As the calendar year winds down, most converters and printers take advantage of scheduled downtime to perform press maintenance, 
equipment calibration, and inventory assessments. But one critical component is often overlooked until it starts causing problems on press — the anilox roll.
Your anilox is the heart of your flexographic process. Its condition determines how much ink transfers to the plate, how consistent your colors appear, and how efficiently your press performs. That’s why a year-end Anilox Health Check is one of the smartest maintenance decisions you can make before closing the year.
Catch Issues Before They Snowball
Even the best-maintained rolls gradually lose performance over time. Microscopic cell plugging, coating buildup, and wear reduce the cell volume, directly impacting color density and coating weights. The result is familiar: inconsistent print quality, color drift, and downtime spent chasing issues instead of printing.
A simple Apex Anilox Health Check using our Digital Veritas Inspection provides a detailed snapshot of each roll’s true condition. The scan measures cell volume, line count, and surface characteristics, comparing them to OEM specifications. That data empowers you to spot early signs of wear long before print issues appear.
Maximize the Value of Planned Downtime
Most converters already plan annual maintenance during December. Adding an anilox inspection during this period makes logistical and financial sense. The press is already offline, crews are performing checks, and schedules have breathing room.
By incorporating a quick inspection and cleaning step, your team starts the new year with verified roll data and cleaner equipment. If issues are found, Apex can coordinate refurbishment or replacement during your scheduled shutdown, minimizing production disruption.
Data You Can Act On
Anilox performance isn’t just a maintenance metric. It’s part of your print strategy. Understanding which rolls are performing optimally, which need attention, and which are nearing the end of their service life allows you to plan ahead.
The detailed report from a Veritas inspection gives your maintenance and purchasing teams the data needed to make smart decisions about upcoming projects, budget allocations, and production planning. That proactive approach ensures you start 2025 not reacting to issues but running at peak performance.
The Apex Difference: More Than a Visual Inspection
Traditional visual inspections can’t detect subtle volume loss or pattern wear. The Apex Digital Veritas system, however, uses precise optical measurements to read the exact cell profile providing a true, scientific evaluation.
Apex specialists also review roll history, engraving type, and application to offer actionable recommendations, from cleaning schedules to engraving selection, ensuring long-term consistency and cost control.
Our goal is simple: help you protect your print quality and your bottom line.
Start next year with Confidence
The best time to maintain your anilox inventory is when your presses aren’t running. A short inspection today prevents long downtime tomorrow. Whether you operate a single press or a multi-plant fleet, a year-end Anilox Health Check provides peace of mind and a stronger foundation for the new year.
Schedule your Apex Anilox Health Check today and start next year with confidence.
