Investing in flexographic printing products has many benefits. However, now you need to protect your investment through proper flex storage solutions. Here are some useful tips on how to take proper care of your flexo sleeves.
1. Clean Them Immediately
Although you may want to give your print sleeves and cylinders some breathing space after use before cleaning, it is not always the best option. Waiting a little longer to begin the cleaning process can have a devastating effect on your print sleeves. Hence, it is advisable to clean the sleeves and cylinders as soon as they’re removed from the press. Any delay in cleaning gives the ink more time to dry and become harder. This requires double the effort to get the inks out.
2. Use the Right Cleaning Solution
Another tip for caring for your sleeves and plates is to undergo a thorough cleaning process. When cleaning, you need to do more than get ink out. It’s not just about using any ink-dissolving chemicals. You need to use the right cleaning solution. There are factors to consider when choosing a cleaning solution, including the types of inks. For water-based inks, you can either use mild soap and water or industrial alcohol. Remember there is a cleaning solution for every ink type, so choose wisely.
3. Avoid Abrasion
While rubber print sleeves are durable and long lasting, they have a soft surface. Using harsh cleaning tools and methods can wear out the rubbery surface of both elastomer and photopolymer print products. It is however recommended to not use harsh tools like metal or wire brushes when cleaning your image carriers. The best cleaning material to use includes soft-bristled brushes. This way, you can remove unwanted ink without damaging the rubbery surface.
4. Get the Right Storage System
Using the right flex storage solution reduces the risk of damage. Do not store your flexography sleeves horizontally; otherwise, they will get damaged. It will make them develop an oval shape. Also, stacking your sleeves in a high position is not advisable. It is easy for them to fall and hurt your employees, particularly if they’re in a horizontal position. If you are using a horizontal flex storage solution, then you should consider switching to a vertical storage system immediately. By doing so, you can maximize space and store more sleeves, while keeping them and your workers safe. Not only that, it gives employees easy access to the sleeves they are looking for. Besides keeping your sleeves in tip-top shape and well-organized, vertical flex storage solutions keep them protected as they will be securely in place.
5. Proper Storage
Don’t store your sleeves immediately after cleaning. You should wait a few hours to allow the solvents and other liquids to evaporate completely. Keep them wrapped up in a paper or film to protect them from the harmful UV lights that could damage them. Make sure you store the sleeves under normal temperatures. Storing above 90 degrees F and below 32 degrees F is not advisable.
If you offer flexographic printing services, then you already know the importance of proper flex storage solutions.
