Böttcher R&D is constantly turning out new products to improve the performance, efficiency, and durability of press rollers. Here’s a rundown of the latest.

Dampening roller

Böttcher scientists have found the solution for water rollers: a new dampening compound for both metering rollers and water-form rollers. This compound is chemically resistant and carries water very efficiently.

For sheetfed presses we have the Dynamic Metering System. The System has a specialized formulation for pan/metering rollers and water form rollers. The roller covering is from a patented process that allows for more efficient water through-put, better lubrication, and less friction. The result is a consistent and accurate ink-water balance. The water form is designed to allow water to spread evenly across the plate. These new coverings provide a faster make-ready, a reduction in color variation, and less paper waste.

Except for small formula differences, the system is similar for web presses but is called “Trol-Master.” The new compound also reduces feedback of ink in web dampening systems.

Glaze-free

The special nap that Böttcher puts on the surface of all of its printing rollers is formulated to resist glaze build up. The nap on Böttcher rollers is deep and effective, and it keeps its “mountains and valleys” longer.

Click here to see magnified photos of a new nap compared to a glazed nap, and tips on the best way to clean rollers.

Cool Runner

Cool Runner rollers reduce heat build up in high speed web presses and eliminate the need to “warm up” presses on a cold start-up. They last longer, and avoid heat that changes the properties of the ink.

The secret to Cool Runner is in the ability of the rubber compound to bounce back to its original shape. As a roller goes through the nip point it temporarily distorts and deforms. In a typical, less advanced roller, the compound does not release back to its original state before entering the next nip point, and the increased friction causes a build up of heat inside the roller. As the roller continues to run, heat gradually builds until the temperature throughout the roller increases, which causes the plasticizers in the compound to break down, which shortens the life of the roller.

Historically, pressmen have compensated by warming up the presses until the rollers expand and touch enough to transfer ink properly. They accept this as a necessary lost-time expense. But it is unnecessary.

Because Cool Runner rollers don’t change their shape, they stay in adjustment. Your rollers last longer, and you have fewer problems with print quality, even at the highest speeds. Cool Runner rollers also have the same award winning Steady Set-Glaze Free nap as other Böttcher rollers.

Newspaper rollers

Böttcher scientists have developed new compounds designed especially for the extreme demands of newspaper web presses. These compounds resist the shrinking caused by soy-based inks, which means they can run longer at the same settings. The frequent resetting of rollers in newspaper pressrooms is a thing of the past.

As more and more newspapers venture into color printing, they require more precision from their presses than they have in the past. Böttcher rollers deliver the precision needed for color printing because they are engineered to the optimum specifications of the press manufacturers.

Digital rollers

Now the research facilities, manufacturing expertise, and world-wide distribution network that produces the best offset roller in the world is focusing on becoming the world’s leading producer of digital rollers for laser printers, copiers, fax machines, and other digital printing equipment. Böttcher is concentrating on the roller components of digital printing.

Digital printing depends not on ink, but on a high-temperature fusing process. The rollers must be especially designed with advanced polymers to withstand the heat and keep their shape under constant use. Böttcher’s scientists have been experimenting with compounds of rubber, Teflon, silicone, and other materials to develop rollers with ever greater resistance to heat, chemicals, and pressure-rollers that will run reliably at higher speeds and to exacting tolerances.