Pressing Solutions
Decrease Anilox Impression to Change Image
Problem
Name: Lead Edge Smear
Also known as: Edge Smear,
Edge Rounding, Anilox Smash
See also: Reverse Smear
Signs and Symptoms: It appears
as a line, a curve or whatever shape
the solid is printing.
Location on sheet and/or printed
elements: This problem is found only
at the leading edge of a solid or dot.
Description: This problem is lo-
cated at the lead edge of the image
only. It will not go around the
image. It appears as a smear or
smudge at the lead edge of the plate.
It will appear on coated and uncoat-
ed papers.
Diagnostic Process
Evaluation: There are two key el-
ements to identifying this problem.
1. It is only found at the leading
edge of the solid print, typically
Normal view
10 times magnification
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Before decrease in anilox pressure.
found in more than one location
across the sheet.
2. Under examination with a
magnifying glass, the area in ques-
tion will have a haze of ink in the
lighter area.
Tools: A magnifying glass, 10-
12X (power) and/or a densitometer.
Cause: Too much anilox roll to
the plate impression.
Collateral Effects: If plates are
run like this for long periods of
time, the lead edge of the plate will
be rounded and worn away. When
the job is run at a later time, a
square edge will not be attainable.
Color will be hard to match and will
appear light. This is a result of ink
being rubbed off of the plate from
the over impression of the anilox
roll.
Treatment
General Measures: Decrease
anilox roll pressure in small incre-
ments until no longer printing.
Then increase anilox impression in
small increments until even print is
achieved. The ink will probably need
to be adjusted for density, if it was
previously adjusted for the lighter
color, as it will probably appear too
dark at this time.
REVISED 6/1/04
After decrease in anilox pressure — The
edges are clean and sharp and the image is
darker.
Caution: Do not apply more
pressure than is needed. This will
recreate the unwanted problem.
Chemicals: Extender to lighten
color
Extreme Measures: An anilox
roll with a higher volume may be
needed if additional pressure has
been applied to try and match color
with the idea of trying to get more
ink out of the roll.
Prevention
Proactive Steps: Follow a Maxi-
mum of Minimum setup procedure.
This implies that the anilox roll is
backed away from the plate at start-
up and pressure is slowly applied.
This will extend the life of your tool-
ing and result in a repeatable job.
Where to seek help:
• Plate supplier: evaluate plates
for levelness and wear
• Press manufacturer: evaluate lev-
elness/parallel of the anilox roll and
plate cylinder as well as TIR of both.
Cordes Porcher 888/226-8800 or 973/226-8000
cordes.porcher@bobstgroup.com