removing the underlying coating. Incorporate into your regular maintenance schedule to avoid sudden quality issues and extend roll life.
• Cleaning Fluids & Chemicals
  We supply or recommend specially formulated cleaning solutions matched to specific ink or coating chemistries (e.g., UV, solvent, water-based). Using the correct fluid synergizes with mechanical cleaning tools to unclog cells thoroughly without harming the roll surface.

Automated & In-Press Cleaning Options
 For high-volume operations, we advise on integrating in-press cleaning stations or automated cleaning lines that periodically clean anilox rollers during production, minimizing manual intervention and ensuring continuous consistent output