Home » How to Clean Up a Calcium Build-Up on Rollers
How to Clean Up a Calcium Carbonated/Detergent Build Up On Rollers and Blankets
Many printers today are faced with a build up of detergents and/or calcium carbonate in rollers and blankets.
The major causes of detergent build up are water miscible washes containing too much surfactant, step one wash that is not properly rinsed and maintenance cleaners that are loaded with soap compounds. The major cause of calcium carbonate build up is the change in the paper making process from acid manufacturing to an alkaline process and calcium in inks especially red ink. Barium compounds and red ink also can pose a build up problem on press and can combine with both detergents and calcium.
Contamination by either detergents or calcium carbonate can cause ink stripping, plate blinding and picture framing on the blanket. All of these factors will cause severe printing problems.
In order to determine if a contamination problem is present, wash up the rollers with very hot water. Engage the wash-up blade. If a milky white substance runs into the wash-up tray without running clear after several water applications, a contamination problem most likely exists.
CLEANING PROCEDURE
ROLLERS:
1. Wash up the rollers as usual to clean off the ink with a high quality Tower wash or Tower Super Roller Cleaner.
2. Wash up with very hot water. Engage wash-up blade.
3. Wash up with Tower Deluxe Calcium Rinse. Engage wash-up blade.
4. Wash up with water. Engage wash-up blade.
Repeat this procedure until the water running into the wash-up tray appears clear or clearer than at the start of the wash-up.
BLANKETS:
1. Wash up the blanket as usual to clean off the ink.
2. Apply Tower Deluxe Calcium Rinse with a wet sponge to the blanket, particularly in the area where
picture framing is taking place.
3. Wash up with a high quality Tower wash.
4. Wash up with very hot water.
Repeat the procedure as necessary.
These procedures should be incorporated into a weekly roller and blanket maintenance program.
