In flexographic printing, the anilox roller is often called the

“heart” of the printing press. The geometric shape of its cells directly

determines ink transfer volume, ink release, and, ultimately, print

quality. Frequently, persistent issues on the press floor—such as ink

misting, “ghosting”, insufficient density, or premature drying on the

plate—do not stem from machine calibration errors, but rather from

an incorrect choice of cell structure at the very beginning.

How should one correctly select anilox cell structures? It

requires a deep understanding of the various types, their functions,

and their core advantages. As a professional provider of rollers and

cleaning equipment, our technical team offers this in-depth industry

analysis:

60° Hexagonal Cells: The“All-Rounder”of the Flexo World

This is currently the most widely used cell structure, accounting

for 90% of all flexographic printing applications.• Structural Advantages: These cells feature thinner cell walls and a

larger opening area, resulting in superior ink release.

• Ink Transfer Characteristics: With fewer intersections between cell

walls, this design minimizes doctor blade wear and reduces “dead

zones” where ink might stagnate, ensuring uniform and stable ink

transfer. It serves as the standard choice for the vast majority of

routine flexographic printing tasks.

60° Open-Channel (Connected) Cells: The Solution for UV

Inks and Ghosting

Building upon the standard 60° hexagonal design, engineers

have introduced a “connected” (open-channel) configuration.

• Structural Advantages: While retaining the hexagonal structure’s

ability to support fine screen dots, this design incorporates channels

that significantly enhance ink flow.

• Application Scenarios: Specifically engineered to address the

challenges of transferring high-viscosity inks. If you encounter

issues such as UV ink misting, ghosting, low density, or ink drying

on the plate, this open-channel design allows viscous inks or

coatings to flow between cells—replenishing the supply anddramatically improving ink release and transfer efficiency.

Quadrilateral Cells: The Preferred Choice for Metal Gluing

Rollers

• Structural Advantages: Offers excellent ink/adhesive release and a

broad range of applications.

• Use Cases: Typically found on metal anilox rollers, these are

primarily used for applying adhesives (e.g., gluing rollers for

corrugated cardboard boxes). They are relatively rare on high-end

ceramic rollers.

Diagonal (Spiral/Tri-helical) Cells: The Solution for

High-Viscosity Coatings

• Structural Characteristics: Cells are arranged in a spiral pattern,

forming an open (non-enclosed) structure (common angles include

45°, 60°, and 65°).

• Use Cases: Not a mainstream choice for high-precisionflexographic printing; rather, it is specifically engineered to address

fluid-flow challenges under certain operating conditions. It

significantly facilitates the flow and transfer of high-viscosity inks

or coatings, making it ideal for applications such as varnishing,

coating, or applying lacquers.

ART (Anilox Reverse Technologies) Cells: The Champion of

Heavy-Duty, High-Volume Coating

ART cells transcend the limitations of conventional geometric

shapes. Their core feature is a unique open structure: the cells are

interconnected, while raised “pillars” remain to support the doctor

blade.

• Structural Advantages: The open architecture allows for an

exceptionally large cell volume (ultra-high ink/coating capacity).

• Use Cases: Specifically designed for thick-film coatings or

high-viscosity materials. Primarily used for applying varnishes (in

offset printing) or heavy-bodied inks (in metal printing), ensuring

stable transfer even when extreme ink-carrying capacity is required.75°

75° Elongated Cells: The Top Choice for High-Precision

Label and Packaging Printing

This is a geometric engraving pattern for ceramic anilox rollers,

purpose-built for high-precision printing and stable ink transfer.

• Structural Advantages: By modifying the traditional hexagonal

cell—elongating it along a specific axis and adjusting its angle—this

design achieves an optimal balance between ink-carrying capacity,

release performance, and the structural support provided by the cell

walls.

• Application: Ideal for printing fine text, halftone images, and labels

or packaging that require high-definition reproduction.

75° Channel-Connected Cells: The ultimate solution for

narrow-web labeling and UV printing

• Structural Advantages: Building upon the 75° elongated cell design,

this configuration incorporates interconnected channels (linked cells).This structure maintains a high ink-carrying capacity while

effectively preventing “ink spitting”—a phenomenon caused by ink

accumulation under the pressure of the doctor blade.

• Application: Commonly used in narrow-web labeling and UV-ink

printing; the premier choice when high precision and superior ink

flow are required.

So, how can you ensure your anilox rollers remain in

optimal condition?

Selecting the right cell geometry is only the first step toward

resolving ink transfer issues. Whether you use standard hexagonal

cells, precision ART cells, or 75° elongated cells, inadequate daily

cleaning and maintenance can lead to dried ink clogging the cells.

This results in insufficient ink transfer, causing uneven ink laydown

or “starving” (where the substrate shows through).

The key to consistent print quality lies in a combination of the right

cell configuration and professional deep-cleaning methods (such as

ultrasonic cleaning).

If you have any questions regarding cell geometry selection or

troubleshooting ink transfer issues, please feel free to contact our

technical team. We offer customized roller engraving solutions and

high-efficiency cleaning equipment to help you overcome any

printing challenges.