The proper filtration of laser-ablated particulates is a critical requirement for the cleaning of anilox rollers in the printing industry. Anilox rollers feature a ceramic or metal surface that is engraved with tiny cells that hold ink. As cells become blocked with ink residues and debris over time, print quality and efficiency are reduced. Therefore regular anilox cleaning is needed to maining quality and performance.
The cleaning process removes any contaminants present on the surface. This process is known as ablation, wherein the laser beam heats the surface, leading to the breakdown of surface contaminants into fine particles and gases, making them easier to remove. It is imperative to ensure that the particulates generated during the laser cleaning process are adequately filtered, given the potential hazards associated with them. The finer the particulate the greater the risks.
The Sitexco, Sitexco+, and SitexcoLabel Laser Anilox Cleaning systems employ a series of Pre-Filters, Particle Filters, and Molecular Filters to ensure the thorough capture of particulate matter, ultrafine particles, and gaseous contaminants. This system guarantees that no fumes escape during operation, and it expels air from the bottom of the filtration unit that is 99.99999% clean.
Proper filtration is essential in this process for many reasons such as:
Health and Safety
Laser ablation for anilox cleaning involves the use of high-energy lasers to burn off residues like dried ink from the anilox roller’s surface. This process generates fine particulate matter, which can be hazardous if inhaled. Associated health risks include, Inflammation and tissue changes in the breathing organs, Asthma, allergies, functional disorders of the lungs, Deterioration of the lung's ability to clean itself, lung cancer.
Effective filtration ensures that these airborne particles are captured and not released into the working environment, protecting the health of operators and preventing respiratory issues.
Air Quality
Besides health concerns, these particulates can contaminate the workplace, affecting not only air quality but also potentially damaging sensitive machinery and products. Filtration systems help maintain clean air conditions within the facility, which is particularly important in environments that require high levels of cleanliness, such as printing facilities.
Equipment Efficiency
Proper filtration of laser-ablated particulates helps in maintaining the efficiency of the laser cleaning system itself. Accumulation of particles in the equipment can lead to wear and tear, reducing its operational efficiency and lifespan. Filtration systems prevent this build-up, ensuring that the equipment remains in good working condition.
Compliance with Regulations
Workplace regulations often require that emissions, including particulates from industrial processes, are managed and controlled to ensure they do not exceed safe levels. Effective filtration systems help in complying with these health and safety regulations, avoiding legal issues and potential fines.
There are various international and regional standards that are used to test air filters and evaluate their performance in terms of efficiency, pressure drop, dust holding capacity, and other factors. These standards are put in place to ensure that the filters meet specific requirements for air quality in different types of environments, including residential, commercial, and industrial settings, such as EN 779 and ASHRAE 52.2.
The EN 779 and ASHRAE 52.2 standards are two commonly used methods for testing and classifying air filters that are used in ventilation systems. Both standards aim to ensure that air filters meet certain performance criteria and are effective in removing pollutants and particles from the air. However, there are some key differences between the two standards.
Quality Control
For printing industries, the quality is paramount. Contaminants that arise from inadequate filtration during the cleaning process can end up back on the anilox roller or other critical parts of the printing press, leading to poor print quality. Ensuring that particulates are thoroughly removed and that the rollers are cleaned effectively maintains the high quality of the printing process.
Therefore, the effective filtration of laser-ablated particulates during anilox cleaning is essential for maintaining a safe and efficient printing process. It protects health, ensures compliance with regulations, enhances operational efficiency, and upholds product quality, all of which are critical in a high-stakes industry like printing.