Rollers are critical to any press. They are vital when it comes to maximizing the print production. Quality printing is possible only if the rollers are in excellent shape. It is thus important that rollers must be cared for. Maintenance is vital in this regard.
Roller setting strip
Rollers can be negatively impacted by wrong settings of the rollers. A wrong roller setting will put either too much or too little pressure on the roller surface. The roller train drives the inking rollers and the dampening rollers. Friction drives them, and is hugely influenced by the setting. The existence of higher setting means the machine must work much harder to run the complete train. This will exert more pressure on rollers. More pressure means the rollers will wear away quickly. Conversely, a lighter pressure means it may slip. The prints will acquire a streak mark.
Myths and ideal roller pressure settings
Majority of printers harbor the wrong impression that greater roller pressure equates better print quality. This notion is completely wrong. The ink grinds for a lot of factors, and roller pressure is one of them. The force formed is due to differing speeds of different rollers of different diameters. A technical survey has revealed that excessive pressure on the ink rollers will lead to 27 percent more ink consumption. It is a fact that the correct pressure setting will assist to save on the quantity of consumed ink and fountain solution. The wear and tear of plates will also be reduced by nine percent. The load on the motor is also reduced, thus saving energy. Better quality prints are also obtained as an end result.
The ideal pressure can be found out by using roller setting strips. These pieces inform the amount of pressure which must exist between the rollers. The manufacturer's instructions must be followed to the letter in this regard. Roller setting guides must be used. Not only the rollers remain undamaged, print quality remains consistent as well.
Ink transfer is proper only if the dull chrome distributor surface in press dampening system can hold liquids. This can be found out by performing a simple test as specified by the manufacturer. The dampening form roller must be periodically removed. The dull chrome roller must be subjected to periodic cleaning. A thin gum film can be applied and it should be dried prior to putting it back. The rollers' shore hardness must be tested as well.
