Anilox rollers are available in two types based on their surface material: metal and ceramic.
Metal anilox rollers generally use ordinary 20# seamless steel pipe as the base material. The anilox pattern is formed through rolling and then plated with nickel, copper, or hard chrome. Seamless steel pipes with a wall thickness of 15-20mm are typically selected. 20# steel is relatively soft and easy to roll with a metal knurling cutter; if the steel grade is high and the hardness is high, the knurling cutter cannot roll it. The purpose of selecting seamless pipe is to ensure uniform texture and the absence of weld joints; otherwise, inconsistent anilox pattern depth will result in uneven ink transfer. The 15-20mm wall thickness of the seamless pipe serves two purposes: first, the knurling cutter exerts significant force during rolling, and a thinner pipe wall would bend; second, after a certain number of rotations, the surface of the anilox roller will wear down. The worn anilox pattern can be removed and the roller re-knurled, saving costs. Generally, the roller can be knurled 4-5 times, with approximately 0.4mm removed each time.
