ULMEX – a specialist international company with over 20 years’ experience in the supply of technical components, consumer products, equipment, spare parts and services for packing, flexible packaging and flexo and rotogravure printing – presents Evolux, the innovative eco-friendly concept for laser cleaning of anilox rollers, designed to be integrated into the printing process.
Designed and engineered by the ULMEX R&D department, Evolux is a cutting-edge system developed to become an integral part of a company’s production cycle. “Globally, this is one of the first integrated cleaning and inspection solutions capable of cleaning the entire anilox system efficiently and effectively. Evolux also uses automated predictive maintenance software that enhances print quality while reducing costs and providing substantial benefits and savings,” said Angelo Maggi, director of ULMEX. Evolux also addresses key environmental sustainability requirements as it avoids the use of chemical solvents, detergents, bicarbonate or other pollutants; this is particularly important for printers operating in the food packaging sector that are adopting green practices and using sustainable technology and materials. Evolux stands out from traditional laser machines currently in use thanks to a number of new features that make the system unique in its approach to cleaning, where the cleaning process becomes a way of achieving higher levels of quality and economy in the operation of anilox rollers.
At the heart of the Evolux technology is the exclusive pulsed-fibre laser source which, unlike other types of laser, makes it possible to calibrate the power, frequency and characteristics of the pulse, to enable customised cleaning programmes. More than simply removing inks, it can also eliminate more stubborn residues like paint, adhesives and silicone, whether solvent, water or UV-based. Once initiated using the built-in 21″ touch screen monitor, the cleaning process is fast, quiet and completely automated, without needing operator supervision and always ensuring maximum performance. The many benefits of the Evolux system include the auto focus laser beam which cleans each individual cell with uniform intensity and energy, ensuring homogeneous results along the entire roller table.
The Evolux system includes two equally innovative optional instruments specifically designed by the ULMEX R&D department to enhance performance. The first is the 3D microscope, now integrated directly into the machine for the first time. This new feature intensifies the cleaning process, because as well as checking the results, it makes it possible to examine the volume, depth and geometry of individual anilox cells, providing important information when checking their life cycle. All of the collected data is handled by the proprietary D.A.M. (Dynamic Anilox Management) software. D.A.M. is a unique system designed and programmed by ULMEX: in a few simple steps it can process all of the data about a company’s anilox rollers, calculating in advance when the system will reach saturation. This makes it possible to assess periodically whether to clean the system or to schedule restoration, thereby optimising time frames, costs and print quality.
Evolux is available in five models of differing power, speed and dimensions that are capable of meeting the needs of various types of user, from small printers to large converters. The range also includes the Evolux Smart system for mobile cleaning in specially equipped vehicles which ULMEX uses to provide cleaning services at customer premises. For this service, ULMEX is currently establishing a network of international collaboration with local partners that can bring Evolux’s reliability, effectiveness and customisable features to the main European countries.
