Bespoke covers from machinery protection specialist Beakbane (www.beakbane.co.uk) are helping Runcorn-based Sandon Global to achieve micron accuracy when laser engraving anilox rolls (used in printing presses to transfer the correct amount of ink to the printing plate).

Production manager Gary Carmichael says: “The laser is focused at the surface of the roller and vapourises the dense chromium oxide coating to produce microscopic cells of varying depths and screen sizes — and that controls the weight of ink that is transferred to the printing plate.”

Having invested heavily in a facility that assists engraving consistency — with clean-room and climate-controlled conditions, plus anti-vibration flooring — Mr Carmichael turned to Beakbane when he saw a chance to further enhance the consistency and accuracy of the engraving machine. The traverse equipment includes a lead screw, support rails and linear bearings — all with no protection from the very abrasive dust produced by the engraving process.

Beakbane’s solution was a pair of fabric concertina covers (4.6m long x 500mm wide) that fit over the traverse mechanism on either side of the engraving head. Light yet durable, they provide complete protection for the guide rails and bearings.