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Anilox Roller Cell Volume Chart Explained (With Practical Examples)

Introduction

In flexographic printing and coating applications, understanding the anilox roller cell volume chart is essential for achieving consistent ink transfer and high-quality results.

Many printers struggle with issues like:

● Inconsistent color density
● Over-inking or ink starvation
● Poor print sharpness

In most cases, these problems are directly related to selecting the wrong anilox cell volume.

This guide will help you clearly understand how to read and use an anilox volume chart—with practical examples to improve your production.

What Is Anilox Cell Volume?

Cell volume refers to the amount of ink that the engraved cells on an anilox roller can carry and transfer to the printing plate. It is typically measured in:
● BCM (Billion Cubic Microns per square inch)
● Or cm³/m²

◼ Simply put:
Higher volume = more ink transfer
Lower volume = finer ink control

Understanding the Anilox Roller Volume Chart

A typical anilox volume chart shows the relationship between:
● Line screen (LPI or L/cm)
● Cell volume (BCM)
● Application type

General Reference Guide

Application	LPI Range	Volume (BCM)
Coating / Varnish	100–300	6.0 – 12.0
Solid Printing	200–400	3.0 – 6.0
Line Work	400–800	1.5 – 3.0
Process Printing	800–1200	0.8 – 2.0

◼ This is not a fixed rule—actual selection depends on ink type, substrate, and machine speed.

Practical Examples (Real Applications)

1. Flexible Packaging Printing

For film printing (BOPP, PET):
• Recommended: 800–1000 LPI / 1.0–1.8 BCM

◼ Why:

• Ensures fine details
• Prevents dot gain
• Improves image clarity

2. Corrugated Board Printing

For kraft paper or carton:
• Recommended: 250–400 LPI / 3.5–6.0 BCM

◼ Why:
• Rough surface requires more ink
• Higher volume improves coverage

3. Coating Applications

For glue or varnish coating:
• Recommended: 150–300 LPI / 6.0–10.0 BCM

◼ Why:
• Heavy coating needs larger ink volume
• Ensures uniform layer thickness

Common Mistakes When Using Anilox Volume Charts

❌️ Choosing Only Based on LPI

Many users focus only on line count and ignore volume.

◼ Result: Incorrect ink transfer

❌ Ignoring Ink & Substrate Differences

Different inks (water-based, solvent, UV) behave differently.

◼ Always adjust volume accordingly.

❌ Not Testing in Real Production

Charts are guidelines—not absolute rules.

◼ Always test before finalizing.

How to Choose the Right Anilox Roller

To select the correct anilox roller, consider:
• Printing type (solid, line, process)
• Substrate (film, paper, foil)
• Ink system
• Printing speed

◼ The best approach is to combine experience + testing + precise measurement data.

Why Accurate Measurement Matters

Even a small deviation in cell volume can affect print quality.

At JCTPRINT, every anilox roller is inspected using advanced AniCAM detection systems, ensuring:
• Accurate cell volume control
• Consistent engraving quality
• Reliable production performance

Additionally:
• Each roller undergoes strict quality checks
• Dimensions and tolerances are verified multiple times
• Stable performance is guaranteed

Why Choose JCTPRINT Anilox Rollers

With over 20 years of experience, JCTPRINT provides:
• High-precision ceramic anilox rollers
• Full range of anilox sleeves
• Advanced coating technology (Oerlikon system)
• Compatibility with global flexo machines
• Exported to 40+ countries

◼ We don’t just supply rollers—we help optimize your printing results.

Call to Action

Not sure which anilox volume is right for your application?

◼ Contact JCTPRINT today for a free technical consultation.

Our engineers will help you:
• Select the right LPI & volume
• Match your ink and substrate
• Improve print quality and reduce waste

Send us your printing details and get a customized recommendation.