Rollers are found in almost every production process – in printing as well as in lamination, film, paper, textile, wood and metal processing, and in logistics. However varied the equipment may be, the problem is always similar: ink, adhesive, silicone or oil build up and reduce the quality of the product. Which cleaner works best depends on three factors: Contamination, roller surface and temperature.
Which roller do you have? Cleaners by roller type
| Roller type | Contamination | Might be suitable |
|---|---|---|
| Printing and ink rollers (offset, flexo, gravure) Printing, packaging, labels | Printing inks, varnishes, pigments Do not allow the rubber cover to swell | Dyeclean 200 |
| Anilox rollers Flexographic printing, coating | dried paint in the wells Deep-cleans, without damaging the ceramic | Novaflex |
| Coating, printing and laminating rollers Lamination, adhesive tapes, wood, film | Adhesives, hot-melt adhesives, PU adhesives, dispersions, acrylates Do not allow any residue to set | Gluemex |
| Heated rollers and calenders Film, paper, textiles, non-woven fabric, lamination | carbonised polymers, hot-melt adhesives, waxes high flash point; reduce the temperature beforehand | Planntex 100 |
| Conveyor, transport and deflection rollers Logistics, food, packaging, timber, metal | Oil, grease, abrasion, label and adhesive residues, ink Retains grip, leaves no residue | Microsolv NX |
| Rubber, PU and silicone rollers Plastic, print, fibreglass, wallpaper | Silicone, polymers, binders The covering must not swell or become brittle | Planntex 100 |
| Steel and chrome rollers Metal, foil, paper | Oils, greases and films prior to coating degrease without leaving any residue | RF Cleaner |
These suggestions are a starting point. The best cleaner for your rollers depends on the specific type of contamination, the roller coating and your process. We’ll work this out together during a consultation, usually with a free sample or a demonstration on your equipment.
Rollers in road construction? You can remove bitumen from roller linings using a bitumen remover such as Combisolv TR. A release agent helps to prevent it from sticking in the first place. Find out more: Removing tarmac from construction machinery and Release agents for asphalt construction.
Why acetone and isopropanol are not a good choice
Acetone quickly dissolves many paint and adhesive residues. However, it is classified as a highly flammable liquid (H225), causes severe eye irritation (H319) and may cause drowsiness and dizziness (H336). Repeated contact may cause the skin to become brittle or cracked (EUH066). The flash point is well below 0 °C. Even at room temperature, acetone vapours form explosive mixtures with air.
The usual substitutes are hardly any better:
- Isopropanol (IPA): It is also highly flammable (H225), irritating to the eyes (H319) and may cause drowsiness (H336).
- Methanol: Highly flammable and toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled (H301, H311, H331). Causes damage to organs, particularly the optic nerve (H370).
- Ethylene glycol: harmful if swallowed (H302) and may cause damage to organs through repeated exposure (H373).
All the substances mentioned are subject to labelling requirements under the CLP Regulation. The Hazardous Substances Ordinance (Section 7) and TRGS 600 therefore require an assessment to be carried out to determine whether they can be replaced by less hazardous cleaning agents. With substances not classified as hazardous Eco-Nova roller cleaners the costs associated with explosion protection, storage, protective equipment and training are significantly reduced.
Particularly critical: heated rollers
Calender, thermal, heating and laminating rollers are often cleaned whilst still hot to minimise downtime. Highly volatile solvents such as acetone evaporate immediately on hot surfaces. This produces vapours that can ignite and be inhaled. Furthermore, the cleaner evaporates before it has had a chance to dissolve the contamination.
Cleaners with a high flash point and low volatility are therefore suitable for heated rollers. They remain on the surface for longer and have a prolonged effect. Regardless of the cleaner used, the following applies: reduce the roller temperature before cleaning and follow the roller manufacturer’s instructions. We will clarify with you in advance at what temperature an Eco-Nova cleaner can be used.
Four steps to choosing the right roller cleaner
- Identifying contamination: Paint, varnish, adhesive, hot-melt, silicone, oil or binder? It helps to know the manufacturer and product name.
- Understanding the roller surface: Steel, chrome, ceramic, rubber, PU or silicone? This determines how well it is tolerated.
- Clarify the operating conditions: Is the roller removed or cleaned whilst still in the machine? Is it heated? Is it cleaned manually, in an immersion bath or using high-pressure cleaning?
- Testing: With a free sample applied to an inconspicuous area, or during a demonstration on your equipment, where you can compare it directly with your current cleaner.
Here’s how other businesses have improved their roller cleaning
- Screen rollers in the print shop: In a direct A/B comparison carried out on the same roller, Novaflex removed ink residues that the previous cleaner had failed to remove. Print quality improved, and the company now uses significantly fewer hazardous substances. Read the success story
- Silicone binder rollers in the production of fibreglass wallpaper: Until now, residues of SB, PVA, PVAC and PVC have only been removed using a brush and a high-pressure cleaner. With Microsolv NX, the time spent using a brush and a high-pressure cleaner has been reduced by almost half. Read the success story
- Silicone residues on PU rollers: Planntex 100 dissolves silicone deposits and does not damage the sensitive PU rollers. It replaces VOC-containing, labelled solvents in these applications. Read the success story
Tips for ensuring your rollers have a long service life
- Remove any residue regularly before it dries out or burns onto the surface.
- Use soft, lint-free cloths or suitable brushes; do not use sharp tools.
- Allow the cleaner to work for long enough, rather than scrubbing harder.
- For water-miscible cleaners, wipe the surface with water if it needs to be left residue-free.
- When using new cleaning products, always test them first on an inconspicuous area to check for any adverse reactions.
Always follow the instructions in the safety data sheet. The safety data sheet is available on request to existing customers and to customers who have received a sample or attended a demonstration.
The best way to find out which cleaner is right for your rollers is to discuss it together: tell us about your application, and our technical advisers will recommend a cleaner and put together a free sample for you.