Patriot™ End seals

The advent of servo press technology has taken flexo print quality to new heights. It has also introduced a new set of demands on many press components; end seals are no exception. The dramatic increase in line speed experienced with a gearless press has introduced new challenges in terms of an end seals' ability to withstand abrasive and adhesive wear. Tri-X Incorporated has partnered with both press manufacturers and leading flexo converters in our ongoing quest for new and improved solutions. We look forward to the opportunity to partner with your company to determine the best possible end seal solutions that meet your specific application.

In addition to three manufacturing processes, we utilize in excess of thirty different materials in our daily production of end seals. Strategic partnering with raw material suppliers and leading ink manufacturing companies has resulted in the development of a proprietary selection of base materials formulated specifically for the manufacturing of flexo end seals. Chemical resistance, durometer, compression/recovery properties as well as heat resistance are just a few of the variables that must be taken into consideration when making a raw material selection. Also, the initial and progressive “loading system pressure window” that controls the applied force the ink chamber exerts onto end seals, and doctor blades must be considered when making material selections.

Whether factory-applied or manually as seals are installed in the chamber, lubrication has proven to extend the life of most end seals. Resistance to relative motion creates friction, which results in wear when you have two surfaces in contact with one another and the movement involved. The constant rotation of the anilox roll in a flexo print deck causes significant stress to the radius of the end seal. Manual application of lubricant to the radius of the seal has become common practice as it does extend effective press life. However, it is manual and only lubricates the immediate surface of the seal.

Felt has excellent abrasion resistance, which makes it a desirable material for end seal production when impregnated with lubricant. Together with our lubricant manufacturer, we developed the unique Ultra-LUBE™ process that ensures maximum retention of the lubricant within the finished felt seal. Proprietary manufacturing, combined with stringent process control, ensures each and every felt seal reaches maximum saturation in order to deliver long life in the press. In fact, we don’t just make this claim; we deliver peace of mind by including a QC report with each and every shipment of Ultra-LUBE™ end seals. Ultra-LUBE™ is a USP grade lubricant that meets the FDA requirements for direct and indirect food contact; peace of mind when it comes to food compliance audits of your facility.