Zecher: The future of the anilox roller – a drupa review

Highlights of our trade fair appearance
presentation of new technologies: A central highlight was the presentation of our latest anilox roller technologies. The new Zecher C.P.T. engraving optimization enables improved emptying and cleaning behavior of the cells, higher and more uniform ink transfer and less error susceptibility. Another innovation presented was the “Anilox-ID” app, which digitally displays anilox roller specifications and information. The digital profile of the anilox roller or sleeve can be accessed with the Anilox-ID app via QR codes on both end faces. The information provided enables the printing press to be optimized, as anilox rollers and sleeves can be identified and scheduled more easily.

Zecher partner Ulmex presented the “drupa Special Edition” of the Evolux Plus 2500 laser cleaning system, an innovative, advanced concept for cleaning anilox rollers. For Ulmex, it was the drupa premiere of the Evolux machines, which is why the focus was on the exclusive and high-performance technical innovations. The further developed Evolux Plus 2500 is even more robust and reliable and offers higher productivity thanks to the new Fast Clean function, which not only removes printing inks but also more difficult residues from lacquers, adhesives, silicones and resins. The use of the Evolux is particularly interesting for printers in the food packaging industry, as no chemical cleaning agents or solvents are used for the cleaning process. The technological heart of the Evolux machine is an innovative pulse laser, in which the power, frequency and properties can be calibrated and individual cleaning programs tailored to the customer’s needs can be created.
Ulmex also presented the Evolux C1700 entry-level model at drupa, which is particularly suitable for companies with an average anilox roller fleet, an anilox roller length of up to 1700 mm and average cleaning intervals. The “mobile laser cleaning” service with the Evolux Smart, a 24/7, Europe-wide solution for cleaning anilox rollers by Ulmex, was presented internationally for the first time on the open-air site.

presentations and engagement: Zecher not only exhibited, but also actively participated in the special format touchpoint packaging. Jörg Rohde (Head of Application Technology) and Sven Krause (Product Development and Laser Technology) held two presentations on the topics of “Evolution anilox engraving” and “Special engraving technology”. The subsequent discussions and positive feedback showed that the topics addressed the current needs and challenges of the industry.

Success and response
The response to our trade fair presence was overwhelming. We were particularly pleased with the great interest in our new products and technologies, which was reflected in concrete business deals and promising leads.

At drupa 2024, we were not only able to strengthen existing customer relationships, but also establish many new contacts. The discussions and feedback from visitors gave us valuable insights into current market trends and customer needs, which we will incorporate into our future developments.

A look into the future
drupa 2024 has shown us that we are on the right track with our technologies and our commitment to innovation and we will continue to invest in the development of the anilox roller. Our goal is to continue to support the printing industry in the future with pioneering solutions and to set sustainable standards.

Thomas Reinking (Sales Director) sums up the successful trade fair: “We would like to thank all visitors, customers and partners who visited us at drupa 2024 and look forward to continuing our successful collaboration. The positive experiences and the positive response encourage us to continue to take a leading role in the industry in the future and to enrich the market with our high-quality anilox roller solutions.”