Printing rollers

We offer you a wide range of printing rollers, for most offset, flexographic or labelling machines. The selection of suitable compounds for the printing rubber rolls allows continuous operation of the printing machines, without unnecessary downtime.

Printing Roller: Guide to Offset Printing Rollers

For the production of printing rollers for offset printing machines, we use rubber compounds from renowned Western manufacturers. We offer the highest quality rollers to ensure excellent printing performance and precision. Printing rollers for popular machines (KBA, Heidelberg, Manroland, Komori) are sold in an exchange system from our stock. Depending on the type of printing you use (conventional, UV, mix, sheetfed offset), we select the appropriate types of rubber compound to maximise the rollers’ working time.

What are Printing Rollers?

Printing rollers are essential cylindrical components used across various printing processes, including offset printing, rotogravure printing, letterpress printing, and shallow relief printing. These rollers are designed to transfer ink or other printing materials onto surfaces such as paper or fabric, ensuring high-quality prints. Typically made from rubber or other durable materials, printing rollers come in various sizes, hardness levels, and compounds to meet specific printing needs. The rubber surface of the rollers plays a crucial role in the precise application of ink, contributing to the overall quality and consistency of the printed material.

Types of printing rollers

Print rollers are available in various types and diameters depending on their purpose and use. The durometer is crucial in determining the hardness of different types of printing rollers, affecting their suitability and performance for specific techniques. We can distinguish between the following types of printing rollers:

• Offset rolls : Designed for offset printing, they are characterised by high quality and durability. They are crucial in the sheet and web printing process, ensuring precise ink transfer to the paper.
• Flexographic rollers: Designed for flexographic printing, they are characterised by their high flexibility and resistance to solvents. They make it possible to print on a wide variety of substrates such as films, cardboard and labels.
• Labelling rollers: Designed for label printing, they are characterised by high precision and durability. They are ideal for the production of self-adhesive labels that require accurate and durable printing.
• Chrome-plated rollers: Designed for offset printing, they are characterised by high quality and durability. The chrome coating gives them exceptional abrasion resistance and a long service life.

Raster sleeves and rollers

Rollers for the flexo industry are characterised by their high resistance to solvents. We also offer raster sleeves and rollers, which are a key component of printing machines for applying inks, varnishes and adhesives to a variety of substrates. Our rollers are compatible with solvent and water-based inks, as well as UV. We also have sleeves, which are important for the lamination process in flexible packaging printers. Elastomer sleeves allow for so-called “endless printing”

Rubber Rollers for labellers

We offer the manufacture of new rollers or the reconditioning of old coating on rollers for labelling. The rollers for labellers that we offer can be covered with rubber, polyurethane or foam dedicated to label pressure. We manufacture new metal rollers according to your specifications on the basis of technical drawings or entrusted designs.

Chrome-plated printing rollers

We offer the manufacture of new chrome rollers, as well as the regeneration of the old chrome coating on your cylinders. The service also includes final grinding and polishing of the roll so that the surface is perfectly smooth and scratch-free.

Rollers for folding machine

We offer reconditioning with polyurethane of the rollers of popular machine manufacturers, such as Heidelberg, MB Bauerle, GUK, Stahlfolder, Herzog & Heymann, MBO,Horizon

Offset rubber roller applications

Offset rollers are widely used in offset printing, both in sheetfed and web printing. The viscosity of the ink plays a crucial role in selecting the appropriate roller hardness for optimal ink application. They are used in various industries such as:

• Printing: offset rollers are used for printing books, magazines, catalogues and other printing materials. They enable high quality printing on a large scale.
• Advertising: Offset rollers are used for printing advertising materials such as posters, flyers and brochures. They provide vivid colours and precise graphic reproduction, which is crucial in promotional materials.
• Industry: Offset rollers are used to print labels, packaging and other industrial materials. Their durability and precision make them indispensable in the production of packaging, which must be both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

Characteristics of offset rollers

Offset rollers are characterised by the following features:

• High quality: offset rollers are made of the highest quality materials, which ensures high print quality. This makes it possible to produce clear and long-lasting prints.
• Durability: Offset rollers are very durable and can be used for a long time. Their design and materials ensure that they can withstand intensive use.
• Precision: Offset rollers are made with high precision to ensure printing accuracy. Precision diameter on rollers are key to achieving uniform and clear prints.
• Abrasion-resistant: Offset rollers are abrasion-resistant, ensuring a long service life. As a result, they can be used for a long time without losing print quality.

Offset rubber roller production for your printing house

Offset roller production is carried out using state-of-the-art technology and machinery. The production process includes the following stages:

• Design: The design of offset rollers is carried out using specialised software. This makes it possible to create rollers with ideal technical parameters.
• Material selection: The selection of materials for offset rollers is based on their quality and durability. Only the highest quality rubber compounds for offset printing are used. Selecting the appropriate durometer is crucial for different printing applications, as it determines the hardness and performance of the rollers.
• Production: Offset roller production is carried out using CNC machines. Precision machines ensure production accuracy and repeatability.
• Quality control: Quality control of the offset rollers is carried out using specialised equipment. Each roller is carefully checked to ensure the highest quality and compliance with technical requirements.

Materials and Construction

Printing rolls are constructed using high-quality rubber compounds, such as the renowned Westland formula rubber, known for its high resistance to swelling and abrasion. The rubber is meticulously wrapped around a robust steel core, providing the necessary strength and stability for the roller. The core, often made of steel or aluminum, is engineered to withstand the rigorous demands of high-speed printing. The rubber compound used in these rollers can be customized to achieve specific hardness levels, ranging from soft to hard, depending on the printing application. This customization ensures that the rollers perform optimally, delivering consistent and high-quality prints.

Maintenance and Care in your printing house

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of printing rollers, regular maintenance and care are essential. Here are some practical tips to keep your rollers in top condition:

• Regular Cleaning: Clean the rollers regularly with a mild soap and water solution to remove ink and debris. This helps maintain the rubber surface and prevents ink buildup.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Steer clear of using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage the rubber surface, ensuring the rollers remain in good condition.
• Proper Storage: Store the rollers in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, to prevent any deterioration of the rubber compound.
• Routine Inspections: Regularly check the rollers for signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or uneven surfaces, and address any issues promptly.
• Timely Replacement: Replace the rollers as needed to maintain optimal printing quality and avoid any disruptions in the printing process.

By adhering to these maintenance and care guidelines, printing rolls can deliver high-quality prints consistently over an extended period. Regular upkeep not only enhances the performance of the rollers but also helps prevent common issues such as roller wear, ink buildup, and printing defects.