摘要 |
An apparatus and method for cleaning a metering roll having a composite sleeve or a metal core with a ceramic coating involves the use of a laser. The roll's ceramic coating is covered with a matrix of cells that can get plugged with a polymeric contaminant, such as dried ink. The laser is uniquely focused to provide a beam intensity profile that matches multiple curved surfaces of the cells. The laser applies heat to each cell at a temperature that destroys the contaminant, yet leaves the ceramic coating intact. The heat is rapidly delivered and rapidly removed from the roll to minimize the amount of heat conducted to the roll's metal core. In addition, a special pneumatic guide bearing makes it possible to clean the metering roll while it is still in the printing press.
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