Roller life - Specifically Soft duro type

L

Lukew

Well-known member
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.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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
 
I have the same concern. i want soft rollers for ipa free printing. i have checked with several roller companies and their ipa free roller for dampening start at 25 shore A
 
Murder -- came the cry !

Murder -- came the cry !

Mazengh,

Why should a softer roller not have an equal life span as a harder one ??




Hello fellow Lithographers,

Like blankets, most inking and dampening rollers are murdered, before the end of their useful life,

sadly this all too often to lack tender loving care by the printer! So the life spans of some printing press

components are subjective, of more crucial interest regarding Continuous Dampening Systems is the --

Transport of Fluid via the roller nips onto to the plate.


The Mechanics of Fluid Transport is influence by - 1) roller speed 2) Shore hardness of compliant roller

3)roller setting 4) viscosity of dampening fluid.


Regards, Alois
 
I don't see roller companies marketing lower shore a dampening rollers. Also no information on the crown elimination or the need for a half crown. I checked bottcher, pacesetter and Westland. All start at 25 shore a.
 
Graphic Roller
Trust Lambda: A perfect complement to the Trust Delta roller, this resin based compound has excellent hydrophilic qualities, less swelling and shrinkage, and designed for continuous dampening systems. Durometer ranges from 20 to 50 shore A.

Ryno Hydrometric: Like the Ryno inking roller, this resin based compound has a soft touch and feel to a roller, which results in more control of the water as it travels through the nip. It is very hydrophilic resulting in less surface tension of the water bead, which ultimately promotes more accurate metering of the fountain solution. Durometer ranges from 20 to 40 shore A.
 
Those statements were copy/paste from their websites, not sure where you are getting your information from but clearly those two companys claim to supply dampening rollers with a durometer of 20. Contact them if you are not sure or feel they are miss representing themselves. Good luck
 
The rollers with the Duros of 20 are usually Polyurethane or composite rollers. They are not made in the usual Rubber Vulcinization process (Heat/Pressure). They are liquid and poured into a mould. Dont thnk you can get them crowned but not sure. I have used the Ryno and it was without doubt the best metering roller I ever used.
 
Cornishpastythighs said:
The rollers with the Duros of 20 are usually Polyurethane or composite rollers. They are not made in the usual Rubber Vulcinization process (Heat/Pressure). They are liquid and poured into a mould. Dont thnk you can get them crowned but not sure. I have used the Ryno and it was without doubt the best metering roller I ever used.
Click to expand...

Was the ryno you used with no crown? What was the durometer? Where you running ipa free?
Some one from a roller company mentioned that it will be impossible to run metallics with no crown
 
Last edited:
Ran with no crown, IPA free over a 12 year period using Radiation curable inks with extremely small water window. Ran loads of Metalilics with no crown I guess it could depend on the type of dampening system the press is equipped with and the fountain solution chemistry.
Running metallics can be challenging but as long as you check all your basic settings and carry as little water as possible it works.
 
I am guessing you were running a low shore durometer roller. With a new ryno and correct roller adjustments what water levels have you seen?
 
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