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Jctprint Machinery Co., Ltd
In modern printing and packaging production, coating and varnishing play a key role in delivering surface protection, gloss enhancement, barrier performance, and premium finishing. Whether you're applying water-based coatings, UV varnish, adhesives, primers, or specialty functional layers, the anilox roller is the heart of the coating system.
This guide explains how anilox rollers work in coating and varnishing applications, how to choose the right specifications, common problems to avoid, and why high-quality ceramic anilox rollers are essential for consistent results.
While many think of anilox rollers as flexo printing components, they are equally critical for:
Coating machines
Lamination units
Varnishing stations
Prime coating before inkjet
Cold foil/spot varnish systems
Top coating in label and packaging lines
In coating applications, the anilox roller controls how much coating is transferred—just like it controls ink film thickness in flexo printing.
Meter the exact coating volume
Ensure uniform film thickness
Prevent streaking and mottling
Provide stable, repeatable coating results
High-precision anilox rollers are essential for achieving consistent coverage and surface performance.
Coating applications require different specifications than standard flexo printing. The selection depends on the type of coating, desired finish, and machine speed.
Volume is the most important factor in coating.
High-volume coatings (adhesives, primers): 10–30 BCM
Medium coatings (matte/gloss varnish): 6–12 BCM
Thin UV varnish / overprint varnish (OPV): 3–6 BCM
Higher volume = thicker coating.
Lower volume = smooth, controlled film.
Lower LPI means larger cells and higher volume — suitable for heavy coatings.
Higher LPI ensures smoother finishes and finer varnish laydown.
250–350 LPI: High-volume coatings
400–600 LPI: Standard varnish / OPV
800–1200 LPI: High-gloss UV coatings, high-speed presses
Different cell geometries affect coating laydown:
| Cell Shape | Best For | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| 60° Hexagonal | Most varnishes | Smooth, consistent coating |
| Elongated (Long Cell) | Adhesives, primers | Higher transfer, stable at high speeds |
| Tri-Cell | Specialty coatings | Enhanced release characteristics |
Selecting the right shape ensures uniform drying and reliable performance.
Understanding typical issues helps avoid defective coating jobs.
Cause: LPI too low, volume too high
Fix: Increase LPI, choose lower BCM
Cause: Volume too low
Fix: Increase BCM or use long-cell engraving
Cause: Worn anilox roller or plugged cells
Fix: Deep cleaning / laser cleaning
Cause: Excessive cell volume
Fix: Select lower BCM and tighter tolerance
Coating can be harder to clean than ink, especially adhesives and UV varnishes.
Clean the roller immediately after use
Use approved chemical, ultrasonic, or laser cleaning
Avoid long dwell times of coating on the roller
Inspect cell volume regularly
Record volume changes to know when replacement is needed
Consistent maintenance ensures long-term accuracy and cost savings.
JCTPRINT provides high-performance ceramic anilox rollers and sleeves ideal for all coating and varnishing applications.
Swiss Oerlikon Metco ceramic thermal spray for ultra-hard coating
ALE laser engraving for precise, consistent cell geometry
Customized BCM, LPI, and cell shapes
Excellent release for adhesives, primers, and UV varnish
Full range of rollers for flexo, coating, and laminating equipment
Stable quality, long service life, consistent transfer
Used by customers in 40+ countries, JCTPRINT delivers reliable and repeatable coating performance.
Anilox rollers play a vital role in achieving accurate, uniform, and high-quality coating and varnishing results. Choosing the right BCM, LPI, and cell geometry—combined with proper maintenance—ensures efficient production and fewer coating defects.
For coating and varnishing units, high-quality ceramic anilox rollers are the most reliable investment.
If you need recommendations for coating specifications, varnish types, or your machine model，tell me the model of your equipment/coating application, and I can help you customize the appropriate anilox roller. parameters.。
