Apex Announces Global Launch of Anilox Armor Sleeve Cover

Apex International is proud to announce the global launch of Anilox Armor, a new line of premium protective covers engineered to safeguard anilox sleeves during storage, transport, and handling. This product will be available worldwide through Apex and its regional partners beginning March 2026.

Anilox sleeves are precision-engineered components that play a critical role in delivering consistent ink and coating transfer across flexographic, coating, and other advanced printing processes. In today’s production environment, especially with the growing adoption of ECG printing, correct anilox usage is essential to minimizing downtime and maintaining print consistency.

  The unique end-ring color identification adds significant value by allowing anilox sleeves to be quickly and accurately identified, handled, and stored. This ensures seamless recognition across all operators and shifts, reducing errors and improving efficiency.

In addition, effective protection is vital. Damage sustained during storage or handling can compromise the engraved surface and lead to print defects, downtime, and higher operating costs. Anilox Armor covers are specifically designed to address these risks, safeguarding your anilox sleeves and extending the lifespan of anilox assets.

“Anilox Armor introduces an added layer of protection that reinforces Apex’s mission to help customers achieve maximum reliability, extended lifespan, and superior performance from their precision anilox sleeves, whether using conventional engraving or Apex’s patented GTT technology. At Apex, we are committed to ensuring our customers feel fully supported and clearly see the long-term value of partnering with a truly customer-centric supplier,” said Nick Harvey, Technical Director at Apex International. “We listened to what pressrooms say causes the most costly damage, and we engineered a solution that protects these critical components from impact, abrasion, and environmental stress.”

Anilox Armor protective covers combine impact-resistant composite materials with a precision-fit, air-cushioned interior that absorbs shock and prevents contact damage to critical engraved surfaces. The covers are engineered specifically for Apex sleeves and rolls, ensuring a secure, non-slip fit that resists inks, solvents, and cleaning agents.

Key features and benefits include:

• Air-Cushioned Dual-Layer Protection for impact absorption during handling and transport
• Durable FRP Construction that resists abrasion and repeated use
• Color-Coded Handling Rings for fast identification and efficient pressroom workflows
• Chemical Resistance against inks, solvents, and cleaning agents
• Reusable Design that minimizes waste and offers long-term value

Anilox Armor reflects Apex’s decades of experience in anilox technology and its commitment to innovation across the full lifecycle of pressroom assets. By protecting engraved surfaces from common damage points, the new covers help reduce unnecessary reworks, downtime, and replacement costs.

“In many facilities, damage happens during routine movement and storage,” added Nick. “Anilox Armor helps address that risk proactively, so presses stay running, and high-quality print standards are maintained.”

Anilox Armor is stocked in standard sizes to fit commonly used sleeve and roll diameters, with custom sizes available upon request to match specific applications and workflows. The product will be showcased at select industry events and trade shows throughout 2026.

About Apex International

Apex International is a global provider of anilox rolls, sleeves, embossing rolls, and related print solutions serving corrugated, flexographic, label, coating, and embossing markets. With a strong focus on precision, product innovation, and global support, Apex helps printers and converters achieve consistent, high-quality results across diverse printing applications.