Roller life - Specifically Soft duro type

[Lukew]

Looking at gathering some data regards to roller life, and time frames or impression counts you change your rollers.
Specifically those who are running the softer 20 -22 duro dampening rollers, has the lifespan been decreased by much over the standard duro?

All the inking rollers in our press are 3.7 years old, but the impression count is only 12mill The duro has been checked and they are all over spec, forms comming in between 35 - 38

Dampening rollers are not that old but are over spec.

Typically dampening rollers in our country are supplied at a shore A of 25 - 27, we are looking at trialing a water form and metering roller of shore A 20.
But there is a concern out how long they may last?

Most shops here expect dampening rollers to last 12 - 18 months & ink forms 2,3,4 years depending on the amount of work.

Any input would be appreciated.

[HPC]

Not a roller expert. But age is one factor in rollers exceeding spec along with care. I am not saying you don't take care of your rollers. But if you only do a one step wash, they are not getting the deep cleaning they need. After time ink stays in the roller and begins to harden it. I'd recommend a 3 step wash at the end of the week, at the very least. Just my .02.

[lem]

We used to change ours, problems or not, at around 37-40. With the downturn of the economy we wait untill we signs of issues and they typically read 40-43. Not sure how many total impressions we're getting per new roller though. Our counter gets reset regularly and only business dept. keeps those records.

[Lukew]

No one got any info of the dampening rollers at 20 A shore hardness and how much life you are getting out of them?

Just concerned the water form in that soft compound may not last too long